Civil Air Patrol Holds Open House
On an evening when extra chairs were being set up to accommodate a larger than expected audience, Deputy Commander of the 5th Bomb Wing Col. Mike Taylor welcomed parents and students on behalf of Minot Air Force Base and the 5th Bomb Wing.
Later, Taylor spoke with students interested in what it takes to pilot a B-52. His answer emphasized teamwork: “It takes a team. Once the plane is flying there are crew members whose responsibilities could include
communicating with troops on the ground, or whose job is to defend the aircraft. Important jobs…and they don’t fly the airplane.”
Talking CAP
Captain Zach Haun was one of the featured speakers and shared the purpose of the open house. “Tonight we are doing our annual open house,” Capt. Haun said, “to drum up some enthusiasm and excitement and push a little recruiting and push the CAP program because it can have a huge impact in our community.”
Recruiting New Cadets and Volunteers
Capt. Haun and the CAP cadets had a goal of doubling the number of cadets in the program. “We have 15 cadets and we are hoping to add another 15 tonight,” he said. “We have doubled our unit every year going back 3 or 4 years so although it seems like a tall order it just takes folks talking to each other.”
Helping out at the open house were six adult members, including Trinity Health Chaplain Jeff Musgrave, who serves as Chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol. “I really enjoy what I do with the CAP,” Musgrave said. “It’s not only being their Chaplain, but I also have the opportunity to do training and improve their program.”
Building Confidence, Leadership, and Opportunity
Capt. Haun explained many of the advantages of being in Civil Air Patrol. In addition to training for CAP missions, he said, “many Civil Air Patrol Cadets end up in military academies.” He noted that approximately 10% of the cadet corps at the United States Air Force Academy got their start in the Civil Air Patrol.
Most Minot Civil Air Patrol cadets are between the ages of 12 and 14, though cadets can be as old as 18. For younger cadets, Haun said, the immediate benefits are just as important as long-term opportunities. “Whatever age they are, they are building confidence, they’re learning leadership, learning how to interact with people in a more professional way,” he said.
Haun added that CAP experience can strengthen college and military academy applications and may also provide an enlistment upgrade, allowing qualified cadets to enter as an E-3 instead of an E-1.
Time Commitment and Cadet Involvement
Capt. Haun described the CAP journey as a “build your own path kind of thing” when it comes to time commitment. Cadets are expected to attend most Tuesday night meetings throughout the year, which typically run two hours to two hours and 15 minutes.
Cadets who are part of the color guard arrive earlier for practice, and the unit also offers monthly Saturday events, color guard activities, fundraising events, physical training, and other gatherings. Haun said cadets can choose their level of involvement, but the program maintains a military model that emphasizes accountability.
Fundraising Through Wreaths Across America
The local Civil Air Patrol unit relies on fundraising, with much of that support coming through Wreaths Across America. “For every wreath we sell, and the wreaths are $29.00, the local Civil Air Patrol unit right here in Minot receives 29 per cent of the proceeds from those sales,” Capt. Haun said.
More CAP Information
More Information about The Civil Air Patrol can be found on the organizations’ web site https://nd021.cap.gov.
