Civil Air Patrol recruiting drive underway Published Nov. 20, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Thomas Lewis 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Do you know someone 12 to 18 years old who would like an opportunity to learn about leadership, character development, aviation and space? Spangdahlem's Civil Air Patrol Squadron 126 is opening its doors to new members. Through its 24,000-member cadet program, CAP has been transforming youth into responsible citizens since 1942. Under the guidance of adult senior members, cadets gain the valuable skills necessary to become a leader in today's world. Experienced cadets who are familiar with the program assume leadership roles, using the values and skills they learned as younger cadets, while expanding their own abilities through real-world application. Spangdahlem is an ideal place to foster an interest in aviation and space leadership, according to Lt. Col. Michael Bodtke, CAP Squadron 126's commander. "Three important dynamics come together at Spangdahlem to present a strong program for cadets: location, volunteers, and CAP infrastructure. The location is ideal, just minutes from Spangdahlem's fighter and transport aviation and Bitburg's small civilian airfield, and within a two-hour drive of European space museums, astronaut training, and space operations centers, not to mention the rich WWII aviation history right under our feet," said Colonel Bodtke. "The volunteers supporting the program bring a wealth of experience to the cadets--a Luxembourg teacher who is a civil pilot, a military instructor pilot, a retired NCO who is a World War II history enthusiast, an aerial port squadron NCO, a base honor guard member, and a military space officer instructor." "CAP's award-winning education is based on national standards and structured like the Air Force, enabling cadets to transfer from our program to the CAP unit closest to their next home station just as seamlessly as military members transfer from one unit to another," he said. The Aerospace Industries Association reports that America is facing a shortage of aerospace professionals. CAP helps youth get excited about aviation, space and technology careers. CAP uses a U.S. Air Force-based leadership structure to provide middle school students with opportunities to interact with older cadets and adult volunteers who model positive attitudes and encourage them to grow and fulfill their potential. As the cadets advance in their character development, they too become mentors, helping younger students while fulfilling new leadership challenges and responsibilities along the way. The CAP program has a lot to offer. Prospective cadets can contact CAP Squadron 126 to arrange a visit to learn more. CAP Squadron 126 is also seeking adult volunteers interested in a rewarding experience supporting the cadet program, as well as highly-qualified aviation and space enthusiasts to offer enriched education at the local Department of Defense Dependents Schools - Europe. CAP has an award-winning repository of aerospace education materials for schools and home-schools but is in need of local volunteers with aerospace expertise to deliver them. More information can be found on CAP's national Web site, www.gocivilairpatrol.com. For more information on the local CAP program, e-mail civilair.patrol@spangdahlem.af.mil.