CAPE CIVIL AIR PATROL RECEIVES CESSNA 172

The Cape Girardeau Civil Air Patrol has received a Cessna 172 airplane from the Missouri Wing.

The patrol has been trying to secure an aircraft for a long time, said Capt. Virgil Green.

"Our wing has four to six planes," he said, "but they have been tided up in St. Louis and Kansas City in the past."

The plane will be used for emergency services and search and air rescues. The patrol will also use the plane to support communities in emergency situations, he said.

The plane would have been very helpful during the flood, said Green. "We could have used the plane to help monitor the river," he said.

The Cessna 172 was piloted to Cape Girardeau from Ozark, Mo. by Squadron Commander 1st Lt. Jeff Colyer, 2nd Lt. Steve Brazil and Maj. Fred Brown, with the Missouri Wing Communications. They were transported to Ozark, Mo. by Air Evac from Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport.

The plane will also be used to train cadets and new pilots, and teach aerospace education.

The Civil Air Patrol has 14 cadets and 10 seniors members. The age requirement for the patrol is 13 to 18 years of age.

Green said the patrol teaches leadership training, aerospace education and allows cadets a chance to earn their wings.

Persons wishing more information on the Civil Air Patrol can visit the patrol's booth at the West Park Mall on April 6, during Armed Forces Recruiting Day.