CIVIL AIR PATROL HOSTS OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY

The senior members and cadet corps of the Cape Girardeau Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol invite the public to attend the squadron's open house Sunday, from 2-5 p.m., at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport.

The event will be held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the founding of Civil Air Patrol on Dec. 1, 1941. It is scheduled at the Cape Girardeau Pilot's Club Building, where the squadron meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The building is located east of the airport passenger terminal building.

"We especially want to invite former members of the Cape Girardeau squadron, pilots, teachers, and youths age 13-18 who are interested in aerospace and would like to know more about Civil Air Patrol to attend the open house," said 1st Lt. Fred Brown, squadron commander.

The squadron was reactivated in 1989, and first met in facilities provided by the Cape Girardeau County Office of Emergency Services. The unit quickly outgrew its facilities, and the Pilot's Club offered the squadron the use of its building at the airport.

Brown explained Civil Air Patrol is a private, incorporated, non-profit, aviation-oriented civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

It consists of unpaid volunteers who perform search and rescue missions and disaster relief missions, plus educational programs for members and the public on aviation and space.

It also operates a youth cadet program that trains boys and girls 13-18 to become leaders and good citizens.

"Come on down to the airport, Sunday, and find out who we are, and what we do," said Brown. "We're proud of Civil Air Patrol and its missions, and we'd like to tell you about them."

Those unable to attend Sunday's open house can learn more about Civil Air Patrol by calling 651-4209, or 334-9420 during the day.