Civil Air Patrol

When Steve Fossett disappeared into the Nevada landscape a couple of weeks ago, the Civil Air Patrol was called to duty, combing the air above the desert and searching for the millionaire adventurer.

It is perhaps not a widely known fact that the Southeast Missouri region has a Civilian Air Patrol group called the Trail of Tears Composite Squadron MO-127. The Civil Air Patrol is a U.S. Air Force auxiliary.

The local Civil Air Patrol, which was named 2006 squadron of the year in Missouri, consists of 20 cadets and 26 senior members. It has three main objectives: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

In a pinch, the Civil Air Patrol can transport emergency medical supplies and perform search operations like the one in Nevada.

It never hurts to have pilots at the ready in case of an emergency. And it never hurts to add a few more disciplined young adults to our communities.

Thanks go to all who are involved in this largely unsung group.