Civil Air Patrol Supports Discover Aviation Day

Sioux Falls - Hundreds of people visited the Civil Air Patrol booth during the Discover Aviation Day event in Sioux Falls on Thursday, August 4. The event was part of the Sioux Falls Airshow organization, sponsored by Aerostar, to provide information and activities that provide "kids of all ages" with information about aviation, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

"We had a CAP aircraft on indoor display, flight simulator software, and several STEM and aviation-related activities for young people," said Capt. Denise Clement, coordinator for CAP. "CAP also helped provide tarmac security for the many aircraft on display during the event."

Two Civil Air Patrol squadrons in the Sioux Falls area, Sioux Falls Composite Squadron and Lincoln County Composite Squadron, manned the booth and provided the other services to the event. Clement said that the CAP members on hand received several inquiries about CAP membership from both adults and youth.

"Aviation Education and STEM are important parts of the overall Civil Air Patrol program for members," said Col. Michael Marek, South Dakota Wing commander. "For decades, CAP has offered aerospace education to the general public, such as at Discover Aviation Day. In addition, we offer aerospace curriculum to teachers, including excellent STEM kits."

Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. As part of USAF support for civil authorities to save lives, CAP is assigned operational missions that relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance. CAP also develops young leaders through its cadet program.

With close to 400 members in South Dakota with units in Brookings, Custer, Miller, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea, the wing can deploy its six aircraft, ground teams and small search drones to assist in disaster response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.