Fort McHenry squadron helps sustain the tradition of the Howard County Family Wellness Day.

June 2016. Centennial Park, MD. Fort McHenry Composite Squadron of the Maryland Wing joined Howard county health care providers and community agencies at the annual Howard County Family Wellness Day held June 5, 2016, at Centennial Park in Howard County, Maryland. Throughout the day, Fort McHenry Squadron officers and cadets directed the parking process, welcomed guests and provided information and assistance to the many attendees. Fort McHenry squadron has supported this particular event since its beginning nine years ago.

“For the past nine years, members of the Fort McHenry Civil Air Patrol squadron have been a huge part of the success of Howard county Family Wellness Day. The venue at Centennial Park has very limited parking and requires a high level of expertise to direct the flow of traffic and make the best use out of the space available. Without the professionalism and “can do” attitude of these young cadets and the adult team, we likely wouldn’t be able to hold this event,” said Brian Jolles, President of We Promote Health in Ellicott City, Maryland.

The Wellness Day showcased fitness, wellness exhibits and activities which are the mainstay of the annual event. This one-day program promoted physical activity, healthy lifestyle and featured activities and programs that support wellness efforts in local schools, workplaces and community. The program also included the Fifth Annual Howard County Fire and Rescue Pump-A-Thon which provided attendees with a new method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation called “Hands-Only CPR.”

Fort McHenry squadron has established a viable presence in their community through outreach activities and events including parades, health fairs and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. The squadron participates in multiple events throughout the year and strives to strengthen community partnerships. Outreach is an important component needed for the sustainability of any CAP unit. It provides opportunities to educate and raise community awareness about the mission of CAP and is a primary tool for recruitment of new members.

When asked about community involvement, Lt. Col. Steven Hollis, Squadron Commander replied, “Giving back to the community is a major part of CAP’s mission. Our squadron has successfully connected with our community on multiple levels. As such, our members are proud of their contributions to our outreach efforts. We know that the squadron’s vibrancy begins with our members and their commitment to excellence in all that we do.”

The Fort McHenry Squadron meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 109, 1610 Old Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, Maryland 21227. Prospective cadets, ages 12 to 18 and their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking volunteer opportunities are invited as well. Visit the squadron’s website at http://www.ftmchenrycap.org/.

Nearly 1,600 CAP members serve in Maryland. Last year wing members flew 13 search and rescue missions. The wing was credited with four finds. Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland. Members flew 2,245 hours in all mission categories. Volunteers contributed services estimated at 4.6 million dollars. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at www.mdcap.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWGCAP.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees. CAP, in its Total Force role, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 78 lives annually. Civil Air Patrol’s 56,000 members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. Performing missions for America for the past 75 years, CAP received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.capvolunteernow.com for more information.

Article by: Capt. Alice Raatjes, Public Affairs Officer, Group II, Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol