Local Civil Air Patrol unit holding open house Oct 16th from 1-4pm

Worcester­­ - The Goddard Cadet Squadron, local unit of the Civil Air Patrol, is hosting an open house from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Aaron Lazare Building at 55 Lake Avenue North in Worcester. The public is welcome to come learn more about CAP and its three primary missions of Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services.

For Cadet Programs, visitors will be able to discover how CAP provides teenagers with leadership experience, see what national activities are available to members, and even participate in a short military drill demonstration. For Aerospace Education, you can find about the opportunities our members have to fly in our own aircraft, model rocketry, and more. For Emergency Services, you can learn out about CAP’s role in assisting in natural disaster relief, searching for lost aircraft or people, and other benevolent tasks we perform for America.

Named for famed local scientist Robert H. Goddard, the Goddard Cadet Squadron has been recently honored with the Distinguished Unit Award, meaning it is recognized as being one of the best units in the country. Past or current members of Goddard Squadron have successful careers in a wide variety of fields, such as aviation, computers, science, teaching, first responders, and the military, including one member currently attending the United State Military Academy in West Point, NY. The unit also recently participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Open to anyone 12 years of age or older, the CAP program offers its members unique training and experiences that will help them in college, the business world, the military or other public service. At a weeklong event this summer, members participated in such activities as a robotic demonstration from Boston Dynamics, heard inspirational talks from leaders of business and government, flew in Blackhawk helicopters, and learned and practiced skills on how to lead and build teamwork. Members often form life-long friendships.

CAP was established Dec. 1, 1941, and Goddard Cadet Squadron is celebrating Civil Air Patrol Week Dec. 1-7. The open house is part of the 75th anniversary observance designed to create a greater awareness of CAP’s presence and contributions in the community.

Visitors can park in the South Street parking garage for a nominal fee. Once visitors exit the garage, CAP members will be available to direct them to the Open House. You can also visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.GoddardCadetSquadron.com for additional information.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 57,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Its volunteers also assist federal, state and local agencies as needed. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.