Civil Air Patrol addresses America's need for student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) careers.

May 2017. Arbutus, MD. The Fort McHenry Composite Squadron of the Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol, participates in monthly aerospace programs and activities to further their interest, generate enthusiasm, competence and youth development for future STEM careers. The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. CAP cadets participate in engaging aerospace education activities addressing multiple aspects of flight from robotics and flight simulation to the model rocketry program which is just one of an achievement program for cadets interested in the science, technology and flight of model rockets.

Aerospace Education (AE) is one of the three primary CAP mission elements which also include cadet programs and emergency services. With a primary goal to educate and encourage the leaders of tomorrow by teaching in extraordinary ways, the CAP aerospace education program educates, inspires and instills an appreciation for and an understanding of aerospace and the related technology. CAP programs introduces the exciting world of space and encourages commitment to discovering new expertise for tomorrow. For more information visit CAP Aerospace Education Programs.

CAP's aerospace education efforts focus on two different audiences: volunteer CAP members and the general public. Addressing current needs of educators, as well as needs of CAP cadets and the nation’s students in formal and informal settings, is a priority for the CAP aerospace education program. Educators may join CAP as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) and enjoy many free aerospace educational opportunities ranging from receiving lesson plans to participating in a teacher orientation flight aboard one of our Cessna aircraft. This unique membership category is designed for educators or others involved in promoting aerospace education in classrooms, museums, or other youth organizations. Join CAP as an AEM

The Fort McHenry Composite Squadron meets weekly Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 109, 1610 Old Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, Maryland, 21227. Prospective cadets ages 12-18 with their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking volunteer opportunities are invited as well. Follow the squadron on Facebook. For more information about squadrons in your area..visit CAP Maryland Wing, Group II

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. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing and follow us on Facebook or on Twitter.

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 with photo credit to Lt. Col. James Steinmeier, Ft. McHenry Composite Squadron, Group II, Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol.