Something in Civil Air Patrol For All Ages At Cadet Training School Winter West

Last Updated on Friday, 29 April 2016 00:46

On a cold spring weekend in April, Civil Air Patrol cadets from all corners of Western Pennsylvania converged upon the hills of Ford City to participate in the Basic Cadet Orientation Program (BCOP) and gain an in-depth look into the Cadet Program.

C/CMSgt Zachary Keyes

For most of them, this was their first opportunity to be exposed to the life of a cadet. They were schooled on the cadet oath, their core values, how to care for their uniforms and how to wear them properly. Teamwork is a huge part of the weekend. Cadets learned the basics of how to be a part of a flight and the importance of relying on each other to build a strong squadron.

The weekend ended with a graduation ceremony with awards given to those cadets who excelled or reached milestones in their cadet career. BCOP also provided the perfect opportunity for cadets to form a strong base on which they will build their cadet careers. It prepared them for their next step, which is attending the week-long Summer Cadet Training School at Fort Indiantown Gap.

C/CMSgt Zachary Keyes of Canonsburg had the opportunity to serve on the BCOP staff. He is also the Cadet Commander of the Washington Composite Squadron located in Washington, PA. It was a great opportunity for him as he prepares to staff the Summer Cadet Training School. Staffing this weekend along with Keyes was 2ndLt Bernice Polasky, who served as the logistics officer. Polasky is the finance officer for the Washington Composite Squadron. What makes this pair unique is that they are a grandmother and grandson team and have been members of Civil Air Patrol for three years. They are a true example of how there is something for everyone in Civil Air Patrol.

The squadron, commanded by Maj. Nancy Parker, meets every Wednesday at the Washington Flyers’ Club from 7-9 p.m. CAP was founded just before the start of American involvement in World War II. Squadron 601 is just one of 1,500-plus squadrons around the country involved in cadet programs, emergency services, and aerospace education within their communities.