Civil Air Patrol, Billie L. LeClair Composite Squadron 31

Since its honorable beginnings just seven days prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Civil Air Patrol, the Auxiliary to the United States Air Force (CAP) is still performing missions for America. CAP continues to strive to fulfill its three US Congress chartered missions, Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services. As the Auxiliary to the United States Air Force, CAP is a civilian

non-profit organization that serves the community at the local, state, and national levels. The cadet program, for 12 to 21 year old girls and boys, focuses on helping to develop the young volunteers by fostering leadership and good citizenship. The cadet program was developed using aerospace education, emphasis on public service, and the use of Air Force role models. The following are some facts about the organizations:
• Operates one of the largest fleets of single-engine piston aircraft in the world, with 550 currently in the fleet.
• Flies approximately 112,000 hours annually.
• Educates adult and cadet members and the community on the importance of aerospace.
• Provides educators with free educational programs, products and services, including orientation airplane flights.
• Conducts 90 percent of inland search and rescue in the U.S., as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies.
• Performs aerial reconnaissance for homeland security.
• Saves an average of 80 lives per year (100-plus in FY 2010).
• Provides disaster-relief support to local, state and national organizations.