SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Civil Air Patrol is gearing up for operations for post-pandemic service.
South Dakota’s milestone of 50% of the eligible population completing vaccination means ramping-up training and service programs for C.A.P. in South Dakota.
That also means squadrons and flights can now invite the public in, if they are interested in joining CAP.
Meeting time and place information is at sdwg.cap.gov/command/squadrons.
C.A.P. is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force with responsibilities that are part of the USAF’s support civil authorities to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.
South Dakota Wing, with over 400 members, can deploy its six aircraft, ground teams and small search drones to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.
The recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year-olds also benefits South Dakota Wing’s youth program, known as the “cadet program,” which challenges and develops young leaders, starting at age 12. The state vaccination numbers also help ensure that the joint North and South Dakota cadet program encampment, to be held at Camp Rapid in July, can proceed as planned.
(Lt. Col Michael Marek contributed to this report)
