[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H3349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     HONORING THE CIVIL AIR PATROL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the Civil Air Patrol and the contributions this civilian auxiliary 
makes to our great nation. The Civil Air Patrol supports America's 
communities with emergency response; diverse aviation and ground 
services; youth development; and promotion of air, space, and cyber 
power.
  The Civil Air Patrol consists of 1,445 squadrons and approximately 
58,000 volunteer youth and adult members nationwide. It is 
congressionally chartered and operates as a nonprofit organization. It 
is made up of 8 geographic regions, consisting of 52 wings throughout 
the 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
  Mr. Speaker, on Saturday evening, I had the honor of speaking at the 
Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol's 2018 Conference in Grantville, 
Pennsylvania. More than 400 Civil Air Patrol members and cadets 
throughout the Commonwealth will gather there this weekend to celebrate 
this outstanding civilian auxiliary. Colonel Gary L. Fleming is the 
wing commander.
  Mr. Speaker, this year, the Civil Air Patrol is celebrating its 70-
year association with the U.S. Air Force. Congress passed a law on May 
26, 1948, designating the Civil Air Patrol as the official Air Force 
auxiliary. The Civil Air Patrol cadet program has been in existence for 
more than 75 years. Cadet programs throughout the country are making 
incredible impacts. Cadet programs attract more than 25,000 members, 
ages 12 through 20.
  The program educates youth in four main program areas: leadership, 
aerospace, fitness, and character development. It enriches the school 
curriculum through after-school programs. Programs offer orientation 
flights in powered and glider aircraft, as well as flight training 
scholarships. Activities and competitions are available for cadets at 
local, State, regional, and national levels. Opportunities for 
community development are available through the color guard and drill 
team, as well as emergency services missions.
  The Civil Air Patrol makes up about 10 percent of each of the U.S. 
Air Force Academy's classes. The cadets who have earned the General 
Billy Mitchell Award enlist in the Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast 
Guard at higher pay grades.
  Mr. Speaker, the cadet program also offers college scholarships in 
several different disciplines, as well as an international air cadet 
exchange program.
  The Civil Air Patrol cadet program truly encourages our youth to 
reach great heights. They have been building leaders for more than 75 
years, and I am so proud of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol 
Cadet Advisory Council for its incredible commitment to our youth. I 
wish them the best in advance of the annual conference later this week, 
and I look forward to joining them at that celebration as well.

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