4-30-2024 12:19am

The Miami Valley Composite Squadron Gets A Name Change

Beth Callahan Editor

(Contributed Photo) From left to right: Major Thomas Hartung, Col. Michael Hood, Col. Peter Bowden, Mr. Stephen Wright, Col. David Dlugiewicz, Col. Scott Gelnn.

SPRINGBORO, OH -- Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force with its mission being to serve America's communities, save lives, and shape futures.

Here in the Miami Valley, the Civil Air Patrol squad has been called Miami Valley Composite Squadron. It is a team of volunteers, which consist of 57 members (27 cadet members and 30 senior members) and dedicates their time to fulfill the CAP's mission by assisting the local communities and educating youth, explained C/Maj. Therese Mohs, 2024 OHWG Encampment Cadet Deputy of Operations, Squadron Recruiting OIC and Squadron PAO Officer.

But what exactly does serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures mean?

According to Mohs, who has been in the program for 6 1/2 years holding many positions, including Color Guard Commander, and Cadet Commander, the Civil Air Patrol is a federally chartered non-profit corporation that is also the Air Force auxiliary. CAP's mission is supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power through aerospace education.

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.

Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. CAP maintains both internal and external aerospace education programs, and members, both adults, and cadets follow a rigorous program to learn about aviation and aerospace principles.

CAP also reaches out to the general public through a special program for teachers at all grade levels. Through this program, CAP provides free classroom materials and lesson plans for aerospace education, and each year sponsors the premier national conference in this field.

Best known for its members’ work in search and rescue and disaster relief missions, CAP is expanding its role in the 21st century to include an increasing number of homeland security operations and exercises. CAP also performs counterdrug reconnaissance missions at the request of law enforcement agencies and can do radiological monitoring and damage assessment. CAP members undergo rigorous training to perform these missions safely and cost-effectively.

"Civil Air Patrol inspires youth to value their citizenship and serve their neighbors. Cadets develop a sense of duty to their community by contributing to CAP's real-world emergency services and humanitarian efforts. The missions they participate in also help them develop discipline, teamwork, time management, and leadership skills," added Mohs who noted, "We try to attend as many recruiting opportunities such as the AirShow, Dayton Tech Fest, and many more."

Recently on April 10, Miami Valley Composite Squadron held a special ceremony at the Wright B Flyer Museum to change its name to The Wright Brothers Composite Squadron.

"Many years ago, Xenia and Miamisburg had a joining squadron named The Wright Brothers Squadron. However, with the growing numbers, we split into two separate squadrons with Xenia taking the name. Unfortunately, Xenia's squadron did close after a while. Earlier this year, we realized that our name, Maimi Valley Composite Squadron, did not hold much history or significance. We took time to evaluate what we wanted to inspire or recognize with our name. Dayton's history with the Wright Brothers as well as the Wright Brothers impact on aerospace were points we wanted our cadets to remember," Mohs noted.

Mohs explained that they reached out to the Wright Brothers Family Organization and described the importance of Civil Air Patrol.

"We also mentioned our connection to the Wright Brothers Airport as well as the Wright B. Flyer Museum. The Wright Brothers family kindly allowed us to use their name to honor their importance," added Mohs.

Now known as The Wright Brothers Composite Squadron is located at 10550 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342.