Aberdeen Community Regains CAP Squadron
Aberdeen has a Civil Air Patrol squadron, again! After a 12-year gap, the Aberdeen Composite Squadron (NCR-SD-020) was officially rechartered on May 8. To gain status as a composite squadron, the community must have a minimum of 15 current or new CAP members to form the unit. The state CAP commander then approves a formal request to CAP national headquarters for activation of the unit.
“After several months of dedication and hard work, we have finally reached our goal,” said Maj. Richard Rezac, commander of the reactivated Aberdeen unit. “It’s been amazing to watch a couple members of the old unit ‘get their squadron back.’ And of course, it’s great to see new members come in with the excitement and enthusiasm that people bring to something new. Not only new to themselves, but to the town they live in.”
The squadron has already gotten off to a strong start. Six of their eight current youth members, known as cadets, will be attending the Joint Dakota Encampment in June. One of them has expressed interest in the NCR Cyber Academy. Another cadet will be pursuing flight training. All of them are excited to start ground team training and to have their first orientation flight.
The seniors, both current and new, are also excited to start growing and developing the unit, Rezac said. Staff positions are being filled, while education and training sessions will start or will be taken online.
“There are so many prospects when you start a new unit,” Rezac added. “No one has pre-conceived notions about what they can achieve. CAP provides so many options for its members to pursue their dreams. The sky is the limit, both literally and figuratively, for all of them.”
The reactivated Aberdeen CAP unit joins squadrons in Custer, Pierre Rapid City, Spearfish, Sioux Falls, Brookings, and Tea. For a total CAP membership in South Dakota of over 500.
Aberdeen Composite Squadron meets at 1830 on Thursday Evenings at the Aberdeen Police Department. Area residents interested in membership may contact info-020@sdwg.cap.gov
