Big Sioux Composite Squadron Receives $3,000 from Fall Fundraising at SDSU Football Games

Big Sioux Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, recently received a $3,000 check resulting from planned fundraising at SDSU football games this fall.

2nd Lt. Emily Trias received information from SDSU Athletics about group fundraising opportunities and the squadron finance committee decided that Big Sioux Composite Squadron would sign up to assist with 21+ wristbands at home football games in the 2021-2022 season.

"Thanks to SDSU for a great opportunity to get out in the community, raise awareness of Civil Air Patrol and raise funds for squadron operations and activities,” said Capt. Tyler Gross, Big Sioux Squadron Commander.

Cadets and senior members from Big Sioux Composite Squadron operated 21+ wristband booths at four SDSU home football games. How much Big Sioux Composite Squadron made at each game was dependent on how many members participated – the more members were present, the more Big Sioux Composite Squadron received.

During the fundraiser, squadron members were able to speak with community members and positively represent Civil Air Patrol. Local law enforcement personnel were also stationed at most of the booths and one officer expressed interest in joining Civil Air Patrol in the future. These group fundraising opportunities are offered by SDSU Athletics annually and are also located at other types of sporting events, not just football games. Given the success of this fundraising, Big Sioux Composite Squadron is planning to sign up to assist at home football games again next season. South Dakota Wing, CAP, has over 400 members with units based in Brookings, Custer, Miller/Faulkton, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea. The wing 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.