CAP to Hold Annual Aerospace Education Day in Onida

Onida, SD - South Dakota Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will hold an Aerospace Education Day for its youth members, known as cadets, August 19-21 at the Onida, SD fairgrounds.  The event will include orientation flights in CAP aircraft, multi-engine model rocketry, small search drones, and a range of other aerospace and STEM activities.

“Civil Air Patrol members from around the state will be in Onida for an intensive three days of aerospace and STEM-related activities,” said Capt Ben Kallas, CAP’s director of Aerospace Education in South Dakota. “Part of CAP’s mission is to help excite cadets so that they can be the next generation of aerospace and technology professionals. Exposure to these ideas in a way that is both fun and challenging helps do that for our cadet members.”

Beginning in the 1950s, Civil Air Patrol invested significant resources in aerospace education. With current national pilot shortage and the need for experienced professionals in STEM fields, the Air Force has mandated CAP to help inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders.

“We thank Sully County for allowing Civil Air Patrol to use their fairgrounds for this important event,” said Col. Michael Marek, CAP, South Dakota wing commander. “The setting allows us more flexibility in serving our cadets than would be possible in a larger city or a larger airport.”

Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. As part of USAF support for civil authorities to save lives, CAP is assigned operational missions that relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

With close to 400 members in South Dakota with units 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 disaster response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.