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Carroll cadets learn about life in a war zone
By
Brenda A. Reed, 2dLt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Posted May 11, 2005
WESTMINSTER, Md. - Cadets at the Carroll Composite Squadron learned about what life is like in a war zone during their May 10 meeting in Westminster. First Lieutenant Tom Reed spoke to the cadets about his recent tour in Afghanistan.
Reed, the squadron's deputy commander for cadets, returned home after four months in Afghanistan. He explained to the cadets about military life and the Afghan culture, using pictures he took and actual items, such as soda cans, money, and military gear. Cadets had the opportunity to try on Reed's protective vest, helmet, and gas mask. In addition to this, each cadet received a coin from Afghanistan.
While serving in Afghanistan, the Carroll Composite Squadron sent Reed a large box of snacks and other items collected by the members and their families, which he distributed to the soldiers serving with him.
At the end of the meeting, Reed presented a flag that had been flown in both Afghanistan and Iraq to the squadron. First Lieutenant Kevin McHale, squadron commander, accepted the flag and certificate on the squadron's behalf.
Civil Air Patrol, the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with more than 60,000 members nationwide. It performs 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counter drug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.
The members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. Cadets in CAP participate in a structured program through group and individual activities that include aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values. The program encompasses 16 achievement levels that include study in these four areas.
The Carroll Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings at the U.S. Army Reserve Center on Malcolm Drive in Westminster. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. More information can be found at www.carrollcap.org.
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