CAP

CAP was doing a recruitment night and the newspaper interviewed them. I love that Tym loves CAP so much. It has been such a good influence for her an such positive reinforcement in her life. She feels like she fits in finally after years of being bullied. She has gained a lot of self-confidence and it is so fun watching her be so excited to go each week. I am especially grateful to the adult leaders who take so much time with these youth and it is all done volunteer. 

 POCATELLO — The Idaho Civil Air Patrol assists search and rescue operations at the request of local and state agencies and provides air and ground support. The group’s youth program also provides leadership and aeronautics training to boys and girls in their communities.   

    Cadet Staff Sgt. Ryleigh Reitz, 16, said he learned about the Civil Air Patrol during the annual Field of Heroes tribute.

    A sophomore at Century High School, Ryleigh said cadets make rank by participating in monthly safety training meetings, and then completing drill and leadership tests and online courses aimed at honing those skills.

    “It’s a good way to get started on a military career,” Reitz said.

    Rietz said he intends to join the Air Force after he graduates. His 13-year-old sister Isabel Reitz is also a cadet. Their parents are Ted and Kristy Reitz of Pocatello.

    Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Hawk, 14, said he was looking for something different, and the Civil Air Patrol offered that.

    “I was involved in Scouting for a while, but it didn’t offer the opportunity for leadership that this does,” Hawk said. “In the cadet program, we lead by example and by encouraging each other.”

    Hawk’s mother is DeAnna Hawk of Pocatello. Jeff is a student at Calvary Chapel Christian School.  

    Cadet Kent DeMaree, 16, is a sophomore at Pocatello High School. He said, at first, he thought the group was a joke.

    “Then I realized what it was,” DeMaree said. “I like the way they teach leadership and basic history.”

    Tymber Murray, 15, learned about the program from another cadet. Murray, a freshman at Blackfoot High School, said she liked the activities the Civil Air Patrol offers, and she’s learning skills that will assist her in whatever she decides to do.

    “I like the activities, and I feel wanted here more than in any other group,” Murray said.

    Twelve-year-old Olivia Drake helped her get into uniform during a special meeting Wednesday. Olivia plans to join the cadets as well, and Murray is especially happy about that.

    “We need more girls,” Murray said.

    Drake’s father is Cmdr. 2nd Lt. Steve Drake, and he said his son Cadet Gregory Drake introduced him to the Civil Air Patrol.

    “(Gregory) has been interested in the military academy since he was seven,” Steve said

    The cadets worked together to set up for Wednesday’s meeting.

    “The cadets learn a sense of national pride and a community responsibility,” Steve said.

    Pocatello Civil Air Patrol Squadron ID096 currently has 13 cadets, and Steve said the group is hoping to double that number this year.

    To join the Civil Air Patrol program, prospective cadets must be 12 years old. The annual fee for membership is $36, and their dress blues are included.

    Gary Wicklund retired from the Air Force and is currently a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Pocatello.

    “I’m the group’s only meteorologist,” Wicklund joked.

    Wicklund said he was encouraged to get involved in the Civil Air Patrol by state Cmdr. Col. Mike Vorachek. 

    Dave Doer said the Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally authorized auxiliary of the Air Force.

    The group’s cadet programs focus on aerospace education, leadership training and service

    Cadet receive five orientation flights, and the national organization bestows one flight training scholarship to each squadron per year.

    The Idaho Civil Air Patrol owns seven aircraft, and some of those are involved in the search for the Dale Smith party. Smith, who is from San Jose, Calif., and his four passengers had there plane go down over Idaho’s wilderness territory. Crews have been searching for the Beech Bonanza since Monday.

    There are 201 Civil Air cadets statewide and 207 senior members.

    Doer said when cadets turn 18, they become senior members.

    For more information about the Idaho Civil Air Patrol go to gocivilairpatrol.com