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Dickinson County Composite Squadron attends EAA

The Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron attended the AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., in late July. Shown here in front of the MH-47G, a heavy assault helicopter operated by the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, are the Civil Air Patrol members of the Dickinson County Composite Squadron, from left: 2nd Lt. Bill O’Brion; cadets Nathan O’Brion, James Cain, Trevor Malburg, Corwin Jors, Kaiden Paulson, Donovan Powell, Dominick Trulock, Matthew Wilson, Andrew Nelson, Bennett Klossner, Danielle Kraimer, Lexi Klingenberg, Xander Short, Avery Hicks and Abby Nichols; senior members Corey Cain and Virginia Kaldor.

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members of the Dickinson County Composite Squadron loaded up and headed south July 25 to the annual Experimental Aircraft Association’s Airventure in Oshkosh.

The EAA is the largest fly-in event in the world, with more than 10,000 aircraft on site.

Eighteen members camped overnight at a private campground just north of the event. “Even the campground had its own airstrip where Piper Cubs landed regularly as the cadets set up camp,” CAP 2nd Lt. Bill O’Brion said.

All day July 26, the group attended Airventure. The event has its own control tower, the “World’s Busiest Control Tower” during the week of the show. More than a half-million visitors attend during the week.

Cadets were able to get up close and personal with all types of aircraft — World War I, World War II, recreational, experimental, helicopters, military jets, huge commercial jets, and more.

The afternoon show featured a “wing walker,” World War II warbirds and the Blue Angels.

“The night show was equally impressive, with lights, explosions and fireworks flying off from the planes,” O’Brion said.

Despite two short, but heavy rains, the group’s enthusiasm could not be dampened, he added.

For most of the cadets, this was their first visit to an aviation event of this size.

“They are fortunate to live so close to EAA,” O’Brion said.

This event takes more than 4,000 volunteers to pull off. About 175 CAP members assist at the event from all over the nation. The cadets must be 16 years old, apply and be selected by the national staff. Cadets are on site for two weeks, including training, set up, and breakdown of the event.

The Dickinson County cadets were exposed to many career opportunities within aviation. They were able to see first-hand the incredible talents of both male and female pilots.

“If you like planes, consider joining CAP,” he said.

CAP is a non-profit auxiliary of the Air Force founded in 1941. CAP supports America’s communities with emergency services, teaches Aerospace Education and has Cadet Programs.

The Dickinson County group meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Kingsford Armory. All age 12 and older are encouraged to attend meetings to see if CAP might be a good fit for them.

To learn more about the group and events, check out the website at www.mi201.miwg.cap.gov/ or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/glrmi201cap/.

“Students probably already know a cadet from their school,” he added.

The squadron currently has one of the largest cadet groups in Michigan, with more than 20 cadets from Kingsford, Iron Mountain, and Norway. After completing an introductory program, new cadets go for “Orientation Flights” in one of the CAP’s aircraft.

Senior members — ages 18 and older –help facilitate the cadet members to strengthen the core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect.

Everyone is welcome.

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