Wreaths Across America joins CAP for open house
Submitted Photo Cadet Staff Sgt. Miles Batteiger flies the CAP Cessna during one of the many orientation flights CAP provides its cadets. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
Submitted Photo Cadets Zeke Hoverson, Kohen Merkel and Jean DeHaan get ready for one of CAP’s many Orientation Flights, with training by Maj. Ben Conlin. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
Submitted Photo Minot CAP Cadets partner with MinotWreaths.org and Minot Quilts of Valor to wrap healing quilts on veterans touched by war at the Midsummer Festival in June. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
Submitted Photo Cadet Staff Sgt. Miles Batteiger flies the CAP Cessna during one of the many orientation flights CAP provides its cadets. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
Submitted Photo Cadets Zeke Hoverson, Kohen Merkel and Jean DeHaan get ready for one of CAP’s many Orientation Flights, with training by Maj. Ben Conlin. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
Submitted Photo Minot CAP Cadets partner with MinotWreaths.org and Minot Quilts of Valor to wrap healing quilts on veterans touched by war at the Midsummer Festival in June. Civil Air Patrol photo by Robyn Stoner.
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MinotWreaths.org will have a special presence when the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron opens its doors to the community for a hands-on, family-friendly open house Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Minot Armed Forces Reserve Center, 3420 2nd St. NE, Minot.
Designed to showcase the excitement, purpose and opportunities CAP offers youth and adults across the Minot region, the open house will have representatives from MinotWreaths.org on hand to share how the CAP cadets support veteran remembrance efforts, sponsor wreaths and participate in the annual ceremony honoring those who served. Wreaths Across America Minot Coordinator Robyn Stoner shared just how much the mission means to the youth who carry it forward.
"Wreaths Across America has helped our CAP cadets understand the sacrifices made by the men and women who came before them; they hold a genuine love for this country. Last year, our cadets earned over one-third of our 1,000-wreath goal. They walked. They talked. They persevered. They showed up in every kind of weather because they knew the mission mattered. And since 29% of every wreath sponsorship comes back to our community to fund the cadets' program for an entire year, these young people were quite literally building and sustaining the very program that shapes them. I applaud them for lifting their squadron, their community, and the legacy of our veterans. Their effort is heartfelt, and their pride is earned," she said.
The Civil Air Patrol open house will feature interactive tables staffed by senior members and CAP cadets, giving visitors the chance to ask questions, explore hands-on displays and hear directly from the youth and adults who make CAP one of Minot's premier leadership and aerospace programs. Guests can walk through CAP's four pillars - Aerospace Education, Leadership, Fitness and Character Development - and meet the mentors who teach them, while engaging with the cadets who bring those values to life through service, training and teamwork.
"We're excited to welcome families, educators, and community members to see what CAP is all about," said Capt. Zach Haun, deputy commander for cadets. "Whether you're interested in aviation, emergency services, youth leadership or passionate about community service and honoring veterans, there's something here for everyone."
Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with pilot Maj. Ben Conlin about Cadet Orientation Flights in the CAP Cessna, and with Cadet Zeke Hoverson, a 16-year-old who is in the final stages of earning his private pilot license.
Local EMT and Trinity educator Brian Eveleth, who guides cadets interested in medical and emergency services careers with his real-world experience, will be available, as well as Capt. Darran Tiwarie, who will introduce potential cadets to CAP's flight simulator.
In addition, Maj. Nolan Hulick and GTM3-Certified Cadet Jeannie DeHaan will showcase the Magic City Squadron's new Cadet Ground Team Training program. This program prepares and certifies cadets to join the squadron's Search and Rescue efforts as official members of the CAP Ground Team.
The event is open to the public.