Chris Tate addressed Rotarians about the history and purpose of the Civil Air Patrol. Established on December 1, 1941, CAP was tasked with patrolling the coastlines of the continental United States searching for enemy ship or submarine activity. In 1946, it was incorporated as a nonprofit organization and has served the citizens of the U.S. with Homeland Security and Humanitarian Missions and Emergency Services (search and rescue). Most of the pilots in the Civil Air Patrol are volunteers who wish to serve their community and nation.

Another function of the organization is to engender interest in the youth of America in Aerospace education and possible careers. Boys and girls may begin training as cadets in the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 12, but cannot fly until the age of 16. For more information check out the Civil Air Patrol Web site at www.cap.gov/join

Tate (left) pictured with Club President Bill Hutto (right)