The Springville Civil Air Patrol (CAP), AL-126 is shaping its cadets for a bright future in the military or civilian life by teaching unique skills, instilling military discipline and a passion for service. 

The Springville CAP Public Affairs Officer, Second Lt. Shannon Young, describes the Civil Air Patrol as, “an educational program that guides young adults, ages 12-18, in the areas of leadership, aerospace, physical training, military history, emergency services and drug demand reduction, allowing them to grow into the adults they are meant to be.” 

Most branches of the military recognize and take into consideration the time invested in the Civil Air Patrol for its enlisted.

The Springville CAP offers regular events and volunteer opportunities in addition to their training, such as participating in Volunteer Day at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham and taking trips to places including the Samford Planetarium at Samford University for “Summer Skies.” 

Among the many activities and outings they participated in this year, the Springville CAP cadets toured the Birmingham division of the FBI center and the cadets also designed, built and flew quadcopter drones.

The Springville CAP enlists in an area-wide CAP training camp each summer at the Alabama and Mississippi Wings Summer Encampment at Fort McClellan. Cadets hold daily drills, military style activities and get an introduction to military life. 

One of the most popular events of the year is the Glider and Powered “O” flights at Wetumpka Municipal Airport held on July 5. Cadets train all year to fly the gliders and airplanes. The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the United States Air Force and flight skills are integral for cadets. 

Cadets also participated in “Wreaths Across America” Dec 16, 2016 to honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths at Veteran Memorials and gravesites and to give fallen soldiers full honors. On Memorial Day the Springville CAP presented colors at the veterans program in Springville at the Veterans Memorial at Big Springs Park. The Springville CAP also participated in a sending away ceremony on May 28 for The Springville National Guard 208th CBRN Company (Hazard Response) who were deployed to the Middle East. The Springville CAP also sends the 208th CBRN Company care packages and regular updates. 

The Springville Civil Air Patrol, AL-126 holds open recruiting. Their contact information is online at gocivilairpatrol.com. The Springville Civil Air Patrol, AL-126 is located at The National Guard 208th CBRN Company Armory, 198 Marietta Road, Springville, Ala.