Civil Air Patrol Holding Open House

The Civil Air Patrol’s Washington Squadron 601 will be hosting its annual open house to welcome interested youth and adults at the National Guard Armory, 125 Goodridge Lane, Washington from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The evening will include explanations of CAP’s training and educational opportunities, missions and cadet programs. All members of the community are encouraged to attend.

Squadron 601 members include students and adults from Canonsburg, Peters Township, Washington, Amity, Avella, South Fayette and even West Virginia.

The Civil Air Patrol is a civilian, all volunteer, auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that provides emergency and search and rescue services, aviation and aerospace education, youth leadership programs and more nationwide.

CAP is a non-profit organization founded by Congress that offers local youth (ages 12 and older) and adults the opportunity to learn leadership skills that will help them better serve their communities and nation. Training includes flight time, search-and-rescue techniques for missing persons and downed aircraft, land navigation, radio communications, safety, first aid and more.

Cadets can use their training time toward community service and even earn college scholarships.

Adam Parker, Cadet Commander of Washington Squadron 601 and a junior at Peters Township High School, has been volunteering with the organization.

“Before I joined CAP, I was a kid who had big dreams, but with no way to
reach them," Parker said. "Today, when I compare myself to the person I was before CAP, I see how much it has helped me, not only in reaching my goals, but also in developing myself into the person that I want to be. CAP is an experience one will not find anywhere else. It can help you become the best person you can be."

Capt. Edward Silassy, Commander of Washington Squadron 601, agrees
that CAP benefits both adult and student members through its unique training and educational opportunities.

“Being a member of Civil Air Patrol is a great way to serve your community and nation. We provide opportunities for the cadets to learn about the military, as well as jobs relating to the aerospace industry,” Silassy said. “The cadet program is structured to teach young men and women to become productive
adults and effective leaders for tomorrow."

Editor's Note: The Washington Squadron 601 meets weekly from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings at the National Guard Armory, 125 Goodridge Lane, in Washington, PA.

Visitors are always welcome.

Those wishing to attend a meeting or get more information on Washington Squadron 601, may contact Capt. Edward Silassy at ESilassy@comcast.net, or Lt. Peggy Secunda at lt.secunda@gmail.com.

Or those interested can visit its website at http://www.squadron601.us.

To learn more about CAP, go to www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.