Message From The Commander

Membership in Civil Air Patrol provides many avenues of service to our community. One of the most rewarding and challenging is CAP’s Emergency Services mission. CAP members train to be mission ready so we can respond when our resources are needed.

Historically, Civil Air Patrol has been the primary agency for the search and rescue of missing aircraft within the continental United States. This continues today as we account for 95 percent of all aircraft search and rescue sorties. In recent years CAP has expanded its capabilities to provide services in the aftermath of natural disasters, and also to support Homeland Security after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. CAP offers both air and ground resources that are especially useful for community leaders to assess damage after disaster events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. We can also provide emergency communications support, as well as assist in searches for missing persons.

CAP members support emergency services in several ways. These include serving as a member of a search and rescue ground team, operating communications equipment, being part of an aircrew either as a pilot, observer or aerial photographer, or performing in one of several other support roles vital to the success of the mission. With our fleet of aircraft and vehicles we are able to employ appropriate resources as the mission may require. And, most importantly, our members take their responsibilities seriously in maintaining their skills. In Texas we have opportunities to train locally and to participate with other squadrons in joint training exercises in different parts of the state. Each year the Texas Wing holds a week-long training activity known as the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy. During this week members receive intensive training in various specialties from some of the finest instructors in the nation.

I want to thank all of our Texoma Composite Squadron members for their service to our community. And, if you are not a CAP member I encourage you to check us out and see what membership in CAP offers. I’m sure you will be surprised at the opportunities available for volunteer service.

Jeff Harrell, Lt Col., CAP
Squadron Commander
Texoma Composite Squadron TX-262
903-786-6227