© 2009 CAP/Cape May Co. Composite Squadron

A message from our commander, Major Kevin L. Barstow, Sr.

Welcome Aboard

Welcome to Cape May County Composite Squadron of the New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol. CAP is a national, benevolent, nonprofit organization with over 57,000 members, and Civil Air Patrol is the Official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The Cape May Squadron consists of Senior Members who must be over twenty-one years old, and Cadets, who are between twelve and twenty-one years old. Our members come from all walks of life and most have an interest in aviation, emergency services, and enjoy helping our cadets become leaders of tomorrow.

Civil Air Patrol has three missions....Cadet Programs, Emergency Services and Aerospace Education. As a result of September 11, 2001, we are now involved with Homeland Security missions for America as well.  We here at the Cape May County Composite Squadron encourage and actively participate in all 3 of the Civil Air Patrol Missions and are a very active squadron.

Civil Air Patrol offers numerous training opportunities for all members in specialties such as communications, aerospace education, emergency services, public affairs, and many more.

A little of my background, I have been the Commander for over 3 years now since becoming a member of the squadron in 2002.  I have served with the United States Coast Guard in Search and Rescue and Drug Interdiction for 10 years.  I have served in the United States Army Reserve for 2 years as well.  I had been a Little League Coach, a Cub Scout Leader, and Communications Operator (911) after my Military Service.

I currently have been trained for Ground Search and Rescue as a Ground Team Member and Leader, and have been trained for Mission Management positions up to and including an Incident Commander Level 3 for Emergency Services.  I have attended the United States Air Force Inland Search Planners Course and Search Managers Course, instructed numerous Ground Search and Rescue Courses here in New Jersey.

I believe in what the Civil Air Patrol is doing to help the youth of our Nation in their development as young adults and have seen what these cadets can do if they put an effort into learning what is being offered.  You can not put a price tag on the amount of training these young adult receive in Leadership, Teamwork, physical conditioning, and friendship with their peers.  CAP offers a safe and structured environment to nurture and guide our young adults, without all the distractions of peer pressure and stress of their normal lives in a drug free and positive manner.

Our members come from all walks of life, from housewives to doctors to pilots.  We have a lot of opportunities for you to serve our youth of tomorrow become Leaders.  Please stop by for a visit to our squadron and see how you can become a Mentor for our youth in the community. 

For more information about Civil Air Patrol, please visit our website and feel free to look around, or consult our recruiting officer at the squadron. We meet on Thursday nights at 7PM at the Terminal Building, 2nd floor, of the Cape May County Airport.

Thank you for your interest in Civil Air Patrol.

Kevin L. Barstow, Sr., Major/CAP
Commander