Cadets from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Jesse Jones Squadron 304 volunteered at the 33rd annual Mid Atlantic Air Museum's World War II Weekend. Held at the Reading Regional Airport from June 7 to 9, the event brought together war veterans, history and aviation enthusiasts, and community members. Visitors could enjoy an air show that included war birds, re-enactments, vehicle and aircraft displays, and a D-Day remembrance.

Cadets and senior members from the local Lancaster CAP squadron joined with those from other squadrons within the Pennsylvania and Maryland wings, assisting the Reading Squadron in parking vehicles, managing visitors, and ensuring flight line safety. The Reading Composite Squadron hosted 194 members from 19 squadrons in Pennsylvania and Maryland for the air museum's third-largest World War II event in terms of attendance, with 136 cadets and 58 senior members. In addition to the Jesse Jones squadron, the squadrons represented included Lebanon VFW, Capital City, Harrisburg International, York, College Park, Quakertown, Chester County, Delco, Doylestown, Willow Grove JRB, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley Composite Squadrons, and Calvert Cadet Squadron.

Service to the community, the state, and the nation is a primary part of the cadet programs within CAP.

In addition, members of Squadron 304 were among the CAP cadets and adult members from across Pennsylvania who came together to attend and volunteer at the annual Cadet Training Schools at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville from June 16 to 23. The program featured rigorous training, including basic encampment training, a leadership development course, a STEM Academy, and advanced training for the color guard.

Cadets sought to learn about military drill and customs, leadership, aviation, and science; improve mental and physical fitness; and demonstrate CAP's core values of integrity, community service, respect, and excellence. Despite the hot weather, the cadets completed the intensive training sessions. Approximately 275 cadets participated along with more than 100 adult and cadet staff members.

The Lancaster CAP cadets who attended the encampments include Cadet Staff Sgt. Carter Bojako, Cadet Master Sgt. Mark Weinheimer, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Gentry, Cadet Airman First Class Sara Dalrymple, Cadet Staff Sgt. Brendon Ortiz, and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Colby Smith. Cadet staff volunteers included Cadet 2nd Lt. Aaron Keohane, Cadet 2nd Lt. Jereco Acosta, Cadet Maj. Slater Shannon, and Cadet Capt. Judah Acosta. Squadron 304's adult members who volunteered were 2nd Lt. Craig Shannon, adult member Daisy Ortiz, and 1st Lt. Donny Reisch.

Jesse Jones Squadron 304 meets at 7 p.m. each Monday except holidays in the Venture Jets hangar, which is located at the Lancaster Airport near the intersection of Lititz Pike and Millport Road. Visitors are welcome.

The Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. To learn more about the local squadron, visit https://jessejones.cap.gov or search for "Jesse Jones Composite Squadron 304" on Facebook. Information about CAP is available at http://www.cap.news and http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com as well as on social media.