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# **Civil**

# **Air**

# **Patrol**

## Anniversary

## Planning Guide

**Revised 2007**

**Public Affairs**

**CAP National Headquarters**

**Maxwell AFB, AL 36112**

# Celebrate Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary

December 1, 1941 *A Proud Legacy of Humanitarian Service*

**Purpose of an anniversary celebration**

Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary is recognized on December 1 each year.
The celebration provides a unique opportunity to elevate public
awareness of CAP with potential benefits:

-   Increased visibility for your CAP squadron will help foster
    community support and goodwill for CAP as a whole. It is critical
    for a nonprofit organization performing a public service to have
    community support and acceptance if it is to thrive. By exposing the
    public to CAP's grand history, its vital public service mission and
    your squadron's activities, you foster public support.

-   The increased publicity and visibility surrounding CAP's anniversary
    can be a golden opportunity for new member recruitment. New members
    and new ideas are the lifeblood of a volunteer, nonprofit
    organization.

-   The increased visibility and public awareness can generate
    alternative sources of funding for local squadrons. Individuals,
    businesses and corporations are more likely to support organizations
    with which they are familiar.

###### Celebrate Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary

> **Tips**

**Enlist the help of other local CAP units**

If there are other CAP squadrons nearby, plan a combined anniversary
observance with those units so all squadrons can share in the
responsibility and benefit from the visibility. Having a duplication of
efforts by neighboring squadrons may make CAP appear disorganized and
lessen the impact of the events.

**Share responsibility**

Even if your squadron is the only one in your area, an anniversary
celebration should not be a one-person affair. If you attempt to perform
too many jobs, details will be overlooked, and tasks may not be
performed as well as they could be. Form a committee of active,
enthusiastic members to plan the details and perform the work to ensure
the observance is a success. If possible, appoint some cadets to the
committee. CAP cadets can make a strong, positive impression at public
events and will help make the event memorable.

**Don't try to overdo it**

There are many things you can do to gain publicity for CAP while
commemorating the anniversary; however, it is not practical to attempt
all of these ideas. Decide what ideas or venues will gain the most
positive results for CAP and your squadron. This guide includes
suggestions to celebrate the anniversary. Keep in mind that these are
only suggestions and that other ideas from within your membership may
serve your squadron's purpose better.

It is better to plan a few big events to celebrate the anniversary than
to attempt too many events and risk having them fail. Some examples of
events that can have a tremendous impact if done well include a luncheon
for the mayor and civic leaders, an open house or a display in a
shopping mall.

**Early planning is key**

The best time to start planning your anniversary observance is now. Form
your committee early, make your plans early and assign tasks to
committee members early. Ensure everyone has time to complete their
tasks in order to produce the best possible result. Haste makes waste.
Contact the targeted VIPs early, because the schedules of people in
demand usually fill early.

**Involve cadets**

Include a couple of well-groomed cadets, dressed neatly in the
appropriate uniform, when visiting civic officials, business leaders or
members of the media. Include cadets whenever possible as they tend to
make a favorable impression on people. In addition, wear your uniform
when visiting local officials, civic leaders and media, and when you are
participating in anniversary activities and all photo opportunities. Be
sure people know you are a member of CAP rather than the Air Force.

**Enlist the Air Force's help**

Most public affairs officers on Air Force bases are aware of CAP as the
official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Make them aware of CAP's
anniversary. If you are located in a city that has an Air Force base or
if your squadron meets on a base, visit the Public Affairs Office, talk
to them about what you hope to accomplish and see if they can help. They
may offer suggestions and assist with arrangements, news releases or
media contacts.

**Use resources**

CAP's multimedia outpost on the Web, capchannel.com, contains a wealth
of resources for PAOs, including downloadable videos for recruiting
purposes reprintable tools and materials.

Secure plenty of recruiting materials prior to the event your squadron
decides to host. These can be ordered at
[www.cap.gov](http://www.capnhq.gov/). Click on e-services to access the
recruiting materials order form online. Please plan ahead and order
these materials at least six weeks before the event, in case there is a
question regarding your request or slow shipping times.

**Opportunities for unit-level involvement**

Some of the ideas for squadron participation in an anniversary
celebration include:

-   Moment of silence on noon December 1 broken with blaring of auto
    horns and pealing of bells, which will be coordinated with wing
    commanders and public affairs officers

-   Birthday parties on December 1

-   Open house programs at unit headquarters and at Air Force bases

-   Proclamations adopted by local public officials

-   Weekend religious recognition services

-   Special lunches/dinners with elected officials

-   Displays in public settings

##### Birthday celebration/open house at unit headquarters

Hosting a anniversary birthday celebration at your squadron is an
excellent way to make people in the community aware of CAP, its missions
and your squadron's support of the community. If you are planning an
open house, be sure to present a clean, organized squadron location to
the public. Have each member in the squadron wear a neatly pressed,
clean uniform in accordance with applicable CAP regulations.

Perhaps attendees could dress up in 1940s vintage attire, and the
reception area could be designed with the 1940s in mind. Another way to
give the event a historic feeling would be to have a live band play big
band music or have a CD player play big band music on a continuous loop.
Plan something for the visitors to see or do. Perhaps play a recruiting
video on a continuous loop or set up a display with literature visitors
can take with them. Don't invite people without a plan. Don't make
visitors stand around and wonder why they came.

Invite local officials, the mayor and city council, business leaders or
others who may have something to offer CAP. The more prominent members
of the community that commit to attend the event, the more newsworthy
the event will be and the more coverage you are likely to receive. To
avoid ruining your credibility with the media, ensure that the event
will be worthy of the media's time before you invite them to attend.

Make arrangements to serve refreshments. A unique cake adorned with CAP
heraldry or showing scenes from CAP's past could serve as a focal point
for the refreshments table. Other items could include coffee, punch or
cookies. If the squadron budget is tight, the members can make the
refreshments.

If you would rather have a banquet to commemorate the anniversary, the
same general rules apply. Make sure you invite the right people from the
community and make it a special event worthy of Civil Air Patrol's
anniversary. A banquet could be an opportunity to hold an awards
ceremony, impress the guests and give the honorees the credit they
deserve.

####### Proclamations by local officials

If you prepare a proclamation for your mayor or governor to sign, he or
she will most likely sign it. Public officials are approached to sign
many proclamations each year and usually do so willingly. You may have
to go through channels to see your mayor or governor in order to get the
signature, but it will be worth it. You will be creating an awareness of
CAP with that official and his or her staff.

The proclamation should pay tribute to CAP on its anniversary and should
end by proclaiming the week of Dec. 1-7 as "Civil Air Patrol Week" in
your city or state. You can invite the press to attend the signing, but
most media do not cover signings due to the number of such events. If
the media does not send someone to cover the signing, take the pictures
yourself, preferably with a digital camera, and provide the jpegs to the
newspaper as quickly as possible.

#### 

**Weekend religious recognition services**

Get your squadron chaplain involved in weekend religious recognition
services such as Civil Air Patrol Sunday. He or she can possibly enlist
other members of the clergy to participate in such events. Ask your
members who attend church services to attend on the designated Sunday
dressed in uniform and encourage the clergy to recognize the members
present and CAP's anniversary celebration. The recognition might also be
able to receive mention in the church bulletin published weekly if
enough advance notice is given. For further assistance, contact the
National Chaplain's Office at 888-211-1812, extension 341.

**Special lunches/dinners with elected officials**

This does not have to be a big event, but it should be done well. The
size and scope of this particular event could range from a banquet and
awards ceremony to an informal gathering with snacks and a slide
presentation on the squadron's activities and accomplishments. No matter
the size of the event, it is a great opportunity to acquaint important
officials with Civil Air Patrol and with the squadron.

#### Public exhibits

The purpose of a public CAP display is to increase the group's
visibility and to recruit new members. Recruiting materials such as
brochures can be ordered online at [www.cap.gov](http://www.capnhq.gov/)
by clicking on e-services to access the recruiting materials order form.

Examples of public exhibits include displays at malls, community
centers, state or regional fairs, large sporting events, school or
career fairs, etc. Keep in mind that holiday shoppers are out in force
during late November or early December, making a mall or shopping center
display a good bet for high visibility.

An exhibit booth involves members staffing the exhibit or booth, handing
out literature and answering questions about CAP. Those who staff the
exhibit should look professional in either a neatly pressed, clean
uniform or some other business casual attire with something identifying
them as CAP members such as a name badge or polo shirt.

Plan your display in advance so that it will be professional,
educational and of interest to all age groups. If time and space permit,
conduct a demonstration such as a cadet drill exercise, first aid,
mission planning or an aerospace activity such as the construction of a
rocket. Members staffing the exhibit should remain attentive to the
public while at the exhibit. If members sit and talk with each other,
they appear unapproachable, and many prospective members will most
likely walk right by without stopping.

#### 

#### Guest speaker at civic club meetings

Most local civic clubs such as Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, etc., are always
in the market for someone to conduct a free, 20-minute program for their
meetings. The commander or another well-prepared senior member should
attend these meetings in uniform and give an interesting presentation
about CAP to the group. The CAP National Headquarters Public Affairs
Office can assist you in preparing your presentation with videos
downloadable from [www.capchannel.com](http://www.capchannel.com/).

#### 

#### Anniversary page in local newspaper

Any newspaper will publish a full or half-page paid advertisement,
congratulating your squadron and Civil Air Patrol on its anniversary.
Depending on the size of the circulation, market area and ad size, such
an ad could be very expensive. You can perhaps persuade the newspaper
editor to run the ad as a public service announcement.

However, there are ways to offset this cost. One way is to sell small
ads consisting of small congratulatory messages at the bottom of the
page or a listing of the names of sponsors.

Another method is to approach a larger business or corporation in your
area or one with which the squadron has conducted business and request a
donation to cover the cost of the ad. The contributor would benefit by
receiving recognition in the newspaper, i.e. "ABC Corporation
congratulates Civil Air Patrol on XX years of humanitarian service to
the \[name of your community or city\]." The remainder of the ad would
contain information about CAP. If you decide to try the latter method,
remember the contributor could receive a tax deduction for the donation.

#### 

#### Electronic signs

Many motels, banks, car dealerships and other businesses have billboards
or electronic signs the use to place messages. Many of these businesses
would be receptive to placing a message on their sign congratulating CAP
for their years of service to the nation. Be sure to make your request
several weeks in advance so the business can place you on the schedule,
and be sure to follow up before the scheduled message placement.

#### 

#### Holiday parades or events

With Civil Air Patrol's anniversary falling in the midst of the holiday
season, another venue for promoting CAP and our anniversary might be
holiday parades, festivals, carnivals, etc. Including the CAP Honor
Guard or Color Guard in a holiday parade would get the public's
attention.

#### 

#### Sporting events

Sporting events offer many possibilities for spreading the word about
CAP's anniversary. First, if the event features an electronic
scoreboard, you could coordinate with the management to flash a "Happy
Anniversary Civil Air Patrol" message on the scoreboard during a
time-out or lull in the game. Also, you could talk to the respective
team representatives to see if the CAP Color Guard could present the
colors before the start of the game. One other opportunity at sporting
events is to get an ad or announcement placed in the printed programs
that are distributed and/or sold at sporting events.

**Regional, wing, squadron publications/Web sites**

Don't forget to promote the anniversary in regional, wing and squadron
publications, Web sites and newsletters. Include a general history of
CAP in the publications, and publicize anniversary-related events here.

#### Let your imagination take flight

This guide contains only a few suggestions for ways to celebrate Civil
Air Patrol's anniversary and, at the same time, gain positive publicity
for CAP and recruit new members. There are countless numbers of
activities you can do. Brainstorm with members of your squadron or other
squadrons in your area. If you try something unique that gets results,
let us know at CAP NHQ Public Affairs. E-mail the details of your
project to <kwright@capnhq.gov>. We would like to share your success
with others.

###### Celebrate Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary

> **Getting the word out**

####### News releases

Newspapers continue to be one of the best possible methods for getting
out the message about Civil Air Patrol, since everyone reads newspapers
at some time. When planning publicity for your anniversary observance,
try to schedule the news item to appear in the local newspaper a week or
two before the actual anniversary or the beginning of Civil Air Patrol
Week, if applicable.

The release should be a general news story which tells what CAP is, how
it began, what it does, what CAP Week is all about and what you are
planning to do to celebrate the anniversary. Be brief. Don't write a
long-winded history of the organization. Refer to the examples provided
in this guide.

In addition, you may be able to get a short news story in the newspaper
about specific events that you are planning such as CAP Sunday, a
luncheon for civic or business leaders, open house or banquet, etc.
Don't overlook release of this information to the features page editor.

If you live in a small town, getting coverage for CAP's anniversary will
be much easier, since the editor usually knows the organizations and
leaders in the community. If your area is served by a weekly newspaper,
the publicity will probably span one or two weekly editions rather than
several daily editions.

If you live in a large, metropolitan area, it is usually very difficult
for a small organization to get something in the paper (or radio or
television) unless it is truly outstanding or unusual. If you are
cooperating with other CAP squadrons for an impressive area-wide
observance, your chances of making the news will be much better. You
should have one PAO to represent all units involved.

If you are planning a large open house and/or public event involving
community leaders, you may be able to get a reporter and/or photographer
to cover the event. Become acquainted with your newspaper editor and
his/her staff. Do this in advance so they are familiar with you when the
event occurs. Whenever your squadron receives favorable press, be sure
to send a personal thank you note to the editor and/or reporter
responsible.

####### News release formats

Refer to the examples on pages 11-12 for more information about the
proper format for news releases. E-mail has become increasingly the
preferred method of receiving news releases. If you send your news
releases by e-mail, make the news release part of the body of the e-mail
message. Photos should always be included whenever possible. Make sure
the photos are saved as a jpeg file (.jpg extension) and that they were
taken and saved using high resolution.

**Public service announcements (PSAs)**

Radio stations are committed (and required by law) to deliver public
service. As a result, they put free commercials on the air in the public
service category to fulfill this obligation. They are not obligated,
however, to use your particular radio spot --- only to allocate a
certain amount of airtime to public service. Do not remind them of this
or try to tell them that they are required to use your particular radio
spot.

Hundreds of worthy institutions are constantly seeking free airtime for
themselves --- in competition with you and Civil Air Patrol. A visit by
the squadron PAO and/or commander to the station's program or public
service director may be the key to getting your message on the air.

Don't overload the station with announcements and don't expect them to
rerun your announcement endlessly. They have to spread the free airtime
around to other deserving organizations. Do not call them and ask why
they did not play your announcement.

####### Television stations

National Headquarters does not have any TV spot announcements about
CAP's anniversary. However, if you plan a noteworthy event as part of
your anniversary celebration, your local TV station might be interested
in covering it as part of their local newscast. They might show interest
in such things as a practice mission, a ground search, a communications
and first aid or cadet drill team demonstrations. These events should be
professionally executed and interesting to warrant TV coverage.

Before the event for which you have requested coverage, visit with your
TV station news director and explain who CAP is and what the occasion
is. Provide the news director with literature that explains more about
CAP such as brochures, the magazine and the CAP fact sheet. Make the
program's goals clear, and be cooperative with the reports or
newscasters.

####### Newspaper editorials

A brief editorial in your local newspaper is another good way to draw
attention to CAP and its anniversary. If the local paper staff regularly
writes its own editorials, visit the editorial editor, explain the
history and mission of CAP and request that a brief editorial be written
on CAP's anniversary. Take along background information on CAP to help
the writer be as prepared as possible.

Many small papers, however, will publish outside editorials. If you
submit a canned editorial to the editor of a small newspaper about CAP,
the chances are quite good he or she will use it.

Celebrate Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary

**Samples**

Following in the guide are some samples of news releases that you can
modify to suit the needs of your squadron. Refer to CAPR 190-1 for the
proper format of a news release.

The header on all news releases to the media should include the
following information:

-   Squadron name

-   CAP seal (black and white)

-   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

-   Point of contact (PAO or commander)

-   Contact information (phone, fax and e-mail)

A tag line is the sentence or group of sentences at the end of the news
release that explains to the reader who the organization is and what
they do. The following is a good example of a tag line that could be
used for any news release.

**Sample tag line**

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

######## [Sample Proclamation Wording]{.underline}

**PROCLAMATION**

**WHEREAS**, Civil Air Patrol was established on Dec. 1, 1941, to
supplement the U.S. military during World War II; and

**WHEREAS,** in 1948 CAP was designated as the U.S. Air Force's official
auxiliary with three missions -- emergency services, cadet programs and
aerospace education; and

**WHEREAS**, since CAP's beginning, the organization has set itself
apart during the country's most tumultuous times: Locating and sinking
enemy submarines during World War II, assisting rescuers and state
agencies immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks,
and heavily supporting hurricane relief efforts, most notably during the
2005 hurricane season; and

**WHEREAS,** CAP volunteers provided peacetime relief in 1957 when
floods swamped Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia; in 1972 during
disastrous floods in six states following Hurricane Agnes; in 1973 when
the Mississippi River and its tributaries flooded; following the
explosion of Mount St. Helens in 1980, after the California earthquakes
of 1989 and 1994, and during many other disaster relief emergencies
throughout CAP's long and illustrious history; and

**WHEREAS,** CAP further provides vital homeland security missions that
help ensure the protection of the nation's capital and the nation as a
whole by assisting Air Force pilots with target-intercept training; and

**WHEREAS**, CAP provides exceptional educational and growth
opportunities for youth through its more than 22,000-member strong Cadet
Program, which annually provides access to top national summer flight
academies and to 30 national programs emphasizing leadership and careers
in aviation, as well as flight training in powered and glider aircraft;
and

**WHEREAS**, CAP's Aerospace Education Program annually touches more
than 900 educators, more than 20,000 cadets and thousands of other
youths in classrooms across America by teaching children
multidisciplinary aviation concepts that emphasize aviation's connection
to history, math, science, government and economics:

**THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED,** That \[insert name of governmental
body or official\] hereby commends CAP for its "Missions for America"
and its outstanding cadet and aerospace programs, which annually touch
the lives and ensure the safety of thousands of American citizens; and

**NOW, THEREFORE:** I, \[NAME OF OFFICIAL\], hereby proclaim \[INSERT
DATES\] as

**CIVIL AIR PATROL WEEK** \[OR OTHER TITLE\]

In \[LOCATION\], and I encourage all citizens to join in the observance.

\[PERSON SIGNING WILL INSERT STANDARD SIGNATURE BLOCK AND SEAL HERE\]

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4104166666666667in"
height="1.4194444444444445in"}

####### Local CAP squadron to join in nationwide observance of CAP anniversary

[(City name, state abbreviation)---]{.mark} The [(Squadron name or
names)]{.mark} will join other units of the Civil Air Patrol across the
nation in observing the organization's anniversary, announced
[(commander name)]{.mark}, squadron commander.

"A number of activities have been planned for the occasion to make more
people in our community aware of Civil Air Patrol and our contributions
to this community," he/she explained,

Among the events tentatively scheduled for Civil Air Patrol Week, the
week of December 1-7, are a luncheon for the mayor and city council, an
open house and a display that will be at [(location)]{.mark} throughout
the week.

Civil Air Patrol was founded Dec. 1, 1941, by a group of aviation
enthusiasts and private pilots who wanted to donate their time and
aircraft to protect the nation's coastlines during World War II and to
perform other critical civil defense missions.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

-30-

If you use a release similar to this sample, be sure to change it to
suit the occasion. The underscored words indicate places where current
data will need to be corrected.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in" height="1.43125in"}

####### 

####### 

####### Mayor, civic officials to attend luncheon/banquet in honor of CAP anniversary

[(City name, state abbreviation) ---]{.mark} Mayor [(insert
name)]{.mark} and members of the [(insert city name)]{.mark} City
Council will be the guests of (name of hosting squadron), one of more
than 1,700 Civil Air Patrol squadrons located throughout the U.S.

The luncheon is in observance of Civil Air Patrol's anniversary. CAP was
established Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the beginning of
American involvement in World War II. CAP won recognition during that
time for its coastal patrol and other civil defense activities.

Among those expected to attend the luncheon are [(list council members
and government representatives to be present)]{.mark}. The luncheon is
part of CAP's yearlong anniversary observance.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

-30-

Note: Be sure to use the complete name of your squadron.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in" height="1.43125in"}

######### CAP members to visit local civic club

[(City name, state abbreviation) ---]{.mark} Members of the [(civic
organization name)]{.mark} will have a special opportunity (day and
date) to learn more about Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of
the U.S. Air Force, as it celebrates its anniversary on December 1.

"Members from the [(local squadron name)]{.mark} will present the
program during our weekly meeting and we are anxious to hear about this
unique organization," said [(club president name and title).]{.mark}

The [(local squadron name)]{.mark}, commanded by [(commander's
name)]{.mark}, is one of the squadrons around the country involved in
yearlong activities celebrating CAP's founding just before the start of
American involvement in World War II.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

-30-

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in" height="1.43125in"}

**Civil Air Patrol Sunday scheduled**

[(City name, State abbreviation) ---]{.mark} If you attend church
services next week, you may notice some members of the congregation in
uniform. These individuals are part of the [(Squadron name)]{.mark}
Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. They are observing the anniversary of
Civil Air Patrol, which was established Dec. 1, 1941, just before the
beginning of American involvement in World War II. Each year, CAP
observes its anniversary during the first week of December.

The [(Squadron name)]{.mark}, commanded by [(name)]{.mark}, is one of
the units around that country that performs emergency services missions,
including disaster relief, search and rescue, humanitarian and national
security activities. CAP also serves the community through aerospace
education and youth leadership training. Membership in CAP's cadet
program is open to youth aged 12 to 18, while senior membership is open
to adults 18 and older.

Civil Air Patrol Sunday is intended to emphasize CAP's moral leadership
training and is one of several events planned to commemorate CAP's
anniversary. Many clergymen across the nation are members of Civil Air
Patrol, serving as chaplains in the organization.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

-30-

Note: Again, this is intended to be a sample only. You are expected to
write your own news release to suit your own needs. Also, plan to get
your chaplain involved in this activity.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in" height="1.43125in"}

######### Civil Air Patrol squadron plans open house

[(City name)---]{.mark} The [(squadron name)]{.mark} Squadron, local
unit of the Civil Air Patrol, is hosting an open house on [(time, day,
date)]{.mark} at [(location)]{.mark}. According to [(name)]{.mark},
squadron commander, the entire community is welcome to attend and learn
more about CAP.

Members of the squadron will be present to greet visitors and explain
CAP's missions for America. CAP was established Dec. 1, 1941, and
[(squadron name)]{.mark} is celebrating Civil Air Patrol Week Dec. 1-7.
The open house is part of the anniversary observance designed to create
a greater awareness of CAP's presence and contributions in the
community.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a
nonprofit organization with more than 58,000 members nationwide. CAP
performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was
credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007. Its
volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and
counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local
agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and
serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions
for America for more than 65 years.

-30-

Note: This sample news release could be longer and could go into more
detail about CAP and its history and about your own squadron. It all
depends on how much space your newspaper is willing or able to give you.
The underlined words are places where changes need to be made.

###### 

###### Celebrate Civil Air Patrol's Anniversary

**Sample Radio Spots for Broadcast December 1-7**

**20-second spot**

THIS WEEK [(STATION CALL LETTERS)]{.mark} WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND
CONGRATULATIONS TO CIVIL AIR PATROL ON ITS ANNIVERSARY. WE SALUTE CIVIL
AIR PATROL FOR [\[INSERT NUMBER HERE\]]{.mark} YEARS OF AEROSPACE
EDUCATION, CADET PROGRAMS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. CAP -- A LEGACY OF
SERVICE... POISED FOR THE FUTURE.

**30-second spot**

WE AT [(STATION CALL LETTERS)]{.mark} PROUDLY CONGRATULATE CIVIL AIR
PATROL FOR ITS [\[INSERT NUMBER HERE\]]{.mark} ANNIVERSARY. WELL-KNOWN
FOR ITS SEARCH AND RESCUE WORK, CIVIL AIR PATROL, THE OFFICIAL AUXILIARY
OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE, SERVES THE NATION ON A MUCH BROADER SPECTRUM
THROUGH AEROSPACE EDUCATION, CADET PROGRAMS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. CAP
-- A LEGACY OF SERVICE... POISED FOR THE FUTURE.

**10-second spot**

CONGRATULATIONS TO CIVIL AIR PATROL ON ITS [\[INSERT NUMBER
HERE\]]{.mark} ANNIVERSARY. CAP VOLUNTEERS PERFORM MANY HOURS OF
EMERGENCY SERVICES MISSIONS EACH YEAR.

####### OR

CONGRATULATIONS TO CIVIL AIR PATROL ON ITS [\[INSERT NUMBER
HERE\]]{.mark} ANNIVERSARY. CAP'S CADET PROGRAM TRAINS MORE THAN 22,000
YOUTH EACH YEAR ACROSS THE NATION.

####### OR 

CONGRATULATIONS TO CIVIL AIR PATROL ON ITS [\[INSERT NUMBER
HERE\]]{.mark} ANNIVERSARY. CAP'S AEROSPACE EDUCATION PROGRAM HELPS KIDS
LEARN MATH AND SCIENCE THROUGH AVIATION.

Be sure to keep this anniversary guide in a safe place so it can be
referred to each year when your squadron is planning itsanniversary
celebration. The suggested activities can be used at any time during the
year when a special event is being planned in your squadron or wing. To
ensure Civil Air Patrol's survival and growth, community support is
vital.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.11875in" height="2.134027777777778in"}

The Anniversary Planning Guide was first published in February 1982 by
the

Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Office of Public Affairs

It has been updated, edited and revised by:

**Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters**

**Public Affairs**

**105 S. Hansell St**

**Maxwell AFB, AL 36112**

**877-227-9142 ext. 254**

Revised 2007