8th Grader at JCSD Participates in Civil Air Patrol

Janesville CSD 8th grader, Jason Westendorf, has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for about 2 years. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations.

Jason joined the Civil Air Patrol with the intention of just getting his pilot license. Being a Cadet in CAP, he has now decided that he may want to join a branch of the military after high school. He has learned about aviation, ground search and rescue, and air search and rescue. CAP cadets are trained to help in case of natural disasters or searches.

Some of the benefits of being in the Civil Air Patrol include: flying a plane, glider, or hot air balloon. They learn discipline, how to do drill exercises, and how to stand in formation. Each cadet gets personal training and receives several benefits.

A few of Jason’s favorite things include glider flights, orientation flights, encampment, ranking up, making new friends, and joining Color Guard, which marched in the Janesville Days Parade this summer.

Anyone (12 years or older) interested in learning more about Civil Air Patrol can attend an open house on October 30, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Livingston Hanger in Waterloo.