HEADQUARTERS CIVIL AIR PATROL BOWIE COMPOSITE SQUADRON UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY BOWIE, MD 20715

Cadet Recruit,

      Welcome to the Bowie Composite Squadron, home of the legendary “Aces of Hearts”. You have taken the first step in becoming a member of an elite organization such as this. Within our organization we are constantly looking outside for highly motivated and highly dedicated individuals like you in hopes that you too will continue in our traditions of selfless service, aviation, and becoming better citizens of our nation. The Civil Air Patrol allows for this to take place. Like other youth organizations, we excel in community service, learning, and fun! However, unlike those groups, CAP is heavily involved in U.S. Homeland Security, humanitarian missions, citizenship, and educating our youth on the importance of air and space power. What all this means to you is that you will have the opportunity to get hands on training and real-life experiences in emergency situations, building leadership qualities, volunteering, getting up close and personal with the men and women of our esteemed armed forces, and so much more.

      Within this packet of information you have received, you will discover a little bit more of what the Civil Air Patrol is about. You will also learn what is expected of a cadet (you) within this distinguished unit. Please take the time to share all of this information with your parent[s]/guardian[s] as they will be playing an important role in your CAP career.

      During your first few meetings, you will interact with many different cadets and senior members of different ranks. Some of these members may be younger or older than you! Nevertheless, they have been in this program for a while and have a lot of information and experiences to share with you. During this time you will also be introduced to your mentor. Be open-minded and listen to their instruction.

      We can assure you that you will not get this sort of experience anywhere else other than the Civil Air Patrol. Here you will be offered everything, however you are promised nothing. This means that your involvement is entirely what you make of it. We wish you the best and hope you get as much out of the Civil Air Patrol as we have.

Respectfully,

/signed/

Captain James Holderbaum
Leadership Officer
The Bowie Composite Squadron
“The Aces of Hearts”

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