WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema hosted a meeting with the Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to hear an update on their services on behalf of Arizona communities.
“The Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol works hard to support Arizona communities, promote public service and safety, shape young leaders, and save lives. I’m thankful for their service to our state,” said Sinema.
Sinema was instrumental in securing increased appropriations for CAP in last year’s annual bipartisan budget legislation, including a $20 million increase in their Operations and Maintenance Budget.
Each year, members of the Arizona Wing of CAP conduct a fly-in to Washington, D.C. to provide members of the Arizona delegation with an update on their service to Arizona communities. During the meeting, Sinema asked members of the Arizona Wing what their priorities were and how they can work together to ensure their needs are met.
The Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit corporation. CAP operates as an auxiliary to the Air Force and performs three primary services: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. The Cadet Programs target ages 12-20 and educates youth in leadership, aerospace, fitness and character development. CAP also educates the community about STEM aerospace through conferences and workshops nationwide. Finally, CAP conducts search and rescue as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. They have more than 5,300 aircrew members and over 33,000 emergency responders trained to FEMA standards.
The Arizona Wing has more than 1,100 youth and adult members. Last year they organized several COVID-19 related blood drives, food delivery for those in quarantine, and transportation for the Arizona National Guard medical team members. They have also helped transport COVID test samples from test sites to labs for processing.
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