TAK Composite Squadron is a member of the Western New York Group, New York Wing, and North East Region.

Civil Air Patrol specializes in teaching young adults from age 12 and up in areas such as Aerospace Education, Leadership and Search and Rescue.

Our Cadet program is for 12-21 years of age and the adult program is from 18-Up years of age.

Our Squadron meets every Friday night from 7:00PM - 10:00PM except on Holidays.

“A Little Light in the Darkness”

 

On 19 May 10, 12 TAK Composite Squadron Cadets and 4 Seniors were treated to a flight they will never forget.  The Cadets and Seniors joined up with members of the Air Force’s 914^th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (914th AES) at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.  Prior to boarding the C-130 Transport Aircraft for the 2 ½ hour trip, they were briefed on Safety and emergency procedures, as well as the purpose of the mission.

 

Onboard, members of the AES performed various medical procedures in preparation for their solemn duty of treating and transporting the wounded from battlefields overseas.  C/CMSgt Dylan Ekes-Erckert acted as if he was injured and was “treated” for broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries.  The Cadets were able to ask questions to the medical personnel as their teammate was strapped to gurneys, evaluated, and treated.  Cadets were allowed to try on the inter-plane headsets as well as the emergency oxygen masks that the crew uses.

   

In groups of two, Cadets were rotated into the cockpit to observe the pilots performing their tasks.  The skies were clear as we flew at 250 Knots and 8,000’.  We took in spectacular views of Rochester, Syracuse, Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls, and the Niagara River.  They observed the pilots and crew as we flew East to Albany, then West over Grand Island, The Falls, and into Canada before we touched down at 2150.   

 

It was a terrific evening as the Cadets were free to move about the plane, and interact with members of the 914^th.   We are most appreciative to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and members of the 914^th for allowing us to go with them on this training mission and for giving us a small taste of the importance of their duties.

 

Translated from Latin to English, the Motto of the AES is, “A little light in the darkness.”    Pondering those words as the C-130 screeched to a halt on the runway; I could only imagine the comfort the sight of this plane would give a wounded soldier as he is readied to leave a war zone.

 

  Lastly, as members of the Air Force Auxiliary, we should always remember and be sincerely thankful to all the brave men and women who make up all branches of the military.

New York Wing Encampment

This years NY Wing Encampment will be taking place the week of July 31st - August 7th.

First Time cadet Applications will be taken up to 5 June 2010 and will be based on their Grade/rank as of 5 June.

If you feel you may need financial help you may go to the following link: NYW Encampment Financial Aid.

If you are a cadet and wish to apply for staff, the new deadline date is 1 May 2010.

For more details and for Encampment forms please visit the NYW Encampment website found at:  http://www.nywgcadets.org/enc2010/