Something bigger than yourself starts at Wautoma Airport

What if the skills, experience and interests of people in the Waushara County area could be brought together in service to something larger than themselves?

That is the opportunity behind an effort to establish a new Civil Air Patrol unit at Wautoma Municipal Airport (Y50). An informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the airport's FBO. Everyone is welcome. Come with questions, learn what is possible and help explore what a local unit could become. No commitment is required.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a volunteer organization serving communities across the country. Its three missions are emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs.

A local unit could bring together people with a wide range of interests and abilities, including aviation, emergency communications, search and rescue support, small unmanned aircraft systems (drones), logistics, leadership and education. You do not have to be a pilot or have previous military or emergency-services experience to participate.

"You don't have to be a pilot or an emergency-services professional to make a difference," said Capt. George Lampere, who is organizing the effort. "CAP provides an opportunity to learn new skills, work with others and use what you already know to serve our community."

Through training and qualification, CAP members support emergency-management and public-safety agencies when requested. Their work can include assisting with search and rescue, disaster response, communications and other mission support. Members also have opportunities to share the excitement of aviation and aerospace with young people and help develop leadership, character and teamwork through cadet programs.

The proposed Wautoma unit would be developed in coordination with Wisconsin Wing leadership, with the goal of building a capable, dependable team of local volunteers. The effort starts with people who are willing to learn, contribute and work together.

"Building something important often starts with a few people who are willing to step forward," Lampere said. "This meeting is an opportunity to explore what we could accomplish together, right here in our community."

Whether you have aviation experience, technical skills, communications experience, an interest in emergency services or simply a desire to serve, you are invited to learn more.

For information about Civil Air Patrol, visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com. To learn more about the proposed Wautoma unit or the Oct. 1 meeting, email Capt. George Lampere at george.lampere@wicap.us.