About
About CAP
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.
Mission Statement
Supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power.
Vision Statement
Civil Air Patrol, America's Air Force auxiliary, building the nation's finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.
Core Values
Integrity, Volunteerism, Excellence and Respect.
What We Do
Civil Air Patrol is America’s premier public service organization for carrying out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. As the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP’s vigilant citizen volunteers are there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
“Supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development, and promotion of air, space and cyber power.”
Emergency Services
Always prepared, both in the air and on the ground, members of the Civil Air Patrol perform emergency services for state and local agencies as well as the federal government as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and for states/local communities as a nonprofit organization. Ever vigilant, these true patriots make a difference in their communities, not only to assist in times of disaster but also to search for the lost and protect the homeland.
Aerospace Education
Civil Air Patrol’s awarding-winning aerospace education program promotes aerospace, aviation and STEM-related careers with engaging, standards-based, hands-on curriculum and activities. It shapes the experiences and aspirations of youth both in and outside of CAP’s cadet program.
Cadet Programs
Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.
Our Squadron
The Victoria Composite Squadron was established in 1982 and has proudly served the community since. Our squadron has a dedicated patch, which represents many elements unique to us. Below is our patch as well as the formal description.
Description of the Victoria Composite Squadron’s emblem
On a disc with a thin gold border, the shield is partitioned on the top third in blue, and the bottom two thirds partitioned vertically in white and red, the colors of the Texas State Flag, in proper order of display on a wall. Centered on the shield, there is a 3-bladed propeller in gold. Centered under the propeller, the year 1824 (when the City of Victoria was chartered). On the white partition, cradled by the propeller, the shield of Group V, and on the red partition, cradled by the propeller, the shield of Texas Wing. At the bottom of the shield, arranged peripherally, the flags that have flown over the City of Victoria, and they are: Kingdom of Spain (1519-1685 and 1690-1821), Kingdom of France (1885-1690), Republic of Mexico (1821-1836), Republic of Texas (1836-1845), Republic of the Rio Grande (briefly in 1840, when Victoria was its provisional capital), Confederate States of America (1861-1865), and United States of America (1865-present), each one depicted in the version first flown over the City of Victoria. Surrounding the shield, there is a wide band in the same blue as the canton of the Texas Flag, with a thin gold border. Inside the band, across the top, the words VICTORIA COMPOSITE SQUADRON, and written at the bottom the motto VICTORIA IN AER QUOD SOLUM (Victory in the Air as in the Ground) all in gold. The squadron’s name and the motto are separated by two gold stars, denoting that the City of Victoria is the second oldest chartered population center in Texas.The three-bladed propeller represents the service of Foster Field in Victoria in three wars from 1941 through 1958.
Conceived and acquired by Bob Brecount, Major, CAP (ret.).
