Tanner, Ala. — The Civil Air Patrol will once again have a squadron in the Decatur/Athens area of North Alabama after the Pryor Field Composite Squadron was reactivated on Jan. 25, 2024.
In a ceremony held at Pryor Field Regional Airport, Captain Brad Bost assumed command of the squadron, which was originally chartered in 1961 but was deactivated due to the COVID-19 quarantine.
“We’re thrilled to be able to serve the Decatur/Athens area once again, whether it be through search and rescue, disaster relief, or helping to educate young people about aviation and leadership” said Captain Bost at the ceremony.
Alabama Wing Commander Colonel R. Brian Williams, who was a cadet in the Pryor Field Composite Squadron as a young man, presented the unit flag to Captain Bost during the ceremony. After being a CAP cadet, Colonel Williams went on to have a distinguished 30-year career in the US Army. Since his retirement, he has held many important leadership positions in the Civil Air Patrol. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Alabama Wing Vice Commander Lt Col Kim Miller and Alabama Wing North Group Commander Lt. Col Arnold Staton.
At the ceremony, Cadet Captain Aviela Groder became the Cadet Commander of the squadron. She’s had an impressive career in CAP, having held many staff leadership positions. Only 5 percent of cadets achieve the rank of captain.
Cadets and Senior Members from surrounding squadrons participated in the ceremony to support the newly reactivated squadron. Represented were members from the General Joe Wheeler Composite Squadron (Hartselle, Ala.), the Redstone Composite Squadron (Huntsville, Ala.) and the Mountain Lakes Composite Squadron (Guntersville, Ala.).
The population growth in the Tennessee Valley gives the Civil Air Patrol confidence there will be sufficient interest in volunteers for the squadron to be successful again in the Decatur/Athens area. Captain Bost has already reported an outpouring of interest in senior members who want to join the program, not only to support the aviation operations, but also provide mentorship for the cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and has 3 primary missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services. Cadets who volunteer for the program learn about aviation, character development, leadership, and search and rescue. They have many opportunities to fly as well as participate in STEM competitions. Cadets range in age from 12 to 21, and senior members must be 18 years of age or older.
If you’re interested in being a part of the Pryor Field Composite Squadron, please email Captain Bost atBrad.Bost@Ala.WG.US for more information.