Members of the Civil Air Patrol practice emergency services mission to serve our community
by C/MSgt Katelyn Mishmash
Marion IA – Despite abnormally cold temperatures and an early first snow, members of the East Iowa Cadet Squadron (EICS) gathered at the Marion Airport for Emergency Services training. EICS members were also joined by Capt Leo Bertling, IA Wing Director of Operations, and Col Joe Casler, NCR Director of Operations.
During the morning session, EICS members participated in class room lecture and hands on activities, such as litter carry, map reading, and use of a signal mirror. After lunch, squadron members participated in a mini Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), which included two practice exercises. The exercises were developed to provide practical experience to what the members learned during the classroom lecture earlier in the day. The first exercise involved searching for a missing hiker with a personal locator beacon in Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, IA. The second exercise had members locating a missing aircraft that was believed to have crashed in Squaw Creek Park in Marion IA. The search teams successfully located both practice victims.
Thanks to Linn County for the use of their parks to assist in the training of our members. Additional thanks go to Col Casler and Capt Bertling for acting as our Incident Commanders for the training exercises.
Civil Air Patrol is an Auxiliary of the US Air Force, comprised of volunteer youth and adults. CAP serves as this country’s largest inland search and rescue organization, along with providing Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education.
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