By Peggy Howe| April 2004
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Cadet and Education Programs
- 3: First in Flight
- 4: My Time With the Civil Air Patrol
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My Time With the Civil Air Patrol
While a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol for some years, I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse opportunities offered by CAP’s local, state, national and even international programs. Among the highlights was IACE — the International Air Cadet Exchange — an annual summer program that acquaints CAP senior members and cadets from the U.S. with air cadet programs in other countries. Cadets from other countries also visit the United States programs. Begun in 1947, IACE now includes exchange programs in all parts of the free world.
Along with Capt. Gaye Findlay, a senior officer from Canada, my assignment was to lead 18 air cadets, approximately 17-18 years old, on a two-week tour of eastern Canada. Our group included girls from England, Ireland, Wales, France, Sweden and Holland.
Throughout the tour, we were guests of senior squadrons in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and the Niagara Falls area. Canadian senior and cadet members escorted our cadets as we toured military installations, government complexes and historic sites, and we enjoyed sightseeing and entertainment outings.
Since many of the visitors already were student pilots, activities included brief flights in varied airplanes as well as gliders.
A special treat in Toronto was observing the daily “tattoo,” an elaborate musical presentation with drums, bugles and uniformed soldiers marching on parade grounds in front of government buildings.
For some, the IACE experience led to further careers. Some cadets and escorts formed long-lasting friendships, including me. One of our group, with her husband, attended the recent First Flight Centennial at Kitty Hawk and spent Christmas 2003 with us in Raleigh.
Former Civil Air Patrol member and flier Peggy Howe is a writer in Raleigh.
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