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Gastonia Squadron Open House

Major John May returns to Gastonia airport
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Major John May returns to Gastonia airport after observation flight. Photo credit: Sue Beutler (click image to view full size)
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A Day to Learn About CAP

By 2Lt. Derk R. Beutler, CAP
PAO, Gastonia Composite Squadron,

5/2/2015–Gastonia, NC– A bright morning sky saw the arrival in Gastonia of CAP aircraft with pilots Major John May from the Charlotte Senior Squadron and and Lt. Col. Harry Fiedler from the Asheville Composite Squadron. Cadets began to arrive at 0700 to set up a recruiting station, communications display and a flight simulator. 

The first groups of Cadets took to the skies for their initial observation flights – six Cadets in all. In the afternoon Cadets on their second round of observation flights took off – five Cadets in all. On the ground Lt. Col. Jerry Oxendine gave Cadets, and guests as well, rides around the airport grounds in his 1951 Willys Jeep, demonstrating the versatility of the vehicle. 

Second Lt. Laura Martin, an EMT and the squadron Health Services Officer, talked with Cadets about basic first aid, displayed some of the tools of her trade, and made sure everyone was properly protected from sunburn. 

One of the highlights of the day was adventures on the flight simulator. Hopefully they do better in real aircraft! Guests were welcomed, provided with information about Civil Air Patrol, and invited to attend Monday’s meeting. 

At the end of the day, twelve Cadets and six Senior Members participated in making the day a success. The observation flights enjoyed blue skies, the Cadets enjoyed spending time together, and some new CAP friends were made.