Homestead Air Reserve Base Civil Air Patrol, Reservists, help with Young Eagles event

  • Published
  • By Ian Carrier
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD, Fl. --  Members of the 279th Civil Air Patrol and the 482nd Fighter Wing, both from Homestead Air Reserve Base, took part in a Young Eagles event at Homestead General Aviation Airport, Sep 25.

Young Eagles is a program created by the US Experimental Aircraft Association. Its purpose is to give children between the ages of 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane while educating children about aviation. This program is offered free of charge with donations and volunteers.

During the day's event, several youths from the local area were given flights in privately owned aircraft, flown by volunteers. Young Eagles flights take place every month or two, according to Yale Mosk, president of the Miami EAA chapter. These non-profit events give the children of such organizations as the Sacred Heart Outreach Center opportunities that may have otherwise be closed to them.

"Lots of (Young Eagle) kids go on to careers in aviation," said Mr. Mosk. "Many have flown in the military."

The program has gotten a lot of high-profile support. Last year's Vice Chairman was actor Harrison Ford. This year it is Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who rose to fame when he successfully ditched US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River off Manhattan, New York City, on January 15, 2009.

The 279th C.A.P was in attendance to help out. Junior members of the unit were instructed on crowd control and aircraft marshalling. Adult and junior members also interacted with Young Eagle children. Both organizations have similar goals, so integrating the two for the day was something event organizers hope to continue in the future. Cadets from the 319th and 286th Squadrons were also in attendance.

"We are here to assist with the event," said 279th C.A.P Acting Commander 1st Lt. Timothy Hamilton. "Events like this also help with recruiting. It is good for us to get out in public and generate awareness for our program. We are trying to increase the number of events we take part in. Right now we have a good batch of Senior Leaders, Cadets and parents."

1st Lt. Hamilton is also a Master Sgt. in the 482nd FW. Many current and former members of the military take part as Senior Members of the C.A.P., which is the civilian auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force.