Medic helps youngsters get squared away

MAT-SU — With the largest private fleet of single-engine aircraft in the world, the Civil Air Patrol is one group of very watchful neighbors.

Founded in 1941 by civilians flying patrols looking for German U-boat submarines, the CAP now does 90 percent of the domestic inland search missions in the nation, Valley squadron commander Keith Hinther said.

“We are much cheaper,” Hinther said. “We cost about $70 an hour instead of the $700 an hour for the Air Force.”

In addition to search missions, the CAP runs reconnaissance along the U.S.-Mexico boarder using infrared cameras attached underneath the planes and aerial surveys of disaster zones.

“More locally, we did reconnaissance for the state during the floods last year,” Hinther said. “We helped determine who needed what aid faster.”

The squadron Hinther commands, the 73rd Mat-Su Minuteman, focuses on the third prong of the CAP’s mission: aerospace education.

Hinther, an Air Force medic for the past 22 years, joined the CAP when his son expressed interest in joining the group. Now he runs the program at the Palmer Airport for youth ages 12 to 21.

Hinther said the program focuses on four main areas. Cadets learn about leadership, aerospace, fitness as a lifestyle and character development. The program also introduces the students to a military-style organization.

“How to get into formation, how to wear a uniform right, taking pride in looking good,” Hinther said. “It teaches them what it’s like to be a member of the group acting for the common good.”

While the classes don’t actually teach students how to fly, they are taken up in the air as soon as possible, he said. During their time in CAP, cadets will get to take five flights in a powered plane and five flights in a motorless glider. The CAP can also sponsor students who want to pursue a pilot’s license in addition to providing scholarships for college.

Jennifer Coisman joined the CAP as a cadet when she was a freshman in high school. Now a junior, she is the cadet commander for the Mat-Su Minuteman.

In addition to another credential for her admissions resume, Coisman has had the opportunity to go to Ohio on a national drill competition and Washington, D.C., for a civic leadership academy. She has also attended three encampments — a type of CAP retreat.

“I’ve learned a lot about leadership and working with people,” Coisman said.

Looking forward, she said she will continue with CAP as a cadet for as long as she can. She plans to head to the military once eligible, but that decision wasn’t necessarily influenced by CAP.

Hinther backed that up, saying the CAP does not try to get cadets to join the military. Also, adult volunteers do not have to be pilots to join the CAP.

“There are many routes you can take into Civil Air Patrol,” he said. “Just locate a squadron near you or go to www.gocivilairpatrol.com.”

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.