Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is honoring the United States Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as the organization approaches its 80th anniversary this year on Dec. 1, highlighting the important role its members have played in preserving peace and safety in the nation since its founding in 1941.

The CAP consists of volunteer members aged 12 to 21 who serve as cadets, as well as a large body of adult volunteers known as senior members. Earlier this year, Hawley joined other members of the Assembly and Senate in passing a resolution honoring the service’s 80th birthday. Hawley is himself an Honorary Major within the New York Wing’s Legislative Squadron in the CAP.

“For nearly a century now, the CAP has stood ready to protect Americans when facing threats to our safety, both from nature and hostile actors. Whether gathering intelligence on our adversaries or delivering vital supplies to a disaster zone, our CAP volunteers have played a key role in maintaining our national security,” said Hawley.

Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, less than one week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Civilian Air Patrol played a critical role in the Second World War as members conducted air patrols, anti-U-Boat operations, and performed other vital duties.

On May 26, 1948, Congress designated the CAP as the official Air Force Auxiliary with three primary missions: emergency missions, cadet programs and aerospace education. Since receiving this designation, the CAP has been instrumental in maintaining the security of America’s shorelines. CAP volunteers are among the first on the scene in times of disaster, providing aerial photography and assisting in damage assessment while also distributing critical supplies and equipment to people in need on the ground.

“Our Civil Air Patrol is an all-volunteer force for good that anyone can become involved with,” said Hawley. “So I encourage anybody interested in becoming a part of something bigger than themselves to reach out to their local CAP squadron to learn how to join!”