The Lebanon Composite Squadron is a proud member of Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. Since its formation in 1952, the squadron has been a place for people young and old to come together to learn and perform valuable missions for America.
Open House
Monday, 9 November 2009 - Lebanon, NH — We held a great fall open house tonight with special guest former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop. In addition to our presentation on the squadron and Civil Air Patrol we had three cadets received their Mitchell awards. James Bassette, Christian Brechbuhl, and Harry Linowski all received promotion to c/2Lt.
From left, c/2Lt Linowski, c/2Lt. Bassette, Vice Admiral (Ret) C. Everrett Koop, c/2Lt. Brechbuhl
c/2Lt. Gregory Williams also passed the cadet commander baton on to newly minted c/2Lt. Bassette in a change of command ceremony immediately following the awards.
Congratulations to all and we hope to see a number of new cadets starting in Tango flight on Monday, 23 November.
Mitchell at Wing Conference
Saturday, 12 September 2009 - Manchester, NH — During the awards ceremony at the annual NH Wing Conference this morning, our own cadet Noah Johnson received his Mitchell award and promotion to c/2Lt.
c/2Lt Johnson (left cadet) with Northeast region commander Col. Hayden and NH Wing commander Col. Davidson after receiving his Mitchell award at wing conference.
Trip to West Point and Old Rhinebeck
c/CMSgt James Bassette
1-2 August 2009 - West Point and Rhinebeck, NY — It was early in the month of August and all too early for cognizance as 6 cadets and 3 senior members groggily packed and repacked the squadron van one Saturday morning. With a 4 hour trip to West Point ahead of them however, there was good reason for the prompt commencement. A snapshot 4 ½ hours later found everyone busily unpacking camping supplies and setting up tents on Constitution Island which was generously proffered by West Point and organized by Maj. Aram Donigian.
Once organized, the campers drove over to the United States Military Academy at West Point. There, they were greeted by Maj. Donigian who led the cadets on an in-depth exhibition of the campus. From a birds eye view at Fort Putnam, he pointed out all the major landmarks on campus. While there, they were fortunate enough to interview a squad of new cadets and watch them perform training in combat simulations. The CAP members then went on to visit the cemetery and the West Point chapel. Later, the cadets had the opportunity to visit with 4th year cadets and learn about the academy from the leadership perspective. For supper, they ate in the West Point mess hall. Their day concluded on Constitution Island as everyone watched the sun set. After an entertaining evening full of conversation and marshmallow-smores, everyone went to bed satisfied and prepared for the trip to Old Rhinebeck in the morning.
The view from Fort Putnam over the chapel and Hudson River
Waking up early, breakfast was made and devoured, the van was repacked, and showers were taken back at West Point (thanks to the hospitality of Maj. Donigian). The trip to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome was successfully concluded in less than two hours. Due to rain, the air-show was aborted. However, the cadets/seniors managed to complete a fascinating tour of the historic airplanes during the drizzle. Once satisfied, they began the long trip back to Lebanon. The excursion ended with their arrival back at the Lebanon Airport too tired for cognizance as they unpacked and disbanded back to their homes.
Old Rhinebeck is still fun in the rain
Tango Flight Graduates
Monday, 1 June 2009 - Lebanon, NH — All four members of Tango flight completed their basic training tonight. Graduating were Butler, Fernandez, Kahn, and Linowski. They each receive promotion to c/Amn and their Curry award.
Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, 24 May 2009 - Norwich, VT — The rain was steadily falling as the parade assembled outside the American Legion post on Beaver Meadow Road. The word was we were marching despite the rain unless there was lightening but not a disgruntled word was heard. The Lebanon Squadron color guard lead by c/1Lt Sorenson took position behind the disabled veterans vehicle and splashed off toward the green at noon.
The color guard leads the Norwich Memorial Day parade
By the first stop at the bridge over Blood Brook, the rain had begun to ease and the spectators emerged from their hiding places. By the end of the parade the sky was divided sharply with the rain clouds to the south and clear blue sky to the north. With their official duties complete, the color guard joined the crowd on the green for a well earned hot dog.
Thanks to all who participated in this parade as well as those who posted the colors at the Hanover high school on Friday and marched in the Lebanon parade on Monday. If you missed us, we'll be in the Woodstock alumni day parade on Saturday, 13 June.
Squadron Sees Saturn V Launch
Saturday, 25 April 2009 - MD — In the dark hours on the morning of 22 April, long before most of the vacationing youth in the Upper Valley had arisen, a full van of cadets and seniors from the squadron set out on the long drive to Maryland. They were off to see a historic rocket launch, the Red Glare 1:10 scale Saturn V. Before the Saturday launch, they had the chance to visit the Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport and the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. They also had plenty of exercise in their full day on the National Mall viewing the many memorial sites and museums.
Look For Us On Facebook
The Lebanon Composite Squadron now has a Facebook group: Lebanon CAP. Current members and cadets' families are encouraged to join as we'll use this group to facilitate tracking RSVPs for events as well as a way to share photos and discussions. If you are not a squadron member, please feel free to browse the group postings there to see what we're up to.