Brownfield ISD has several options for education for its students. A new one came this school year (2023-2024), which is the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The CAP is used to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster, and work to keep the homeland safe. There are more than 64,000 members who devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
After much studying and learning the first semester, the cadets finally got to do something they never have before. The excitement of flight has struck the Brownfield Middle School Civil Air Patrol cadets! On Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, eleven sixth and seventh graders had the opportunity to fly in a Cessna 172 over the South Plains of Texas. A major part of the curriculum for these cadets in the classroom setting is aerospace education and STEM, and they have just completed their first unit on an introduction to flight. Each cadet is allowed five front-seat flights in Civil Air Patrol-owned aircraft with funding provided by the US Air Force.
Not only were they able to go aloft, but they were able to take control of the aircraft and experience for themselves how a plane moves through the air. Of course, they were accompanied by highly trained and experienced pilots from the Lubbock Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Major Robert Hogan, Captain Clayton Womack, Lt Colonel Ed Loskill, and Captain Jarrett Steiwig, who graciously gave of their time and effort to make two aircraft and four pilots available for our hometown cadets. Coordination for the event was made possible by the Brownfield School District Cadet Squadron Commander, Major John Milligan.
As the program grows and expands for these cadets, they will learn more about flying, emergency services, leadership, military customs and courtesies, fitness, and more while proudly wearing the Air Force uniform, earning rank and ribbons, and providing community service to Brownfield ISD and the community.
