TRIANGLE, Va. — Civil Air Patrol’s Middle East Region recently held its 2008 Ground Search and Rescue Institute (GSAR) at Prince William Forest Park. The school covered topics such as lost-person behavior, wilderness survival and aircraft crash site procedures.

As the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project continues, drivers can expect major delays and road closures throughout the southern half of the Capital Beltway.  Keep up to date with what exits will close or when Interstate 495 will be reduced to one lane by clicking here. Don't let yourself get stuck in traffic!

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — The National Capital Wing of the Civil Air Patrol conducted a training mission April 26 to search for a simulated missing aircraft. More than 50 cadets and officers from the wing participated in the search, which included three CAP aircraft and two search and rescue teams on the ground.

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. — Civil Air Patrol’s National Capital Wing held its annual awards banquet March 15 in the Capital Ballroom to recognize its volunteer member’s dedication and sense of duty. The banquet was hosted by the Arlington Composite Squadron.

Hawk Mountain Ranger School has a proud history of providing outstanding SAR and emergency services training. The 2008 school is being held July 12-20. It's conducted in the mountains of Pennsylvania under mission field conditions and is very physically demanding. Curriculum includes, but not limited to navigation, search techniques and equipment, communication skills, woodsmanship, campsite selection and equipment, first aid, patient evacuation, specialized equipment, health and nutrition, and survival skills. In addition to the practical skills, leadership and character development are also emphasized.

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The numbered air force responsible for ensuring the air defense of the continental United States has also been supporting civilian and military authorities working to provide relief from the recent floods in the United States.

FAIRFAX, Va. — Civil Air Patrol’s Fairfax Composite Squadron hosted the 2008 National Capital Wing annual conference at the Fairfax County Government Center March 15. The agenda was designed to accommodate the interests of cadets, officers and parents, which was attended by 70 people, including 20 cadets and eight non-members.

Cadet Cols. Abby Pasinski, left, and Duane McKinley, right,  place a wreath Feb. 24 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as two sentinels, far left, supervise. Pasinski and McKinley are two of 24 cadets visiting Washington for Civil Air Patrol's Civic Leadership Academy. Click here to view the full story. Photo by Curt LaFond

Col. Jane Davies, wing commander, and Cadet Jake Dang, guidon bearer, stand in front of the assembled Arlington Composite Squadron. On the right, Capt. Stuart Backer and 1st Lt. Mary Sherrer prepare to exchange the squadron’s guidon during a change of command ceremony Jan 30.

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol is a 501(3)c non-profit corporation. Volunteer members may deduct certain expenses from their income taxes.