CAF CADETS FROM TWO UNITS MEET UP IN SAN ANTONIO

(August 6, 2021, San Antonio, TX)- Cadets from Maxine Flournoy 3rd Coast Squadron's brand -new CAF Cadet program took a field trip to meet Cadets at the "Tex" Hill Wing in San Antonio recently. The Unit revitalized their Cadet program for young CAF members, to give students an opportunity to get their hands on history and practical experience in aircraft restoration. These Cadets will restore a 1940 J-4A Cub Coupe that the CAF recently acquired. The J4-A flew with the Civil Air Patrol during World II.

In order to get some guidance, this past July five of the 3rd Coast Squadron Cadets visited the Tex Hill Wing, a CAF Unit based in San Antonio. There they met with Tex Hill Wing Unit Leader Darren Bond and other Unit Members, including several Tex Hill Wing Cadets, and toured their hangar. Darren Bond established a successful Cadet program at the Tex Hill Wing several years ago, and the centerpiece of the tour was showing the 3rd Coast Squadron Cadets their BT-13, a World War II trainer that is currently under restoration by the Tex Hill Cadets. Given the similarities in the two projects, the Cadets from both Units had the chance to learn from each other, share ideas, and have some fun as well.

Following the tour and lunch, the group went on to the airport in Castroville, Texas where they met with local aviator Lee Delavan, who is currently restoring a 1941 J-4E Cub Coup, a very similar aircraft to the 3rd Coast Squadron Cadet’s. After checking out the restoration projects, the Cadets from both Units capped off the day with a visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park.

Photos by Laurent Lagneau

To learn more about cadet programs in your area, use the Unit Locator Map to contact a CAF Unit location near you. https://commemorativeairforce.org/units