December 1st is the United States Civil Air Patrol’s birthday, formed during World War II in 1936. The agency served as the official volunteer civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. It consists of cadets, ages 12 to 20 years old, and senior members who are eighteen and older. To date, the Civil Air Patrol is America’s premier public service organization for conducting emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.