By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
Most 14-year-olds are dreaming at what type of car they want to drive when they receive their driver’s license. Not Gracie Haupert, she already has big plans for her future and they involve flying – perhaps a jet. “Instead of fantasizing about what type of car, I fantasize about what type of plane I want to fly,” she explained. Haupert joined the Civil Air Patrol last spring and already has set sights on joining the Air Force Academy in Colorado once she graduates from high school. CAP kind of gives a potential candidate a step-up towards the academy as only two individuals from each state are selected to join the academy. Even if Haupert isn’t selected for the academy, she plans to enlist in the Air Force upon graduation.
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on December 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service mission when needed — in the air and on the ground.
Minnesota is one of 52 Wings (50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.) of the Civil Air Patrol and helps fulfill the CAP’s core missions in aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.
Most squadrons in MNWG include cadets (as either a composite squadron or a cadet squadron). Haupert is part of the Worthington Composite Squadron MN-113. Any student 12-18 years of age may join CAP. The group of seven students meets every Tuesday night under the direction of 1st Lt. Randy Reum, Commander, MN113. Zane Schuur, Chandler, is another member of the group along with Blake Madison of Adrian. She recently helped guide her best friend, Grace Williams, towards the group and she also has enlisted.
During their meetings, the discussion revolves around safety and learning formations. Their most recent project working on a hydraulics STEM kit. As a member of the group, each student can work their way up the ranks. Currently, Haupert is listed as Cadet Basic Airman but is finishing up the requirements to move up to the next rank to Cadet First Class Airman. One of the requirements is passing a leadership along with a physical agility test. The requirements also require attending six meetings and learn the Cadet Oath. Each rank has different requirements.
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