Goldsboro Composite Squadron Commander Speaks with Local Kiwanis Club

By: 1st Lt. Catherine Bird, CAP

Commander, Goldsboro Composite Squadron

Members of the local Goldsboro Sunrise Kiwanis Club recently learned that Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for leadership, service and personal growth for more than just its youngest members. During a presentation to more than 10 Kiwanis members, Goldsboro Composite Squadron Commander 1st Lt Catherine Bird introduced the group to CAP’s Cadet and Senior Member programs and the many ways members can serve their communities. Among those attending was Lt. Col. Mark Chenier, a Kiwanis Club member who also serves as Goldsboro Composite Squadron’s Aerospace Education Officer. While CAP’s Cadet Program is well known for developing leadership skills in youth ages 12 to 18, 1st Lt Bird emphasized that adults who volunteer as senior members are also continually challenged to learn new skills and grow as leaders.

Senior members enter Civil Air Patrol with different backgrounds, experiences and comfort levels, and they do not have to arrive as experienced leaders. Through CAP, adults have opportunities to lead programs, teach classes, mentor cadets, manage projects, participate in emergency services, support aerospace education, and represent CAP within their communities. Each new responsibility can challenge members to step a little farther outside their comfort zones. The same organization that teaches a cadet how to lead a formation, give a briefing, or take responsibility for a team can also give an adult the opportunity to develop confidence in areas they may have once avoided.

For 1st Lt. Bird, speaking before the Kiwanis Club demonstrated that growth firsthand. When she first joined Civil Air Patrol over six years ago, standing in front of a group and speaking publicly was something she was uncomfortable doing and often tried to avoid. As her responsibilities within CAP grew, so did the opportunities to challenge herself by conducting open houses for prospective cadets, leading meetings, communicating with members, giving briefings, and representing her squadron in her everyday life. Standing before a room of community members to talk about Civil Air Patrol was another step outside that comfort zone. Her experience serves as a reminder that CAP does not simply develop the leaders of tomorrow through its Cadet Program; it also provides opportunities for the adults serving beside them to continue developing as leaders themselves.

For More Information:

1st Lt. Catherine Bird, CAP

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