RAPID CITY, SD – Marking over six decades of service, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in South Dakota will hold its annual conference April 9 near Keystone, S.D, where its historical contributions as well as its contemporary role in military support services is recognized.
“This annual event brings together members from across the state for a wide range of seminars and workshops about CAP’s operational missions, our youth program, aerospace education, and organizational management,” said Col. Michael Marek, CAP’s South Dakota Wing commander. “Meeting in person this year is a great way to invigorate our service to the state.”
This year’s conference recognizes 65 years since the wing was chartered as part of the post-war transition of Civil Air Patrol to a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. As part of USAF support civil authorities to save lives, CAP is assigned operational missions that relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance. CAP also develops young leaders through its cadet program and promotes aerospace education. South Dakota Wing was active during World War II.
“We want to recognize Ridco, Inc., which operates Riddles Jewelry locations across the region, and Brig. Gen. Ron Mielke (USAF ret.) for their charitable support of this conference,” said Lt. Col. Craig Goodrich, South Dakota Wing vice commander and conference chair. “We thank them for supporting the important services CAP provides to local communities, state, tribal and federal agencies.”
CAP has close to 400 members in South Dakota with units based in Brookings, Custer, Miller/Faulkton, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea. The wing can deploy its six aircraft, multiple ground teams and small search drones to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.
