Nashua Composite Squadron News
Winter Command Council
Washington DC - On February 27, 2026 C/Col Talia Batherwich participated in an in-person meeting with the National Cadet Advisory Council, representing cadets from across the Northeast Region.
During the Winter Command Council and Winter CSAG, she had the opportunity to speak with both region and national commanders about an idea focused on strengthening leadership within the cadet program: the development of a Cadet Commander Course. This proposed course would help better prepare cadets stepping into squadron command positions by giving them additional tools, guidance, and leadership training before taking on the role.
It was an incredible opportunity to help bring the voices of cadets from across the region to the national level and contribute ideas aimed at improving the future of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
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Cadet Change of Command Ceremony
On February 19, 2026 The Nashua Composite Squadron (NER-NH-016) held a meaningful Change of Command Ceremony, marking a transition in cadet leadership and celebrating the service of two outstanding cadets.
During the ceremony, C/Col Batherwich formally relinquished command after a successful term as Cadet Commander. Throughout her tenure, C/Col Batherwich demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to developing the cadets of the squadron. Her efforts helped strengthen the unit and foster a culture of mentorship, professionalism, and service. Following the transfer of command, C/Capt Mandera officially assumed the role of Cadet Commander. With a strong foundation of leadership experience and a commitment to continuing the squadron’s growth, C/Capt Mandera now leads the next chapter for the Nashua Composite Squadron.
The New Hampshire Wing congratulates both cadets on this important milestone, thanking C/Col Batherwich for her outstanding leadership and wishing C/Capt Mandera great success as she takes command.
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USAF Airmen of Note - Greater Nashua Squadron
On Monday, November 17th, our cadets proudly presented the Colors for the United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note performance. This incredible jazz ensemble represents the highest level of musical excellence in the Air Force, and our cadets were honored to support the event.
Outstanding job to the Color Guard for their professionalism and sharp representation of Civil Air Patrol and the Greater Nashua community!
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Veterans Day 2025
November 11, 2025
Honoring Our Veterans Across New Hampshire Greater Nashua Composite Squadron & Manchester Composite Squadron teamed up at the Nashua Veterans Day Parade, showing support for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and all who have served.
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We were honored to welcome Colonel Raymond E. Lyon, CAP to the Greater Nashua Composite Squadron!
Col Lyon’s Civil Air Patrol journey began right here in Nashua, sparking a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and aviation. From his start as a Nashua Cadet in the 1950s to a distinguished 20-year U.S. Air Force career in Communications, Electronics, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Col Lyon’s legacy of excellence spans decades.
Following his military service, he rejoined CAP in 1989, serving in key leadership roles across Virginia Wing, New Hampshire Wing, and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Today, he continues to serve as an advisor to the Florida Wing Commander.
Fittingly, Col Lyon visited during our Halloween “Dressed Down” night, featuring our Communications Battleship activity, pizza, candy, and plenty of fun! Even in a relaxed setting, cadets were inspired by his stories and decades of service in CAP and the U.S. Air Force.
We are deeply grateful for Col Lyon’s visit, his mentorship, and his continued dedication to Civil Air Patrol and our nation.
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Joint CAP & JROTC Night Featuring Major Rebecca Manning, U.S. Space Force
October 9, 2025
Nashua, NH - The Greater Nashua Composite Squadron was proud to host a joint Civil Air Patrol and Alvirne High School JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Night, featuring Major Rebecca Manning of the United States Space Force as our special guest speaker. Major Manning a former Maine Civil Air Patrol cadet, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, and veteran of both the Air Force and Space Force shared her incredible journey from Cadet 2nd Lieutenant to Space Force Major.
She captivated the audience with insights into the Space Force mission, real-world challenges faced in the space domain, and the critical role her team plays in national defense. Major Manning also offered valuable advice to cadets pursuing appointments to the service academies, drawing from her own experience through the USAFA application and interview process.
We are deeply grateful to Major Manning for taking the time to inspire the next generation of leaders in both Civil Air Patrol and JROTC. Her message of dedication, perseverance, and service truly resonated with everyone in attendance.
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Greater Nashua Composite Squadron Engages Students at Alvirne High School CTE STEM Day
September 23, 2025
Nashua, NH - The Greater Nashua Composite Squadron participated in Alvirne High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) STEM Day, an event designed to showcase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities to students. More than 500 middle and high school students were in attendance, exploring a wide variety of future career pathways.
Representatives from the squadron highlighted the many opportunities available through Civil Air Patrol, including aerospace education, STEM programs, emergency services training, and cadet leadership development. By sharing information and experiences, squadron members helped students better understand how Civil Air Patrol can enhance their education, build essential life skills, and prepare them for future success in both civilian and military careers.
The squadron extends its appreciation to Alvirne High School for the invitation to take part in this valuable event and for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders in aerospace and STEM.
