News
Civil Air Patrol Volunteers Support Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show
September 2025
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Nearly 200 members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), including cadets, senior members, and pilots, volunteered at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show over the weekend of September 5-7. Despite challenging weather conditions, the dedicated team offered support throughout the event, engaging in various tasks to assist with its success.
Cadets played a vital role in the show, helping with activities such as staffing concessions stands, managing STEM and recruitment tables, and overseeing static displays of CAP aircraft. They also supported the Air National Guard 157th Air Refueling Wing’s display, showcasing the collaboration between the two organizations. Also, A group of cadets had the incredible chance to assist the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as crowd control during their visit. This role gave them close up access to the team and their jets, providing a rare behind the scenes experience.
Volunteer pilots were a key presence at the static display area, proudly representing CAP and engaging with the public. They shared their knowledge and experience with visitors, leaving a lasting impression on those interested in CAP’s mission and aircraft.
Senior members worked tirelessly behind the scenes to supervise cadets, coordinate logistics, and ensure smooth operations throughout the weekend. Thanks to their leadership and dedication, all activities remained safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
A special thank-you goes to 1st Lt. Alain Haddad, Commander of the Seacoast Composite Squadron, who stepped up to lead the planning and coordination efforts for this large-scale volunteer operation.
In addition to local New Hampshire members, CAP squadrons from Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Florida also participated, reinforcing the spirit of teamwork, service, and excellence that defines the Civil Air Patrol mission.
Participating squadrons:
NER-NH-010 NER-NH-054
NER-NH-032 NER-NH-056
NER-NH-053 NER-NH-016
NER-MA-005 NER-MA-019
NER-ME-058 NER-VT-007
SER-FL-432
Their service at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show Exemplified CAP’s ongoing commitment to community, country, and the development of future citizens and aviators.
Thunder Over New Hampshire – Live Free and Fly!
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Wing Region Awards 2025
September 2025
Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been recognized with two major awards for its outstanding contributions to aerospace education and the cadet program. The accolades were presented as part of the 2025 Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Mission Awards and Cadet Program Awards.
The first award, presented for excellence in aerospace education, honors the New Hampshire Wing for its exceptional achievement in the 2025 Aerospace Education Mission. This prestigious recognition places the Wing in 1st place within the Northeast Region, showcasing their commitment to advancing knowledge in aerospace among cadets and senior members alike.
The second award, for excellence in the cadet program, acknowledges the New Hampshire Wing’s exceptional efforts in supporting cadets' development through the Civil Air Patrol’s structured programs. This award also places the Wing at the top in the Northeast Region, highlighting the Wing’s dedication to fostering leadership, discipline, and teamwork among its youth members.
Congratulations to all our volunteer members for making such a big accomplishment possible! Your dedication and commitment are truly what make these achievements possible.
If you're interested in joining our program, don't wait! Explore the opportunities available at one of our squadrons near you: Squadron Locations | Civil Air Patrol
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Gilford's Olde Home Day - Laconia NH056 - Community Service
August 2025
Gilford NH - Volunteer service is a core value of Civil Air Patrol, and cadets from the Laconia Hawk Squadron demonstrated that commitment during Gilford’s annual Olde Home Day.
When town officials sought assistance for the event, held in late August, they turned to the local Civil Air Patrol squadron. Cadets responded by volunteering their time and energy to support the community celebration.
Members of the squadron arrived the day before the event to assist with setup and returned afterward to help with cleanup efforts. Their work included removing fireworks debris and trash from the field, ensuring the area was safe and clean for residents.
These cadets gave up hours of their weekend to serve their community; It’s a true example of leadership through action.
The Laconia Hawk Squadron plays an active role in events throughout the Lakes Region, encouraging cadets to lead by example through community service.
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The Wall That Heals - Keene NH-053 Community Service
June 2025
Claremont, NH - Recently, members from the Monadnock Composite Squadron participated in the Wall that Heals. This event is a scale replica of the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. The event started with a tour of the wall and exhibits with one of the hosting organization's knowledgeable staff. Cadets and seniors got to learn about the impact of the families, friends and service members. Before assisting with a brief ceremony cadets got a tour of the living history exhibits to see what life was like in that place called Vietnam.
The time came for the evening’s ceremony and cadets were eager to help out. Cadets handed out programs of the event to the public and welcomed everyone to the ceremony. 2 contingents of Cadets were selected to provide a form of honor guard to the side of the podiums.
After the festivities of the evening, members were awarded a special challenge coin. These challenge coins were normally given to Air Force veterans in attendance to the event.
The Wall That Heals® - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
