Civil Air Patrol's Kentucky Wing

Home
United States
Frankfort, KY
Civil Air Patrol's Kentucky Wing

This channel is an independent forum dedicated to discussion and updates about our local unit. We value your participation and encourage respectful dialogue.

Content shared here is not reviewed, monitored or approved by the national organization. Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of Regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees. CAP, in its Total Force role, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and performs about 85 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 70 lives annually. Civil Air Patrol’s 58,000 members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. Civil Air Patrol received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. Congressionally chartered 74 years ago, the nonprofit organization also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com for more information.

09/06/2026

On August 15th and 16th, squadrons from across Central Kentucky participated in a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in Lexington, Kentucky. The main focus of this SAREX was on Ground Team training. All members completed various tasks and simulated events to help expand their knowledge in Emergency Services situations. Cadets learned how to navigate with a compass, use proper search techniques, operate a radio, and perform other important tasks to better serve their community. This was a fun and exciting way to bring CAP members into the field and practice real-life scenarios.

To learn more about Civil Air Patrol's Emergency Services Mission visit here: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/emergency-services

Article by 2nd Lt Jeremy Honican
Photos by 2nd Lt Jeremy Honican, Capt David Benning, and Maj Paula Sandford

08/27/2026

Congratulations to all!

08/26/2026

LOUISVILLE CADET SQUADRON EARNS SECOND PLACE AT REGIONAL CADET COMPETITION

The Louisville Cadet Squadron proudly represented Kentucky Wing from August 7 to August 9 at the Great Lakes Regional Cadet Competition, earning the second-place overall finish. Six cadets traveled to compete, with five participating in the competition for the first time. The team spent months preparing together and building their skills. Their preparation resulted in outstanding finishes across the competition.

The team earned 1st Place in the Written Exam and 2nd Place in Standard Drill, Physical Training, Team Leadership Problem, Panel Quiz, and Service Project Presentation. They also earned 3rd Place in Extemporaneous Speech, demonstrating their ability to think on their feet and communicate effectively under pressure.

The second-place overall finish is an outstanding accomplishment, particularly for a team with so many first-time competitors. Their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the weekend reflected the months of hard work that went into preparing for RCC. Congratulations to all the cadets for representing the Louisville Cadet Squadron and Kentucky Wing with excellence!

If you are interested in learning more about the Louisville Cadet Squadron, please contact Lt. Tharpe at [email protected].

Text by Mrs. H. Hall. Photos by Lt. Col. J. Himes and Mrs. H. Hall. All used with permission.

08/19/2026

LOUISVILLE CADET SQUADRON CONNECTS WITH COMMUNITY DURING NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

On Tuesday, August 4, members of the Louisville Cadet Squadron participated in National Night Out, joining local law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations for an evening dedicated to strengthening community relationships and promoting public safety.

Throughout the event, cadets and adult members welcomed visitors to the Civil Air Patrol booth and shared information about CAP's aerospace education, cadet, and emergency services programs. Guests learned about leadership, character development, physical fitness, and service opportunities available to youth through CAP.

Events such as National Night Out provide an excellent opportunity for cadets to practice public speaking, engage with community members, professionally represent Civil Air Patrol, and reflect CAP's commitment to community engagement and service.

If you are interested in learning more about the Louisville Cadet Squadron, please contact Lt. Tharpe at [email protected].

Text and photos by Mrs. Heidi Hall and used with permission.

08/13/2026

BOWMAN FIELD SENIOR SQUADRON HOSTED BLOOD DRIVE

On July 16, 2026, the Bowman Field Senior Squadron hosted a blood drive at the Bowman Field Readiness Center. It was co-hosted by the Louisville Cadet Squadron and the KY Army National Guard, and was in cooperation with Operation Pulse Lift.

Operation Pulse Lift, started in April 2017, is Civil Air Patrol’s blood support program. It was started as part of one of CAP’s three programs, Emergency Services, with an emphasis on disaster relief. It was in CAP’s Top 10 Initiatives/Achievements from 2020-2026, its largest mission since World War II, and its longest running disaster relief/humanitarian mission. Operation Pulse Lift has an unprecedented/innovative capability of providing facilities and Blood Support Teams across the nation.

To learn more about Operation Pulse Lift, please click the following link:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/emergency-services/operation-pulse-lift

To learn more about the Bowman Field Senior Squadron, please contact Capt. Ellis at [email protected].

To learn more about the Louisville Cadet Squadron, please contact Lt. Tharpe at [email protected].

Text by Capt. Oliver, photo by Mrs. K Simons; used with permission.

08/05/2026

FT CAMPBELL SQUADRON VISITS WINGS OF LIBERTY MUSEUM

In July, the Ft. Campbell Composite Squadron, along with members from the Southern Kentucky Cadet Squadron and the Bowling Green Senior Squadron, visited the Wings of Liberty Museum in Clarksville, TN. The museum displays the history of the 101st Airborne Division, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Both groups are headquartered at Ft. Campbell, KY.

For more information about the Ft. Campbell Composite Squadron, please contact Maj. Belk at, [email protected].

For more information about the Southern Kentucky Cadet Squadron, please contact Maj. Greenman at, [email protected].

For more information about the Bowling Green Senior Squadron, please contact Maj. Diven at [email protected].

Article by Capt. Oliver. Photos by Lt. Farley, Maj. Belk, and Maj. Greenman, and used with permission.

07/28/2026

2026 KYWG ENCAMPMENT CADET STAFF PHOTOS

Any encampment has a lot of moving parts, and those parts need managed. For months leading up to, and during the week of encampment, cadet staff played a pivotal role in planning and executing large parts of this activity.

There were many late nights and always early mornings, but the cadet staff showed up and performed to make this introduction to the cadet way of life a success for the basic and advanced students that attended. There were schedule changes and other various challenges throughout the week, and the cadet staff handled it all with professionalism and good attitudes.

Thank you to all of the cadets that stepped up and lead the way to help our newest members acclimate to the Civil Air Patrol ways. Job well done!

To view the rest of the cadet staff photos, please click the following link:

https://photos.cap.gov/Great-Lakes-Region/Kentucky-Wing/Encampment/2026-Kentucky-Wing-Encampment/Day-7-Saturday

Photos from the week were taken by the Encampment Public Affairs Team and adult staff and used with permission.

07/25/2026

KYWG ENCAMPMENT FLIGHT GROUP PHOTOS

Please enjoy all of the group photos from the 2026 KYWG Encampment.

Cadet Staff photos will be released in the next couple of days.

To view more photos, please click on the following link:

https://photos.cap.gov/Great-Lakes-Region/Kentucky-Wing/Encampment/2026-Kentucky-Wing-Encampment/Day-7-Saturday

07/22/2026

KYWG ENCAMPMENT DAY 7, GRADUATION

Saturday, after an intense week of training, learning, and making new friends, KYWG Encampment held its graduation ceremony. Master of Ceremonies was Cadet Senior Master Sgt. A. Hiser. Chaplain (Capt.) Bryce gave the invocation, then brief remarks were made by KYWG Commander, Col. Henson, and Encampment Commander and KYWG Senior Enlisted Leader, Master Sgt. Tucker.

Flights and Cadet Staff completed a Pass-In-Review for the Wing Commander, Encampment Commander, and Cadet Command Team. What a great wrap-up for a busy week of instruction and activities!

Flight group photos and Cadet Staff group photos will be released in the next couple of days.

For more photos from graduation, please click the link below:

https://photos.cap.gov/Great-Lakes-Region/Kentucky-Wing/Encampment/2026-Kentucky-Wing-Encampment/Day-7-Saturday

07/18/2026

KYWG ENCAMPMENT DAY 6, FRIDAY

It has been a good week of training, learning, and growing. In order to measure growth and in preparation for graduation on Saturday, cadets’ were inspected in their Class B uniforms. The Standardization & Evaluation team measured down to the tiniest detail to ensure uniforms and grooming were ready for the week’s culmination event—the graduation ceremony.

The week also ended in the traditional Kentucky Encampment way…all members being hosed down by the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center fire truck! Special shout out to the WHFRTC Fire Department for helping cadets relieve their stress and celebrate their completed week!

To view more photos from today, please click the link below:

https://photos.cap.gov/Great-Lakes-Region/Kentucky-Wing/Encampment/2026-Kentucky-Wing-Encampment/Day-6-Friday

Address

101 Old Soldiers Lane, PO Box 4665
Frankfort, KY
40601

Website

http://www.kywg.cap.gov/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Civil Air Patrol's Kentucky Wing posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Civil Air Patrol's Kentucky Wing:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Frankfort?