Emergency services is proving to be a family affair for several members of Sky Harbor Cadet Squadron 301 in Phoenix, where a number of parent-child pairs have joined together for Search & Rescue Team training. These families are also North Central Phoenix residents.

    Such togetherness is something of a rarity in today’s world, given the busy but separate lives that parents and their children often lead. That makes Civil Air Patrol’s offer of a chance to share a meaningful volunteer experience even more significant for its members.

 

The Sky Harbor squadron’s new commander, 2nd Lt. Thalya Nero, and her son, Cadet Staff Sgt. Jarius Nero, are in training to be Level 3 ground team members.

    Evelyn Dawson, the squadron’s communications officer, and her son, Cadet Airman First Class Marcus Hicks, also are training to be ground team members. In addition, they have taken basic and advanced communications training together.

    Each ground team member is equipped with a pack that contains rescue equipment and enough supplies to allow the member to remain in the field for up to 24 hours. Serving on a ground team is a physically demanding role, since people typically get into trouble in Arizona’s more rugged areas.

    To qualify as Level 3 ground team members, trainees have to complete training in desert survival skills, search and rescue techniques, radio communications, wilderness first aid and CPR, land navigation, GPS and map reading. They also must participate in a number of the monthly Civil Air Patrol simulated search and rescue exercises. Once individuals complete the qualifications for Level 3 Ground Team status they are eligible to participate in actual search and rescue missions conducted by the Civil Air Patrol.

    Civil Air Patrol conducts approximately 95 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the United States (as assigned by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies). Also, Civil Air Patrol performs aerial reconnaissance for homeland security; provides disaster relief support to local, state, and national organizations; transports time-sensitive medical materials; provides damage assessment, light transport, communications support and low-altitude route surveys for the U.S. Air Force.

    SHCS 301 is based at the Arizona Air National Guard Base located at Sky Harbor Airport. The squadron, which meet weekly on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., serves young men and women, ages 12-21. For additional information see www.gocivilairpatrol.com.