V.I. Civil Air Patrol Heads to Puerto Rico for Leadership Challenge

Thirty-one members of the territory’s Civil Air Patrol program are heading to Puerto Rico this weekend to attend Ranger School and Summer Leadership Encampment, the National Guard has announced. The St. Croix, Twin City, and St. Thomas Composite Squadrons will depart the territory on Saturday, July 9, from St. Croix and St. Thomas for 15 days of challenging training.

The V.I. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members from the three Composite Squadrons will attend the Ranger School July 9-16 in Ceiba, Puerto Rico and the Summer Leadership Encampment is July 17-24 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. “Encampments provide a safe environment where risk is monitored in order to allow the members to exceed beyond their comfort zones. As a result, they gain the full experience and grow,” said Major Akeem Innis, Group Commander Virgin Islands, which falls under Group 8 Puerto Rico Wing.

The three Squadron Commanders are 1st Lt Sandra Goodwin, Commander of St. Croix Composite Squadron, Capt Kareem Inniss, Commander of Twin City Composite Squadron and Capt Joel Browne Connors, Commander of St. Thomas Composite Squadron.

The Ranger School is advanced training where CAP cadets learn how to safely conduct search and rescue to find down air crafts or for missing persons and learn survival skills.

The Summer Leadership Encampment allows CAP members to develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, and solidify their moral character. Encampment covers the five key traits of cadet life in an intensive environment that moves cadets beyond their normal comfort zones for personal growth. Through activities such as rappelling, obstacle courses, and firearms training.

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a federally chartered non-profit corporation that may be utilized as a civilian volunteer auxiliary of the Air Force. CAP conducts three primary programs: emergency services and civil support, aerospace education, and a cadet program. CAP may conduct emergency service and civil support activities when approved. The Civil Air Patrol is not a military service.

For more information and departure times, contact Major Akeem Innis, Group Commander Virgin Islands, at (340)473-7814.