Beyond the Uniform: How the Civil Air Patrol Serves Our Community

Discover how Civil Air Patrol supports emergency response, develops future leaders and strengthens our Central Texas community. You may have heard of the Civil Air Patrol—but do you know what its volunteers are doing behind the scenes to support our communities? Join the West Austin Chamber for our October Luncheon as Jeff Stec introduces us to the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and the important role its volunteers play in emergency response, disaster relief, aerospace education, and youth leadership development. Civil Air Patrol members support local, state and federal agencies through activities including search and rescue, disaster response, aerial reconnaissance and communications support. At the same time, CAP's cadet and aerospace education programs give young people hands-on opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore aviation, aerospace and STEM careers. Why should our business community care? Strong communities depend on more than businesses and government agencies alone. They also depend on volunteers, civic organizations and partnerships that help communities respond to emergencies, develop future leaders and introduce young people to career opportunities. Jeff will share: • What Civil Air Patrol is—and what it actually does in Central Texas and beyond • How CAP supports emergency and disaster-response efforts • How its cadet programs develop leadership, responsibility and practical skills in young people • How aerospace and STEM education can help inspire our future workforce • Ways businesses and community leaders can become more aware of and connected to CAP's mission Jeff brings a particularly relevant perspective to our Chamber audience. In addition to his Civil Air Patrol service, he is a local business owner and marketing strategist, as well as a licensed pilot, giving him firsthand insight into both the business and volunteer-service sides of our community. Come enjoy lunch, connect with fellow West Austin business leaders, and discover an organization quietly doing important work in our community.