MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Civil Air Patrol’s 66th anniversary. The celebration commemorates the long history of service provided by the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on shipping in American waterways. Sixty-four heroic members died while carrying out CAP missions during the war.

“Our members have a proud legacy of selfless service to their country and their communities,” said Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP’s interim national commander. “That service spans nearly seven decades and expands constantly as needs arise.”

Today’s Civil Air Patrol, with nearly 57,000 members, performs a multitude of missions, in communities throughout the nation’s 50 states and Puerto Rico:

** CAP responds day or night when planes are overdue and emergency locator transmitters go off. Its volunteers perform 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 105 lives in fiscal year 2007.

** CAP provides disaster relief during hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes and countless other emergencies. In addition, members perform homeland security and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

** CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education and mentors more than 22,000 young Americans through its cadet program. By partnering with more than 900 educators nationwide, members nurture the talents of generations of the country’s sons and daughters.

“This is a good time to honor Civil Air Patrol members in your community,” said Courter. “Be sure to say ‘thanks’ to these unsung heroes for their service. Each day, through their loyal and diligent efforts, they help save lives and preserve liberty for all American citizens.”

CAP National Headquartes