Civil Air Patrol Jack Schofield Cadet Squadron PCR-NV-802

The Jack Schofield Cadet Squadron, also called PCR-NV-802, is a Civil Air Patrol unit in Henderson that takes cadets starting in 6th grade, at 11 years old. That is a year younger than the usual Civil Air Patrol cadet range of Ages 12-18. Known as the Flying Tigers, the squadron gathers every Monday evening, year-round, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sandy Ridge campus of Coral Academy. Your child does not need to attend CASLV to join.

Weekly training covers leadership, aerospace, radio work for ground teams and emergency response. The squadron points out that joining a year early gives kids more runway to reach the Spaatz Award, the program's top rank. Teens who finish the first half can enlist in the USAF at the E-3 (Airman First Class) pay grade, and cadets can begin flight training in the 172 and 182 Cessnas. Every cadet under 18 can take up to five orientation flights in powered aircraft.

Beyond meetings, cadets can join the color guard or the cyber patriot team with no prior experience. Service work has included food pantries, events for Veterans, Wreaths Across America and help for the National Park Service. The unit has won a Quality Cadet Unit Award and an Aerospace Excellence Award.

Capt. Tiffany Putt-Bradley commands the squadron. Meetings are open to the public, so drop in on a Monday and ask about membership dues and uniform costs.