Joplin-area Civil Air Patrol: Serving Communities, Saving Lives and Shaping Futures of Young Cadets

By Kristi Spencer

“We focus on three core areas: cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services. That includes training in land navigation, survival skills for all kinds of weather and understanding dangers in nature so our teams are prepared for real-world search and rescue missions.”—Lt. Colonel Kevin Sidenstricker

When a man went missing near Parsons, Kansas, in the spring of 2023, it wasn’t just law enforcement and local volunteers who responded. The Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol showed up with boots on the ground and drones in the air.

“We deployed around 8 o’clock that morning,” said Lt. Colonel Kevin Sidenstricker, squadron commanding officer. “And he was found that afternoon.”

The Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, to bring together civilian pilots to support the nation’s defense efforts. Today, it’s a federally supported nonprofit and the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Locally, the organization has been active since around 1978. The Joplin-based squadron is officially known as the Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron MO 143. It is named in honor of Col. Travis Hoover, a decorated pilot and member of the Doolittle Raiders, the group of 80 airmen who carried out the United States’ first strike on Japan in World War II. Hoover moved to the area in 1988 and lived in Joplin and Webb City, Missouri.

The group meets at the general aviation terminal of Joplin Regional Airport. From character development to survival training, their weekly gatherings are focused on preparing youth and adult members to step up during emergencies and develop new skills along the way. The Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron includes 26 cadets and 20 senior members, all volunteers. Each week, they train in physical fitness, safety, leadership and aerospace education.

“Our mission is to serve our communities, save lives and shape futures,” said Lt. Colonel Kevin Sidenstricker, squadron commanding officer. “We focus on three core areas: cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services. That includes training in land navigation, survival skills for all kinds of weather and understanding dangers in nature so our teams are prepared for real-world search and rescue missions.”

The Joplin squadron trains with drones, officially called small unmanned aerial systems. They maintain about $80,000 in drone equipment and have members who are FAA-certified pilots. The drones can inspect bridges, dams and other infrastructure following natural disasters or emergencies.

“We’re trained to fly under railroad bridges, right up to the face of a dam and to look for cracks or signs of damage,” Sidenstricker said. “We can also use the drones in ground searches.”

Local members have deployed far beyond Missouri. When Hurricane Ian struck Florida, two of the squadron’s drone pilots traveled to assist with the emergency response. Their work led to the discovery of a man who was stranded in the mangroves for four days.

“They detected him, sent the imagery up to D.C., and a helicopter was deployed to rescue him,” said Sidenstricker.

Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 can join the Civil Air Patrol as cadets. Cadets learn the fundamentals of aerospace education, emergency services and leadership while working alongside senior members.

As they move through the ranks, cadets can compete for academic and aviation scholarships. These can help launch careers in fields like engineering, aviation or meteorology.

“As they progress in rank, they’re given increasing leadership responsibilities,” said Sidenstricker. “Whether they’re in charge of one cadet or six, they’re constantly being groomed as leaders.”

Character development is a key part of training. Cadets attend sessions focused on teamwork, decision-making and moral courage.

“We use real-life scenarios,” Sidenstricker said. “You’re at home on the Fourth of July. Maybe people have been drinking, and they’re about to set off fireworks. It takes courage to speak up and say, ‘Please don’t do that.’ You might not be popular then, but you might save someone’s eyesight or a hand. That’s moral courage.”

Many cadets also work toward certifications that can lead to career opportunities. The squadron helps them build the knowledge and skills to become licensed drone pilots. Some are selected for flight school or apply to service academies, including the U.S. Air Force.

“We teach them everything they need to pass their test,” Sidenstricker said. “And for cadets, it’s free.”

Annual dues are less than $40. After that, everything from training to mentorship is included in the program. Some cadets continue through age 21. Others become senior members or move on to new challenges.

The Civil Air Patrol connects people who want to give back and keep learning, no matter their age. That includes students, professionals and retirees who are ready to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

“If we were to characterize the perfect candidate,” said Sidenstricker, “it would be someone who wants to serve their community while also working to better themselves. Someone who values integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect.”

Those four values guide everything the organization does. Whether someone is drawn in by the leadership opportunities, the chance to fly or simply the desire to give back, no matter your background or interests, there’s a way to get involved.

Sidenstricker, a retired Navy veteran and private pilot, joined after discovering his skills could still be used to help others. “When I learned I could fly for Civil Air Patrol and help serve my community, state and nation, I was in.”

For those interested in getting involved, the website GoCivilAirPatrol.com outlines the steps for joining. Visitors are also welcome to attend a Tuesday night meeting to learn more in person.

This summer, cadets from across the state will take part in a week of training at the Missouri Military Academy during Civil Air Patrol’s annual encampment. For some, it will be their first time participating. For others, it’s a chance to step into leadership and help train the group behind them.

Whether flying drones, responding to emergencies or mentoring new members, the Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron volunteers are carrying forward a tradition of service.

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