Westover Composite Squadron Volunteers for Aviation Museum's Open House

Adult members and cadets from the Westover Composite Squadron participated in a community outreach mission at Barnes Regional Airport on Saturday, May 16, representing the Civil Air Patrol during the Westfield Aviation Museum’s annual open house.

The event drew aviation enthusiasts, families, and community members from across the region, offering visitors the opportunity to explore several vintage aircraft and historical exhibits maintained by the museum. The open house serves as one of the museum’s primary public engagement opportunities each year, highlighting local aviation heritage and fostering community interest in aerospace education.

Throughout the day, Westover Composite Squadron personnel engaged with attendees to share information about CAP’s three congressionally mandated missions—emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. Members also welcomed visitors to tour Massachusetts Wing’s Cessna 206, which was on static display and served as a focal point for discussions about CAP’s operational capabilities, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and airborne photography.

“Events like this allow us to connect directly with the community and demonstrate the value Civil Air Patrol brings to both the Air Force and the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Edelman, commander of the Westover Composite Squadron. “It’s an opportunity to highlight our missions, our volunteers, and the impact we have every day.”

Civil Air Patrol serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a component of the Air Force Total Force, supporting federal, state, and local agencies through a wide range of operational and educational missions. Participation in community events helps increase public awareness and counters the long‑standing notion that “Civil Air Patrol is the best‑kept secret in the Air Force.”

The Westover Composite Squadron continues to support outreach efforts across Western Massachusetts, strengthening partnerships and inspiring future generations of aviators and volunteers.

For More Information:

Technical Flight Officer Maddie Landis
madison.landis@mawg.cap.gov