Article Written By: 1st Lt Diana Layton
Our very own Potomac Highlands Composite Squadron is always looking for the chance to learn and West Virginia Wing’s MESA (Mountaineer Emergency Services Academy) is just the place to do that. Three members, consisting of 2 adults and 1 cadet, traveled to Camp Dawson on March 13th for a weekend full of learning and hands-on emergency services training. The single cadet that from Grant County that was involved in this training was PHS 8th grader, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Noah Rumfelt.
This student stays very active in school sports as well as serving his community through Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol members from all around the state of West Virginia attend MESA’s annual event, to further advance their Emergency Services training. This year’s Mountaineer Emergency Services Academy covered topics such drone training, Ground Team Leader course and more on how to address and navigate through natural disaster situations or even rescue missions.
Some other courses included Mission Pilot Training and more. The Civil Air Patrol teaches emergency service readiness to members, in order to prepare them to support communities and agencies across the nation. CAP conducts 90% of inland search and rescue missions, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies. In 2025, Civil Air Patrol helped support over 300 search and rescue missions and helped save multiple lives. As of February 2025, the Civil Air Patrol consists of more than 60,000 volunteer members nationwide.
Of those members, 39,242 members are trained in emergency response. Potomac Highlands Composite Squadron cadets are always striving to “advance their education and training rapidly to prepare themselves to be of service to their Community, State and Nation”, as stated in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Oath. To find out more information on how YOU can join us in making an impact, come visit us at the Grant County Airport on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. WE HOPE TO SEE YA THERE!
