When Like-Minded Missions Work Together


Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

Supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power.

Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.

As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program. Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.

As one of Wreaths Across America's first partners, CAP has been actively fundraising for the program since 2006. In fact, two CAP volunteers in Maine were the ones who first recognized the potential to expand what was then a small program begun by Morrill Worcester by tapping into the thousands of service-minded CAP members across America. More and more participate every year — obtaining wreath sponsorships from the public, laying wreaths and conducting ceremonies to mark the day with pomp, circumstance and patriotism. 

CAP, on average, has 250 squadrons participate each year, representing more than 200 cemeteries. In total, funds that have gone back to CAP groups through the $5 back fundraising program equals more than $1.2 Million.