On July 14th 2019, the Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron represented the Civil Air Patrol at the 2019 Truckee Tahoe  Airshow as we do each year. The cadets volunteered to perform many tasks from setting up/tearing down the whole event, to recruiting, and raising money for their squadron.

The annual Truckee Tahoe Airshow and family festival hosted by the Truckee Tahoe Airport boasts one of the most iconic backdrops of any airshow in the world. Located only 15 minutes from the shores of North Lake Tahoe, the Truckee Tahoe Airshow was the perfect place for the Truckee Tahoe Composite Squadron to showcase the Civil Air Patrol. The event held many attractions such as WWII aircraft like the P38 Lightning, the P47 Thunderbolt, and the B-25 Mitchell. Many learning opportunities were available such as the STEM EXPO booth where kids could learn about science, technology, and engineering. The Tahoe Truckee squadron represented Civil Air Patrol at this event by showcasing the program and its many opportunities. Likewise, the Cadets spent the day talking to many young aspiring boys and girls about the missions of Civil Air Patrol, which include aerospace education, emergency services, and cadet programs. The Squadron airplane was also present at the event for the public to observe and even sit inside of.

While some cadets of the Tahoe Truckee Squadron were out recruiting new cadets, others were busy raising money for the squadron by making and selling snow cones. The squadron will use the money raised at the event to give the cadets a chance to follow their dreams by applying for scholarships, allowing them to receive training by some of the best leaders in the Civil Air Patrol, and attend the many cadet programs that Civil Air Patrol has to offer. As an aspiring pilot, this event has personally influenced me as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet because of the many learning opportunities. I really enjoyed talking with the Cadets from the Air Force Academy that were present at the event and listening to their advice about how to become a successful pilot. However, my favorite part of the event was simply inspiring younger kids to achieve their goals and helping to give them the tools needed to do it.

The Tahoe Truckee airshow was a fantastic event with many learning opportunities for the Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron, as well as other young aspiring aviation enthusiasts.