About this Event
Your interest in aviation, education, or service can become something more.
Join Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101 for our Civil Air Patrol recruiting open house on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 3–5 PM (1500–1700) in Santa Maria.
Meet our members, explore our three missions, and discover opportunities for both youth and adults to get involved.
Emergency Services: Serve your community with purpose
Interested in search and rescue, aviation, emergency communications, or disaster response? Come learn how adult volunteers—known in CAP as senior members—can contribute.
Pilots wanted! We encourage pilots interested in search and rescue and other service opportunities to meet our members and learn about CAP’s training and qualification process. We also welcome people interested in aircrew support, radio operations, and other emergency services roles. You don’t have to be a pilot to make a difference.
Adults can focus on emergency services without volunteering in the cadet program. Supporting cadets is one opportunity within CAP, but it is not a requirement for adults pursuing emergency services roles.
Aerospace Education: Share your curiosity. Inspire discovery.
We’re recruiting educators, STEM enthusiasts, and adults who enjoy sharing their knowledge of aviation, science, and space. Come explore ways to support aerospace education and help others discover the possibilities of flight and technology.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, an aviation enthusiast, or someone who enjoys hands-on learning, we’d love to meet you.
Cadet Programs: Build confidence. Develop leadership. Explore aviation.
For young people interested in challenges, friendships, and opportunities to grow, our cadet program offers a place to develop leadership, character, teamwork, and physical fitness while learning about aviation, aerospace, and service.
Prospective cadets and their families can meet current members, hear about their experiences, and ask questions about joining.
Find the opportunity that fits you
Our three missions offer different ways to participate. You may want to pursue emergency services, contribute to aerospace education, mentor cadets, or explore more than one area. Come talk with us about your interests, experience, and availability.
During the open house, you can:
- Meet our cadets and adult volunteers.
- Explore membership, training, and service opportunities.
- Learn what’s involved in getting started.
- Ask questions and see what Squadron 101 is all about.
Youth, adults, and families are welcome. No military background is required—just curiosity and an interest in learning more.
Register to let us know you’re coming, and bring someone who might discover their place in Civil Air Patrol!
Event venue & nearby stays
3123 Liberator St, 3123 Liberator Street, Santa Maria, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.