Inside La Crosse's Civil Air Patrol - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN (WXOW)-- The local Civil Air Patrol gave the public an inside look at its missions, as part of an open house Saturday.

Attendees at the open house could test out a flight simulator, and cadet members of the auxiliary got to cut loose as well. They had the chance to hit a superior member of the squadron in the face with a pie.

The Civil Air Patrol, which hosted the open house, is a volunteer squadron of the United States Air Force Auxiliary. In addition to developing cadets through its youth ranks, the squadron helps with search and rescues, dam inspections and Air Force training exercises.

Members also take part in community service activities, such as honoring fallen veterans.

"While everyone else is out crazy with holiday Christmas shopping and family and parties, we'll take our cadet corp out and we'll spend placing wreaths in a very solemn ceremony," said Major Todd Mandel. "But that's just one example of community service we do. We do food drives, we do search and rescue activities."

Cadets can be as young as 12. If you're interested in joining the Civil Air Patrol you can check out their website at lacrossecap.org.