Liberty Wing donates uniforms to Civil Air Patrol

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 512th Airlift Wing here donated 125 sets of battle dress uniforms to two regional Civil Air Patrol units Jan. 8.

The Air Force phased out the BDU Nov. 1, but the CAP, the Air Force's official auxiliary is still authorized to wear them for training.

The 512th Top 3 Association held a six-month collection drive, which netted the non-unit issued BDUs, boots and accessories.

Representatives from the Delaware Air National Guard Cadet Squadron in New Castle, Del., and the 904th Squadron in Quakertown, Pa., traveled to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to pick-up the serviceable and in some cases, new BDUs.

"Our organization will continue to wear BDUs until some unknown date," said Capt. Bob Thorn, Pennsylvania state director of aerospace education. "But, our normal channels and drastic budget cuts make them harder and harder to get.

"We've been taking the buttons and pocket flaps off of unserviceable uniforms and repairing the ones our cadets are wearing, so bringing these uniforms back is going to be a huge morale boost for the cadets."

Capt. Ted Petroulis, the Delaware director of logistics for the CAP unit in New Castle, said the donation of these uniforms will even help increase their unit's participation.

"In today's economy, many parents are finding it difficult to fund their child's entire uniform needs, including patches, boots and accessories," he said. "So, now we can provide a BDU set to an interested cadet, which lifts a burden from the parents and makes the member really feel like part of the team. These BDUs are greatly appreciated and will certainly be put to good use."

In addition to the 200 plus BDU pants and shirts, Liberty Wing members also donated 28 BDU caps, 16 pairs of boots, 10 BDU coats and about 20 pieces of blue uniform apparel.

"These uniforms are going to help immensely," said Thorn. "Our cadets want to look sharp, but we usually have to pick through what's available to find a set that's close to suitable for them; but, with these donations, we're excited to issue them a set and teach them about the responsibility and pride that goes into wearing a military uniform. We can't thank the 512th (AW) enough."