BETHEL — Persistence pays.

The Sundown Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol based in Rumford, and the Bethel Flight group received a plane of their own, a 1987 Cessna 172 that seats four.

Joseph Roberts, commander of the local squadron, said he is ecstatic.

“This is a giant achievement for us. When I first took over the squadron, no one was qualified for emergency service. I began to push to have cadets and officer training as a qualified air crew,” said the Air Force veteran from Rumford.

The plane opens up all kinds of training possibilities for the Rumford-based cadets, ages 12-18 and the adults who are also a part of the local squadron.

The Bethel Flight group will also use the plane that will be parked at the airport in Bethel.

The local Civil Air Patrol squadrons are auxiliaries of the U.S. Air Force, which provides the funding for planes and vehicles that are needed in the training.

Squadrons are important parts of rescue and service missions, Roberts said.

Missions often undertaken by some of the 1,500 squadrons nationwide include fire watches, search and rescue operations, homeland security, and delivery of time-sensitive medical materials.

Gary Brearley, also an Air Force veteran, leader of the Lewiston/Auburn squadron with 25 cadet and adult members, together with Roberts, have been requesting a plane from the wing commander in Augusta for some time. Wing commanders are in each state across the country, as well as in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

The Sundown Squadron, also known as the 37th Composite Squadron, has more than 20 young people and adult members and several new applications.

Roberts said any youngster ages 12-18 who wants to learn more about becoming a part of the flight crew, or any other of the goals of the cadet program, which include aerospace, fitness, leadership and character development, may join the local group. Roberts may be reached at 357-3782. Brearley may be reached at 836-2534.

They meet once a week at the Rumford American Legion hall. Members and those who wish to join the Bethel Flight group meet once or twice a month at the Bethel Airport.

The local CAP cadets often serve as flag bearers during patriotic holidays and ceremonies, as well.

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