Civil Air Patrol was founded December 1, 1941 as a way for civilians to help with the war efforts. It was then incorporated as a non-profit organization on July 1st 1946. On May 26th 1948 was established as Civil Air Patrol Auxiilary of the United States Air Force.
Currently, Civil Air Patrol has over 65,000 members nationwide ranging in ages from 12 to 112. Members are students, lawyers, soldiers, homemakers, pilots, astronauts, and anyone else wanting to do something to help their country and fellowman.