About Us

Welcome to Gastonia Composite Squadron — Our designation is MAR-NC-024!

 

Our designation is MAR-NC-024. MAR is Mid-Atlantic Region, NC is North Carolina (our wing) and we are unit 024. We are a very active unit. In addition to our weekly meetings, we engage in a wide range of activities throughout the year. Whether your child is interested in Emergency Services, Honor Guard/Color Guard, learning leadership, or just wants to fly in an airplane, we have activities to help them grow and mature.

 

What we ask in return is a commitment back to the squadron and Civil Air Patrol. As an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, we have the privilege of wearing Air Force-style uniforms. That honor carries with it certain expectations of decorum and adherence to our core values: Integrity, Excellence, Volunteer Service, and Respect. As the parent, you are an integral part in ensuring that these values are communicated, learned, and expressed in the cadet's everyday life.

 

We also have a lot of fun participating in exciting activities that aren't available to everyday youth. You will become proficient at filling out permission forms, as your child participates in these unique events.

 

We look forward to seeing you and your child as a part of the nation's finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.

 

— 1st Lt Mike Hadrick, Commander

HQ awards the Quality Cadet Unit Award to squadrons that display strong program fundamentals. Units earning this award are deemed to have a healthy and vibrant Cadet Program. We've worked hard to earn this award 6 of the 7 past years (2017-2021, 2023).

Weekly Meetings

• Every Tuesday from 6:30-9:00 pm -- usually at the Lighthouse Baptist Church at 151 Lighthouse Church Ln, but also at Gastonia Municipal Airport once a month on physical training night. If you plan on attending, please first contact one of us to confirm the meeting location. 

Meetings are open to the public and drop-in visitors are welcome. Contact any of the following for info:

Squadron Contacts