Cadets from the Stevens Point Composite Squadron were given the chance to sing for their supper during the Korean War Veterans’ reunion held Saturday evening, September 12 in Weston, WI. 

Performing to a packed banquet hall at the Fairfield Inn were the self-titled “Von CAP family singers:” C/1Lt. Steven Lang, C/1Lt. Mark Flage, C/2Lt. Robert Kulp. C/CMSgt Joel Flage, C/SMSgt Trevor Beaty, C/SMSgt, and C/AB Daniel Flage. 

Earlier that day, the cadets had been locating an ELT during a ground team practice mission.  A few hours later, they were out of the BDUs and into their blues, ready to team up their voices in song.

The group performed four patriotic songs as part of the after-dinner program.  Their selections were “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “God Bless America.” 

Following their musical presentation was a presentation by LTC Mitchell Shelton, U.S. Army (ret.) on his life and military service.

This was the 22nd year of the Korean War Vets reunion.  Each year the reunion is held in a different city.  This year’s hosts were LTC Charles E. Toole, U.S. Army (ret.), and his wife Jan Toole. 

There were 101 people in attendance, including 54 veterans who had served in Korea between 1950 and 1954.  Some of those veterans had also served in World War II and/or Vietnam. 

For many people at the banquet, this was their first introduction to Civil Air Patrol. Cadets scattered amongst the attendees during dinner shared the missions of CAP.

According to Jan Toole, she received many compliments on the Cadet singers, both on their singing and their comportment.  “If only there were more young people of that type,” was the comment she heard repeated by those attending the banquet. 

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