Group 5 Supports Mid-State Squadron in Parade

Squadrons from across Group 5 came together Saturday July 11th for the annual Heritage Days parade in Philipsburg. The theme of this year's week-long event, "Honoring the Past - Looking to the Future" celebrates the many varied treasures of the community.

The Mid-State squadron of Philipsburg hosted an information booth during the downtown festival, manned by their senior members and cadets, as well as members from the Altoona squadron. This is the squadron's first recruiting and public awareness event since moving their home to the Philipsburg YMCA last month.

In addition to the Mid-State unit, members from Group 5 squadrons in Altoona, Williamsport, and State College participated in the parade where several hundred cadet pamphlets were handed out along the route.

"It was an amaizing experience to be able to command so many cadets in my hometown parade. It was a great feeling to hear my friends and neighbors who don't often see me in CAP yell and cheer when we went by." said C/Cpt Steven Lazar of the Mid-State squadron, who commanded the group of 21 cadets during the parade, with escorts Maj Rick Gray, Maj Roy Long, and 1st Lt Fredrick Rombouts. 1st Lt Geoff Knauth drove the CAP van ahead of the squadron in the parade.

Following the parade, the group headed to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in State College for the State College Spikes baseball game vs. the Jamestown (NY) Jammers where they presented the colors during the opening ceremonies.

More photos are available on the Nittany Composite Squadron gallery: http://338.gp5.pawg.cap.gov/gallery/heritagedays09