MAXWELL AFB, AL – Civil Air Patrol announced this week a new marketing arrangement that allows businesses espousing similar values and community missions to directly support America’s homeland security, the war on drugs, and youth development.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the all-volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force, has developed a Corporate Partner Program to build awareness and fund the growing needs of the 62- year-old organization. “The Civil Air Patrol Corporate Partner Program allows corporations of any size to not only build a positive association with one of America’s key homeland security resources, but to directly support the effort themselves,” said James Shea, CAP’s director, Strategic Partnerships.

The nonprofit volunteer organization, founded just prior to Pearl Harbor during World War II to provide civil and coastal defense, consists of over 64,000 members from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. CAP provides emergency services (including search and rescue and disaster relief) as well as youth development and aerospace education programs.

“In the 1940’s and 50’s, corporations supported CAP and other civil defense organizations. We need help again to continue the expansion in CAP homeland security, youth, and education programs that positively affect our communities across the country,” said CAP Executive Director Al Allenback, a retired Air Force colonel. “Our members are contributing not only their own time but often their own money to serve our country during the war against terrorism at a critical time in our nation’s history,” Allenback continued.

CAP Corporate Partners will be able to use the Civil Air Patrol name and corporate partner mark in advertising, marketing and promotions as well as in merchandising and licensing rights.  Among other programs, Corporate Partner funds may be used for regional homeland security command vehicles, the latest imaging and communications equipment for air and ground crews, drug reduction programs for schools, educational conferences, flight training and other support for cadets.

“For example, our 27,000-strong cadet program has outgrown our budget for uniforms this year, and we’re seeking corporate support to help this important citizen-building effort,” Allenback said.

“We feel this program is especially valuable to those companies wishing to tie in to the patriotic efforts of CAP volunteers and to show their customers they support homeland security efforts, disaster relief, education and youth programs,” said Shea. “This is a unique opportunity."

For additional information about the Civil Air Patrol Corporate Partner Program, contact James Shea, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Civil Air Patrol at jshea@cap.gov or 866-948-5101.