Thirteen-year-old Justin Wiezorek has learned more about piloting an aircraft during the past year than most people learn in a lifetime.

Wiezorek and eight other area youth gain aviation knowledge and experience through the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, an auxiliary program of the U.S. Air Force.

	For more information on the Civil Air Patrol, go to the Web site, www.capnhq.gov, or call Col. Burgess Rennels Jr. at 842-4971.

“I want to be a pilot,” Wiezorek said.

The Lawrence squadron’s commander, Col. Burgess Rennels Jr., said the patrol’s major functions are teaching people ages 12-21 about flight and airplanes, preparing young people for military involvement and volunteering during times of crisis.

The program includes a senior division, for participants 18 and older, who help plan activities for the cadets. Both divisions offer chances for achievement, and members can gain ranks and ribbons as they progress in the program.

The Lawrence Composite Flight began in the early 1960s. The squadron went inactive in 1994 but was chartered again in September 2001, under Rennels’ leadership. This is Rennels’ third time to lead the Lawrence squadron.

“The Air Force and what their regulations state is what we have to go by,” said Larry Wiezorek, Justin’s father and a senior member. “It’s a great thing for the cadets.”

Keith Konegal and Todd Craig, two members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, assist cadets with drilling, which is when the cadets practice marching and performing military actions.

Justin Wiezorek said the patrol helps prepare teen-agers for the military.

“I’m planning on going into the Air Force,” he said.

About 50 percent of cadets go into the military.

“We try to lead our cadets in the right direction,” Rennels said.

Larry Wiezorek said the patrol educates cadets about the military in a very organized fashion.

“Everything is done in a controlled manner,” he said.

Cadets and senior members also assist people who need help. During the Flood of 1993, Rennels said the wing filled sandbags in the Lawrence area.

“We helped out, and everybody got thank-yous,” Rennels said.

The hard work, the Wiezoreks said, does not prevent the cadets from enjoying themselves.

Recently, Lawrence Composite Flight members have been invited to ride on a variety of different aircraft. In March, the cadets went on an orientation flight in Cessna 182s with the 190th Air Refueling Group stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka.

The Lawrence cadets also recently completed a ropes course near Pittsburg. Larry Wiezorek said the cadets did well at the course.

“One of the instructors said that was as fast as she’d seen one of the things done, because cooperation has been built over the years in the Civil Air Patrol,” he said.

Wiezorek said he is grateful he and his son found the patrol.

“The kids really get a lot out of it,” he said.