Holiday Greetings!
I am writing to you on behalf of the Duluth Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force located here in Duluth. We are a volunteer civilian organization that supports the U.S. Air Force. Our organization has three main missions: Aerospace education, emergency services, and cadet programs. For more information about us please visit these websites.
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/who-we-are
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/civil-air-patrols-three-primary-programs
Our squadron which is comprised of about 82 active members, both senior members and cadets (age 12-18 years) is housed in an old building that we rent from the air port of Duluth. The building costs (rent, water, electricity, heat, and all maintenance) are completely the responsibility of our squadron, which we fund through fundraising efforts. Our members are active fundraisers; we bag groceries, sell car wash cards and volunteer at the DECC and other local establishments to maintain our squadron’s funds, but it is a constant struggle to maintain the old building with the funds we are able to earn. The building is insulated so poorly that our heating costs “eat up” most of our funds each winter, which leave us very little left to fund activities, and educational exercises for our members. The building’s roof leaks in several places and the doors and windows are so poorly fitted/ insulated that snow actually comes through around the cracks in the winter. The most recent development is that we have had to turn off our water for the winter months for fear that the pipes may burst since they are not sufficiently insulated and we can’t afford to keep the heat on while we are not meeting in the building. We have tried to find another facility that could affordably accommodate our needs for the winter months without success. This means that during our weekly meetings (that run 2-3 hours) at the squadron building we can not use any of the water- including the sinks and toilets! We are in need of some expertise on how to keep our building warm and insulated during the frigid winters of Duluth. This would enable us to continue meeting in the building throughout the winter (with the use of water!) and be able to save some of our fundraising dollars for much needed training, activities, and other squadron needs, rather than having to spend it all on heating costs.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story with you and sincerely thank you for your consideration for your “Christmas Giving Project.”
With gratitude,
2d Lt. Anna Rose
Duluth Composite Squadron Supply Officer
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
