Wing Historian

Capt. Jeri Gonwa

Interim - Interested personnel should contact the Chief of Staff - Mission Support

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Index

Purpose of the CAP Historical Program

The purpose of the CAP Historical Program is to systematically collect historical data and prepare accurate and useful accounts of the organization, development, administration, operations, and other features of the Civil Air Patrol and its antecedents. The program's principal objectives are to provide historical data for CAP planning, operational and educational purposes; to preserve and disseminate the history of Civil Air Patrol; and to prepare and publish scholarly books and studies that keep the public informed about Civil Air Patrol and its cadet program, aerospace education, and emergency services missions. The CAP Historical Program is designed to:

• - Prepare annual national, region, and wing histories and encourage their preparation at the group and squadron level.
• - Assemble and maintain copies of CAP historical documentation.
• - Prepare historical material for orientation purposes and building esprit de corps.
• - Assist and advise military personnel and qualified civilians concerning research; preparing lectures, papers, and staff studies; and other activities that require historical knowledge or the use of historical materials.
• - Arouse and develop increased interest in and an improved understanding of military history among CAP personnel, historians, and students.
• - Develop an Oral History Program as an adjunct to the traditional written one.

The historian, to be effective, must be familiar with CAPR 210-1, CAPP 223, CAPM 20-1, current policies and activities of his/her unit.

Duties of the Wing Historian

At each region and wing, the historical program is conducted under the guidance of the region/wing historian. This special staff officer shall utilize whatever resources are available in order to:

• - Supervise all historical activities and monitor the histories and studies prepared by lower echelons.
• - Prepare wing histories on a calendar year basis. Send to the current National Historian’s home address (C1) the original narrative plus a copy with two complete sets of supporting documents no later than 30 June. Also send two copies of a detailed letter of transmittal (inventor) that lists all materials by name and shows the number of copies of each item. One copy of the wing narrative plus the supporting documents will be provided to the region. Histories are sent through command channels.
• - Prepare monographs and special studies as directed, NHC must coordinate on schedules and review the final product before publication.
• - Prescribe procedures for obtaining significant historical data from units under its control.
• - Perform special research as required by the commander and other CAP elements, other military agencies, and non-military agencies and individuals.
• - Conduct oral history interviews in coordination with NHC.
• - Collect and preserve copies of documentation of historical significance.
• - Coordinate on recruiting and selecting qualified historians within the command to make sure they meet the CAP Historical Program requirements.
• - Encourage the preparation of periodic histories at the group and squadron level.