The patch contains the Winged Fleur de Lis which was taken from the Louisiana Wing patch. The "16" is the Wing number. The Fleur de Lis has long been a symbol of the State of Louisiana and its French history.
The red, white, and blue fields have a dual reference. The first reference is for the American national colors. The second reference is for the French national colors. The shape conforms to United States Air Force guidelines for command level units and has the standard USAF gold boarders.
The patch was designed by Lt Col David P White, Wing Director of Cadet Programs. Wing Commander, Col Rodney Ammons, authorized it for wear by Wing Headquarters personnel in 2006.
Information provided by:
Lt Col David P White, Louisiana Wing
The symbol of Louisiana has long been the Fleur de Lis. At the time the State of Louisiana was founded, the Royal Flag of France contained three Fleur de Lis. There are three references contained here. The first reference is to the Royal flag of France under which Louisiana was founded. The second reference is their arrangement in a formation of aircraft flying over the State of Louisiana. The squadron symbol is the lightening bolt, and the aircraft contrails are depicted as lightening. The third reference is that the Fleur de Lis represent the three missions of Civil Air Patrol.
The colors of green, black, and yellow are the colors of the 2nd Bomb Wing [emblem at right], which is based at Barksdale Air Force Base. The commander of 2nd Bomb Wing also serves as the installation commander, and the squadron has adopted their colors out of respect for the base which provides them exceptional support. The emblem shape conforms to United States Air Force guidelines for subordinate units. Barksdale Squadron's motto "Fortis et Liber" translates "Strong and Free".
The patch was designed by Lt Col David P White, Wing Director of Cadet Programs. It was approved by Barksdale Composite Squadron Commander, Capt Judith LaValley, and authorized for wear in early 2007 by Louisiana Wing Commander, Col Michael Dubois. The unit's emblem also received the acceptance of Col Daniel J Charchian, Commander, Barksdale AFB.
Information provided by:
Lt Col David P White, Louisiana Wing
"Semper Escendo" is the squadron motto, which is Latin for "Always Ascending". Our members have a strong history of reaching upward and striving for excellence.
The squadron mascot is "Flying Tigers", in honor of the historic Flying Tigers of WWII and also the LSU Fighting Tigers. The original Flying Tigers were an American volunteer corps led to greatness by General Claire Lee Chennault, an LSU alumnus.
The tiger on the patch is shown in an aggressive, upward moving posture. However, one paw is extended in an attitude of helping or reaching out.
The attitude indicator represents the state of volunteerlsm in our squadron: Attitude is everything. It is meant to honor the members who support both the air and ground mission of CAP and LA-022 with willing hearts and uplifted spirits. The sky represents the vastness of space and the limitlessness of our potential to achieve and to serve. The lines/hashing on the lower portion of the patch represent the rank and file, upon which many of our efforts rest.
The three bars are a symbol of the three missions of CAP: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. And the three bars also represent our three founding members who have led our squadron to its outstanding levels of achievement, including many years of being recognized by LA Wing as the Squadron of the Year.
Our founding members Include Lt Col Mickey Marchand, Lt Col Harry Stafford, and Lt Col Phil Collins.
The spaces between the bars represent the unsung heroes of our squadron who spend countless hours working behind the scenes and keeping the squadron 'afloat'. These are the members who are often willing to sacrifice in order to help other members succeed, thereby ensuring mission and squadron success.
We dedicate this patch in their honor and thank them for their excellent leadership and selfless service to CAP and LA-022.
The Ascension Composite Squadron patch was designed by Major Christine Richmond and adopted in January, 2008. The design is based on guidelines setforth in AFI84-105, "Organizational Lineage, Honors and Heraldry", the Air Force's heraldry guidelines.
Information provided by:
Ascension Composite Squadron
Information provided by:
Lt Col Charlotte Payne Wright
April 2009
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the Louisiana Wing combined the Claire Chennault Cadet Squadron and the Alvin Callender Senior Squadron to form the Alvin Callender Composite Squadron (SWR-LA-086). The Chennault Cadet Squadron lost everything in the hurricane including their building and all equipment. Both squadrons lost most of their membership and needed to be combined to sustain squadron status.
The Alvin Callender patch has the colors of purple, green and gold which are Mardi Gras colors and has a fleur-de-lis, and both represent the city of New Orleans. The patch is very unique because it has a total of 9 different colors and is only being changed to get in compliance with CAP regulations.
Information provided by:
Jud Ergle (via Gerry Phillips)
The Pontchartrain Composite Squadron's distinctive unit patch was designed by Major William Hunton and Captain Daniel Dixon.