In 1982, the Schuylkill County Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron 402 relocated from Bendigo Airport in Rush Township, Dauphin County (near Tower City) to Joe Zerbey Airport in Buck Run, Schuylkill County. The reasons for the move were spelled out in the following article from the Pottsville Republican, 31 March 1982:
CAP Move Wins Approval
By Terry Rang, Staff Writer
Schuylkill Composite Squadron 402, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Auxiliary U. S. Air Force, was granted approval by the Schuylkill County Commissioners Tuesday to relocate from Tower City to Joe Zerbey Airport, Buck Run, pending approval by Clouser Aviation Services, who operates the airport.
Harold Clouser of Clouser Aviation said today he would go along with the commissioners approval to allow CAP to locate at the airport.
In addition, 1st Lt. David Bixler requested county financing for the hookup of electricity, electrical service fees, and a new roof for a concrete building at the southern point of the airport which will be utilized by CAP.
However, the commissioners told Bixler to put his requests for money in writing and they may be considered for next year’s budget.
Bixler said the Schuylkill Squadron wanted to move from the Bendigo Airport, Tower City, to the county’s airport because it was in need of a year round airport and more space.
Commissioner William H. Willard said he received a letter from the airport advisory board which indicated it wants CAP located at the county airport.
Willard and Commissioner Albert J. Matunis approved CAP’s request. Commissioner Edward H. Cook was absent.
When Bixler requested financial aid, Williard told him, “I don’t know if there is anything in the budget for it now.” Robert B. Hoppe, fiscal manager, said there is no funding available for the CAP in the present budget.
Bixler said if CAP should disband, improvements made to their building at the airport would be donated to the county.
Bixler said sponsors may donate materials, time, and service into putting a new roof on the building. But, if the sponsors don’t come through, he asked the county to consider granting some money.
Among services Bixler said CAP will provide the county at its new location include:
- use of the building;
- free labor and maintenance at the airport if the equipment is available;
- mowing the grass along the runways if a mower is available;
- disaster relief assistance;
- air search and ground rescue services;
- activities and educational programs;
- training of county youths in aviation occupations;
- assistance to the American red Cross, Schuylkill COunty Emergency Management Agency, and local hospitals;
- educational programs for pilots; and
- additional security at the airport.
Bixler said the CAP is the only agency authorized by the Air Force to conduct air search and ground rescue procedures in the event of a plane crash.
He said the CAP would provide security at the airport sine he understands it has been the scene of vandalism, theft, and drag racing.
Clouser said presently there is no security at the airport, but most vandalism took place at least a year ago. He did say lights are sometimes stolen from the runways. He said CAP’s security proposal would be an asset to the airport.
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Article from the Pottsville Republican, 31 March 1982, via Newspapers.com.
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