🛡️ Our History

Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron – NY-614
Sharpened Minds Carve Paths

The Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-614) is a youth development program of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Located in Buffalo, New York, our squadron is committed to shaping future leaders through aerospace education, character development, emergency services, and community service.

Our story began in October 2022, when the squadron was first chartered under the name Buffalo Creek Academy Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-824). The unit was founded by Dr. Christopher R. Manning, an Air Force veteran and experienced educator who had already established Buffalo Creek Academy—a charter school designed to serve students in grades 5 through 8. Seeing the need for structured youth leadership programs on Buffalo’s East Side, Dr. Manning turned to the Civil Air Patrol to provide students with a pathway toward service, scholarship, and discipline.

Dr. Manning’s Air Force journey began back in 2000 as an AFJROTC cadet at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona. He went on to serve on active duty in the United States Air Force and later in the Air Force Reserve. In 2004, he joined Civil Air Patrol, serving as a Color Guard Officer with the Malmstrom Composite Squadron in Montana and later as a Leadership Officer with the Tuskegee Composite Squadron in Washington, D.C., while stationed at Bolling Air Force Base with the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

By late 2021, Dr. Manning formally initiated the process to launch a new CAP unit. He had already founded Friends of Buffalo Creek, Inc. (FOBC) to serve as the nonprofit sponsor and launched Path Carver Transportation, LLC to provide transportation for cadets. With these supports in place, he worked closely with Maj Ralph Bailey, WNY Group Commander and Col John Jones, New York Wing Commander to bring the unit to life.

In 2025, when Buffalo Creek Academy closed its doors, the squadron faced a choice—dissolve or evolve. Under Dr. Manning’s leadership, (and with the support of CAP leadership including Maj Brian Wells, WNY Group Commander and Col William Martin, New York Wing Commander), the unit was rechartered as a traditional, community-based squadron under the name Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-614). The word “Academy” was removed to reflect its growing reach beyond a single school.

Despite the transition, the mission never wavered. FOBC and Path Carver remained steadfast in their support, ensuring cadets had continued access to equipment, transportation, and enrichment. Rather than slow down, the transition became a launchpad—allowing the squadron to grow stronger, reach farther, and serve even more youth across Buffalo.

📅 Squadron Today

📍 Flight Locations

Our Squadron’s membership consists primarily of students and staff from three Buffalo charter schools:

  • Alpha Flight – REACH Academy (266 Genesee St)

  • Bravo Flight – Buffalo Academy of Science Middle School (100 Poplar St)

  • Charlie Flight – Maritime Charter School (2219 South Park Ave)

🕒 Weekly Schedule

After-School Aerospace & Leadership Clubs (Not official CAP meetings):

  • Held weekly at each school site

  • Focused on aerospace, character, and drill fundamentals

Thursday Squadron Meetings (Uniform Required):

  • Rotate between REACH and BuffSci

  • Include formal meeting activities and instruction in:

    • Emergency services

    • Aerospace education

    • Leadership

    • Drill & ceremonies

Friday Leadership Labs (for NCOs and Officers):

  • Training for:

    • Flight Commanders

    • First Sergeants

    • Flight Sergeants

☀️ Summer Labs (Rotating Weeks)

  • Week 1: Aerospace Lab

  • Week 2: Leadership Lab

  • Week 3: Emergency Services Lab

  • Week 4: Drill & Parade Lab

🧭 Field Experiences & Events

Cadets regularly participate in:

  • Weekend community service

  • Camping trips and overnights

  • Airshows (Rochester, Geneseo and New York Air Shows)

  • Orientation flights (O-flights), when available

  • Encampment (as registered)

All logistics are coordinated by FOBC and Path Carver.

👥 Current Membership (as of May 2025)

Total Members: 124

  • Cadets (116):

    • 46 Cadet Airman Basics (C/AB)

    • 41 Cadet Airmen (C/Amn)

    • 12 Cadet A1Cs

    • 7 Cadet SrAs

    • 2 Cadet SSgts

    • 2 Cadet TSgts

    • 1 Cadet MSgt

    • 3 Cadet CMSgts

    • 2 Cadet 2d Lts

  • Senior Members (8):

    • 3 Captains

    • 1 First Lieutenant

    • 2 Second Lieutenants

    • 2 Senior Members (non-officer grade)

What’s the difference between Clubs and Squadron Meetings?

  • Clubs are after-school programs held at each partner school. They introduce cadets to basic skills in aerospace, leadership, and drill in a relaxed, familiar setting. These are great for learning and getting involved—but they are not official Civil Air Patrol meetings.

  • Squadron Meetings are formal CAP events held every Thursday in uniform. These count toward promotions, awards, and CAP advancement. They include structured instruction in leadership, emergency services, aerospace, and physical training.

🔗 Learn More

👉 Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters
👉 Friends of Buffalo Creek, Inc. (Sponsor)