🛡️ 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 serving 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: REACH Academy, WNY Maritime Charter, and BuffSci.

  • Alpha Flight – Maritime Charter School, 2219 South Park Ave (primary squadron meeting location).

  • Bravo Flight – BuffSci High School, 18 Agassiz Circle. (secondary squadron meeting location).

🕒 Weekly Schedule

Flight Meetings:

  • Held weekly at our primary (Wednesdays) and secondary (Mondays) meeting locations.

  • Focused on aerospace, character, and drill fundamentals

Full Squadron Meetings:

  • Weekly on Fridays

  • Rotate between primary and secondary locations.

  • Include formal meeting activities and instruction in:

    • Emergency services

    • Aerospace education

    • Leadership

    • Drill & ceremonies

Saturday Leadership Labs & Activities:

  • Fun Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, Drill, and Character Development activities.

  • Formal 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.

🔗 Learn More

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