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Enid Composite Squadron Heraldry (OK110)


ENID COMPOSITE SQUADRON

OKLAHOMA WING, CIVIL AIR PATROL

U.S. AIR FORCE AUXILIARY


Purpose: To establish and maintain compliance with CAP heraldic standards for unit emblems as established in CAPR 110-3, Civil Air Patrol Heraldry Program.

Historical Significance: The Enid squadron was founded in the 1980s by a USAF Airman assigned to the 71st Operational Support Squadron (OSS). The 71st OSS is known as the Ghostriders. The CAP squadron was constituted and began serving the community of Enid, Oklahoma as well as Vance AFB and was graciously given space to take up residence within the 71 OSS squadron building on base. The squadron resided on base until 2016. Although they have relocated to a new home within the community, the squadron still maintains a close relationship with its namesake.

Heraldry: The components of this new design and their symbolism are described below

The Stars: The star symbolizes honor, achievement and hope. At the beginning and the end of the emblem, standing strong and giving a firm foundation, the four stars are representative of the four Core Values of Civil Air Patrol; Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect. The colors white and gray with a heraldic name of “Argent” represent truth and peace.

The Hamaide: The term “hamaide” is named after the Belgium town of La Hamaide, in which the arms consisted of a complete field of Or (gold color) with three Gule (red) bars across it. A hamaide is a bar that has been couped or cut at the ends so as not to reach the edges of the field. The bar in heraldry denotes conscience and honor. In the lower left of the emblem are three hamaides. Thee three hamaides represent the three primary prongs of Civil Air Patrol: Aerospace Education, Emergency Services and the Cadet Program. Additionally, the three hamaides also serve as a reminder to the rule of three. We should always be looking out for our wingmen. The upper two hamaides represent the cadet and senior programs.

The Chevron: The two chevrons in the emblem give homage to Vance AFB by representing the original two-seater training aircraft. In 1941, during World War II, the Army Air Force Pilot School at the base used the Fairchild PT-19 training aircraft to prepare airmen for war. During the war, the Enid Army Flying School graduated 8169 students. On July 9 1949, the base was renamed for Lt Col Leon R. Vance, USAAF, an Enid native who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II.

Per Fess: In heraldry, a bar is an ordinary consisting of a horizontal band across the shield. If only one bar appears across the middle of the shield, it is termed a fess. The fess is an element representing a girdle or belt of honor conveyed upon a knight. This element in the Enid emblem is about the squadron’s sworn commitment to uphold the CAP Core Values.​ Shields may also be divided into three parts, called “tierced.” The Enid emblem is “in tierced per fess;” azure, argent and gules (blue, white and red). Red has a heraldic name of “Gyoolz,” and represents strength, determination and courage.

The Horseman: The horseman and steed are depicted in an upward jump, gaining height. This references back to the founding squadron commander’s 71st Operational Support Squadron (OSS) patch. It is symbolic of the squadron’s attitude of charging forward to face the purpose head on.

Done on this day, the twentieth day of August, two thousand twenty-one and of the Independence of the United States of America, two hundred and forty-five.


Design and Artwork: Capt. Brandon W. Lunsford, Sr

Reviewed by NHQ Historian Staff: Maj. Timothy Thornton, 20 Aug 2021

Coordinated Through Oklahoma Wing Commander: Col. Aaron E. Oliver, 20 Aug 2021

Approved by Southwest Region Commander: Col Martha C. Morris, 20 Aug 2021

© 2024 Civil Air Patrol. All rights reserved.
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