Riverside Composite Squadron Heraldry (OK092)
RIVERSIDE 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 Riverside Composite Squadron was initially forged as a flight in 2019 at the Tulsa Technology Center’s (TTC) Riverside Campus located at Richard L. Jones, Jr. Airport (KRVS). The flight began serving the communities of Jenks, South Tulsa, Bixby, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma and was graciously given space to take up residence within the TTC Riverside Campus. The Riverside Squadron adopted the wolf pack mantra among its membership to honor its mentality of taking care of our wingmen.
Heraldry: The components of this new design and their symbolism are described below:
Background: The white color of the background, with a heraldic name of “Argent,” represents truth and peace. The vertical representation of the background, when divided by the blue pale, denotes a symbolic reference to the number three and its relevance to Civil Air Patrol.
The Stylized Aircraft: The emblem was designed with three stylized aircraft. The number three has several significant meanings to the squadron. The three aircraft represent the three prongs of Civil Air Patrol: Aerospace Education, Emergency Services and the Cadet Programs. The three aircraft represent teamwork, one of the foundational principles RVS was built around. Additionally, they also represent the future, current and past members. The trailing aircraft symbolically breaking formation away to the right represents the past member continuing on through life’s journey. The three aircraft serve as a reminder to the rule of three; we should always be looking out for our wingmen. Wherever life takes us, our bonds are what strengthen us. The gold color of the aircraft, with a heraldic name of “Or,” represents generosity and openness.
The Pale: A “pale” describes a charge on a coat of arms. It takes the form of a band running vertically down the center of the shield. The name originally referred to a picket, which is a piece of wood much taller than it is wide such as is used to build a picket fence, and it is from the resemblance to this that the heraldic pale derives its name. The vertical “pale” in heraldry denotes great strength and firm resolve to stand strong for one’s country. It is common in heraldry to reference landmarks or areas you are from. In medieval times this would be the kingdom you represent or a point of reference in that land.
The blue pale in the emblem symbolizes the Arkansas River, which runs near the squadron. Blue has a heraldic name of “Azure,” and represents loyalty and strength of commitment and ties. All rivers start small but as the streams trickle down, they are met by other small streams and tributaries, together growing larger until they bond to become a river. The more the river widens, the more power it generates to circumvent obstacles along its path. When a river meets an obstruction, it negotiates the obstacle to continue flowing. When blocked, a river revolts with all its weight until it flows smoothly again. Rivers flow down mountains, valleys and plateaus traversing obstacles and transiting lakes and ponds to reach its goal, the sea. At times, the process is imperceptible, yet other times violent and explosive. With gravity providing as the driving force to momentum, the river swirls, surges, and pushes toward its destination, the sea. The power of a river is symbolic of the wolf pack mentality; together we are stronger and together we are better.
The Wolves: Wolves represent the wingman concept ever present throughout the U.S. Air Force. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their pack, the ultimate team players who understand their place within the hierarchy. They are an extreme example of the followership and leadership principals that are integral to the cadet program. Members of the pack must learn to follow and to lead always honoring the rules. Wolves work together to achieve common goals. The three wolves, adding to the aircraft and vertical stripes represent the number three. Wolves always take care of their pack, their wingmen. The black color of the wolves, with a heraldic name of “Sable,” represents wisdom, constancy and prudence. The heraldic color of maroon or red, represents a leader. It embodies the squadrons focus on growing the individual, while also growing the team. This historic color element boldly states that the squadron members exercise extreme ownership in all that they do, while also respecting the chain of command. The squadron will always adhere to and never forget, the meaning of the red eyes.
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: Maj. Brandon W. Lunsford, Sr
Reviewed by NHQ Historian Staff: Lt. Col. 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
