East Iowa Cadet Squadron (IA-078)
In 1979, the Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron that was chartered in 1941-42 was split into the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron (IA-051) and the East Iowa Cadet Squadron (IA-078). In November 2012, both squadrons remerged into the Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron (IA-129). The first known patch wasn't created until 1998, and it was designed by the senior member staff of IA-078.
Design
The East Iowa Cadet Squadron emblem is a shield design composed of three elements. When the emblem was created, the Civil Air Patrol never officially adopted USAF heraldry rules and thus squadrons could use shield or disc designs. The scroll has a white background the words “EAST IOWA CADET SQUADRON” written in USAF blue. The border of the emblem is yellow. The shield contains a grey background. The first element is located at the nombril point. This is the Iowa state flag. The second element, located at middle chief, is the Civil Air Patrol pilot wings. The wings are outlined in black with a blue disc, red tri propeller, and white triangle in the center. The third element is located at the chief position and base position. These are the red words “CIVIL AIR PATROL” and “13078”, respectively.
Significance and Symbology
The reason for choosing a grey background is unknown. The USAF yellow represents the sun. The Iowa state flag is to represent the Iowa Wing and the “East Iowa” squadron. The Civil Air Patrol pilot wings represent the air component to the organization. The numbers “13078” denote the squadron’s charter number.
In 2005, the East Iowa Cadet Squadron updated their patch. The redesigned patch was designed by CMSgt Robert Chiafos and approved that same year. The patch was used through the squadron's merger into IA-129.
Design
The East Iowa Cadet Squadron emblem is a disc design with two 90-degree scrolls composed of three elements. The disc’s background is USAF blue with a yellow border and lettering. The chief scroll contains the squadron’s motto “GET IT DONE”. The base scroll contains the organization identification “78TH CADET SQUADRON”. The disc contains three elements. The disk is split by the first element, from sinister base to dexter chief, a red arrow, with shaft spreading out from point to base. The second element placed sinister chief is a constellation of three white stars in-circle. The third element, placed dexter base, is a white oil lamp with red flame. Its handle is in the shape of a question mark.
Significance and Symbology
The disk and scrolls are outlined, and lettered, in Air Force yellow, symbolizing the sun. The disk and scroll backgrounds are Air Force blue, symbolizing the sky. The arrow represents an ascending aircraft with a contrail, symbolizing mission accomplishment. The constellation of three white stars represents the Civil Air Patrol’s three missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services. The white oil lamp with a red flame and handle in the shape of a question mark emphasizes the search for enlightenment in Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs and the search for things that are lost in Emergency Services.