Waverly Composite Squadron (IA-085)

The Waverly Composite Squadron was activated in 1984.  In 1988, a patch designed by Cadet Darren Thurm was approved for use through the squadron's deactivation in December 1993.

Design

The Waverly Composite 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 emblem contains a grey scroll with the words “THUNDERBOLT SQUADRON 13085” written in black. There are five red “tear drop” shaped elements located between Thunderbolt and Squadron. The emblem’s border is red around the shield and black around the scroll. The first element, located at the fess point, is a black and red “bullseye” that is divided into quarters (chief to base and dexter to sinister). The second element, the Civil Air Patrol red tri propeller and white triangle, is located at the base position. The third element is a red lightning bolt with its tip ending at the center of the bullseye. It is at a diagonal position from running from sinister chief to fess point.

Significance and Symbology

The squadron was officially named the Waverly Composite Squadron. However, the unit used the name Thunderbolt Squadron as a nickname. Based on interviews with former members, the exact reason why Thunderbolt was chosen is no longer known. The patch was heavily influenced by the USAF Weapons School patch and the Red Flag patch according to Lt Col Darren Thurm, USAF and Lt Col Steve Palmquist, CAP. Why this was chosen is unknown. The tri propeller and white triangle represent the Civil Air Patrol emblem. The red “tear drop” shaped items in the scroll are unknown as to significance. The red lightning bolt is unknown as to significance.