Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron (IA-129)
The Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron was originally chartered in 1941-42. In 1979, the unit split into the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron (IA-051) and the East Iowa Cadet Squadron (IA-078). On 7 NOV 2012, both units remerged into a single Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron (IA-129) with a new charter. In April 2014, IA-129 adopted their first unit patch under their new charter.
Design
The Cedar Rapids Composite Squadron emblem is a shield design with 120-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 name “CEDAR RAPIDS”. The base scroll contains the organization identification “COMPOSITE SQUADRON NCR-IA-129”. 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 white eagle facing dexter. The third element, placed dexter base, is a white Iowa outline with a blue five-pointed star.
Significance and Symbology
A disk with scrolls appended at top and bottom as used by the East Iowa Cadet Squadron. 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 patch drew elements from both the East Iowa Cadet Squadron and the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron emblems. The red arrow was drawn from the East Iowa Cadet Squadron emblem. It represents an ascending aircraft with contrail, symbolizing mission accomplishment. The eagle and the State of Iowa were drawn from the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron emblem. The eagle represents the Senior Squadron. The State of Iowa represents the wing with the blue star representing the location of the unit: Cedar Rapids. Thus, the patch symbolizes the merger between the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron and the East Iowa Cadet Squadron. The charter number, IA-129, was requested from National Headquarters, as it is the sum of IA-078 and IA-051.