"The selected new patch design for the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron, as seen to the left, was conceived by Robert Williams, known as 'Uncle Bunky,' who was the grandfather of Cadet Jon Comer, a squadron member. This original artwork was adopted with the name change from 'Falcons,' as denoted on the original artwork, to 'Talons' - a name selected due to its fierce connotations, and the members of the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron who serve their country with the same tenacity. The design went through several more slight iterations prior to being sent to the patchmaker. The patch was approved by the Mississippi Wing Commander, Colonel Don Angel, on the 17th of November 1999."
"Each star represents a piece of Golden Triangle Composite Squadron’s mission, vision, and customer requirements. The First Star represents the mission, which is, 'To serve the United States of America by voluntarily providing the nation's best resources to meet emergencies, to promote aerospace education of the general public, and to motivate young men and women to ideals of leadership and service through aerospace education and training.' The Second Star represents our vision, which is, 'Columbus Composite Squadron Talons: The World's Finest Cadet and Senior Member Team Providing Superior Services to the Community, State, and Nation.' Each of the remaining five stars represents each Golden Triangle’s customer requirements, which are to: Provide Ready and Trained Emergency Services Personnel, to Enhance Public Awareness of Aerospace Issues, to Prepare Young People for Life's Challenges, to Embrace the Values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence, and to Protect and Improve Equipment and Facilities."
"The aircraft depicted on the emblem is a Northrop T-38C Talon, our namesake. This aircraft currently flies at Columbus Air Force Base, our home station. This supersonic aircraft represents the highest level of training possible and serves to motivate our members to the highest standard. The shield shape of the patch represents the proud heritage that our Air Force brethren uphold in the profession of arms. As their only official Auxiliary, we are prepared to serve the Air Force in any way possible. The flame represents the fire that burns within each of us and motivates us towards excellence. It also is reminiscent of the flame above the Torch of Knowledge. That torch is the symbol of Air Education and Training command, Civil Air Patrol's parent and our squadron's host agency."
"The color black represents the blank slate of membership. Members come to us with the widest variety of backgrounds and skills that are molded by Civil Air Patrol training. The blue half of the shield in the design represents the continuous training that must take place in order to be prepared for potential emergencies. The color red represents the bloodshed we aim to prevent and contain through our altruistic efforts. The color gold represents the success that our members enjoy through their intensive preparation and training. The white details represent purity and clarity--qualities we endeavor to always retain."
Information provided by:
Maj Scott E Lanis
Golden Triangle Composite Squadron
The Olive Branch Composite Squadron patch consists of a round disc with upper and lower rockers.
The ultramarine blue disc with Air Force yellow borders contains the image of an ascending raptor in full display. The raptor is carrying a brown and green olive branch. Above the raptor are three red stars in a vertical orientation. The upper and lower rockers contain the text of our squadron motto and squadron name.
The colors of the disc are the colors of the U.S. Air Force. Their inclusion indicates the status of the squadron as a part of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. The blue represents "the sky", the primary theater of Civil Air Patrol operations, and the yellow represents "the sun" and the excellence required of all Squadron personnel.
The raptor in the center of the disc represents the individual members of the squadron. Its ascending orientation represents the member's efforts to rise and excel in everything they do. A raptor is a bird characterized by its strength and keen senses. The characteristic of strength applies to our commitment, constancy and endurance needed by our members while performing missions while the keen senses, particularly eyesight, applies to the tools used to search from the air.
The olive branch carried by the dove dually symbolizes the community in which the Squadron is based, Olive Branch, MS, and the unit's peaceful mission.
The three stars symbolize the three primary missions performed by the Civil Air Patrol; Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education. Their red color represents the unit's zeal in performing them.
The upper rocker contains the text of our squadron motto: "Primoris In Divum Primoris Humi". The text is Latin and when translated means, "First in the Air. First on the Ground." The motto has dual significance in our goals of being one of the first organizations to respond in times of need and the effort of our unit to strive for excellence in all that we do.
The lower rocker contains the text of our Squadron name: "Olive Branch Composite Sqdrn".
Information provided by:
2d Lt Paul Kloehn, Public Affairs Officer
Olive Branch Composite Squadron
May 07, 2008