About Us
About the Squadron
A Legacy of Service: The Billie L. LeClair Composite Squadron 31
An enduring legacy in the Civil Air Patrol is honored by the name of the Billie L. LeClair Composite Squadron 31. This designation pays tribute to a distinguished former California Wing Senior Member and Master Radio Communications Specialist, Billie L. LeClair. A testament to her lifelong dedication, she committed herself to the advancement of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and the support of the Emergency Services Community throughout California. In recognition of her profound and lasting impact, the unit was proudly named in her honor.
This honor is, in fact, the second time a squadron has been named for her. The original, Billie L. LeClair Cadet Squadron 89, was chartered in 1998. This unit was later deactivated and, in October 2002, merged with the San Bernardino Cadet Squadron 31, ensuring that her name and inspirational story would continue to be a part of the Civil Air Patrol's fabric. An echo of her influence from that era can be found in a historical patch bearing the name "Billie's Raiders," a likely nod to her leadership and the esteem in which she was held.
Today, the Billie L. LeClair Composite Squadron 31 is a dynamic U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Composite Squadron operating under the Inland Empire Group 3. The squadron is strategically based at the historic Flabob Airport in Jurupa Valley, California, one of the state's oldest surviving airfields and a fitting home for an organization dedicated to aviation. From this historic location, the squadron diligently continues to uphold the values and mission that Billie L. LeClair so passionately championed.
The squadron is a hub of activity and achievement. Its senior members are actively engaged in critical Emergency Services missions and the mentorship of the next generation through the Cadet Program. This commitment to youth development has yielded impressive results, with cadets from the squadron matriculating to esteemed universities and military academies, and a number achieving their private pilot licenses. Through its multifaceted contributions, the Billie L. LeClair Composite Squadron 31 not only honors a remarkable individual but also actively shapes the future of aviation and community service in California.