The Wright Brothers 282nd Aero Composite Squadron has a rich history as an innovative and forward thinking squadron. In 1991, Group Commander LtCol Larry Sidle began exploring the feasibility of opening a new Civil Air Patrol squadron in the western suburbs of Dayton, Ohio. Major Lloyd Baird, the squadron's charter commander, came to the unit from his post at the Dayton Senior Squadron (OH-285). Since Major Baird lived in New Lebanon he seemed like a logical choice to take charge of the new squadron. As a pilot and collector of vintage aircraft, Baird was already known and respected through the community for his involvement in aviation. For some time he owned and flew a P-51 Mustang that was based nearby at the Dayton-New Lebanon Airport (I44).

The first meetings of the new unit were held at Gearhart's Cafeteria at 590 East Main Street in New Lebanon. The Baird's had purchased the resturaunt business just before the charter was received and it remained the meeting location for the unit throughout Maj Baird's command. In March of 1991, the charter for the squadron was presented to Major Baird by LtCol Sidle. At the time, there were twelve cadet members and three senior officer members. As the squadron worked to market the new opportunity and recruit new members, America's military forces were launched into Operation Desert Storm. The resulting surge in patriotism spurred a fair number of community members to explore Civil Air Patrol.

In 1993, members from Squadron 282 sought to form a competitive cadet drill team. At the time, the squadron was not large enough to support a drill team independently. A call was put out to other squadrons in the Dayton area, generating additional interest. The drill team was formed and competed successfully at the wing level, going on to place second at the Great Lakes Region competition their first year. In 1997, the drill team won the Great Lakes Region competition and went on to place fourth at the national competition.

In 1994 a member by the name of 2d Lt Alan Wise transferred to Squadron 282. 2d Lt Wise significantly elevated the squadron's Emergency Services capabilities, drawing on his experience as an officer in the United States Army. After serving as the Deputy Commander for approximately two years he recognized an opportunity to introduce the Civil Air Patrol program to the Middletown area. After approximately one year this squadron took root began to hold meetings of their own. The squadron is now independant and chartered as GLR-OH-288, the Middletown Pathfinders squadron.

The squadron continued to grow and flourish in 1995, participating heavily in the wing encampment, search and rescue missions and exercises, aerospace activities, cadet drill competitions, and other events. In recognition of their efforts, Squadron 282 was named the Great Lakes Region Squadron of Distinction.

The Ohio Wing Cadet Advisory Council exists to provide cadets with a forum to air new ideas or voice concerns. Within our squadron we have had several delegates to this council. C/LtCol Chris Schelle served as a chairperson, C/Capt Nathaniel Stevens served as a chairperson, C/Maj Johnny Adams served as a chairperson, and C/Maj Doug Baker served as a member.

In 1998 C/Col Laura Thompson was named as a member of the National Cadet Advisory Council. She was the first member of Group VII to be named to such a prestigious position. In this capacity she traveled to various events hosted by National Headquarters to provide insight on the needs of Civil Air Patrol's cadet members.

In 2009 Capt Krista Morisen began exploring the feasibility of establishing a new Civil Air Patrol unit in the Richmond, Indiana area. She worked with existing members in the Whitewater Valley and local officials to get a basic program under way. Members of our squadron assisted the members of the new start up as they learned their duty positions and responsibilities within the unit. Resources and best practices were shared and relationships built and reinforced. In appreciation of the assistance the flight was officially chartered in late 2009 as GLR-IN-282, the "Whitewater Valley Flight".

The members of Squadron 282 are proud of our heritage as an organization founded in service to the western suburbs of Dayton. As time goes on we continue to write history, carrying out the missions of the Civil Air Patrol on a daily basis!