Every winter, the young members of the Flathead Civil Air Patrol brave the cold to place wreaths on veteran’s graves at Christmas. This year the 40-plus cadets could use a little help, because they have nearly 1,300 wreaths to place, including more than 230 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

The wreath drive, in cooperation with Wreaths Across America, is a major fundraiser for the patrol, which is an auxiliary of the Air Force. Over the years, many of the cadets involved in the group have gone on to military service, including four cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy and one in the U.S. Naval Academy, noted finance officer Pat Walsh.

The wreaths are set to arrive early Dec. 16 at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell, on Highway 93 just north of West Reserve Drive. Cadets will then distribute the wreaths to cemeteries.

By placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of military veterans, the patrol seeks to honor and teach others about the courage and sacrifices of U.S. veterans who served in the armed forces.

A ceremony honoring veterans is planned by the patrol at Kalispell’s Depot Park at 10 a.m. Dec. 17.

Anyone who wants to help place wreaths can call Walsh directly at (406) 270-1388.