Even after serving 35 years with the McChord Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, when 84-year-old Lorraine Robertson puts on her Airman Battle Uniform, she really feels like she's part of something special.

"When I put on that Air Force uniform, you just feel good - invigorated," she said.

Robertson, a Lakewood resident and Wenatchee native, originally got involved with the squadron after both her sons went through the program. When her younger son joined, her husband - a former F-80 Shooting Star pilot and Korean War veteran - also decided to get involved. He became commander of the program and needed a copilot.

That started a long commitment to the unit that has yet to waver. Robertson has held several jobs within the squadron; working in public affairs, serving as a finance officer and now her current position of administrative staff officer. She's flown on all kinds of military aircraft and helicopters and worked her way up the leadership chain to lieutenant colonel. She has no plans to stop.

"I've been in so long I know a lot of people, and they won't let me quit," she said with a laugh. But it's being around young cadets that keeps Robertson going.

"Being around young people you have to walk pretty fast to keep up," she said. "You work with them at the squadron and try to help make them have a better life. This (program) gives them a new incentive."

And Robertson still knows how to get things done, said Col. Ted Tax, the Washington CAP vice commander. "She knows her way around the military," Tax said. "Anytime the unit needs a bus or something, she knows exactly who to call."

Even though Robertson's husband passed away in 1987, she continues to attend meetings and stay involved with the squadron's activities.