🛡️ Our Foundation’s History

The Friends of Buffalo Creek Foundation was established in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, originally dedicated to supporting the Buffalo Creek Academy Charter School and its after-school programming—particularly the Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron. For four years, the foundation played a key role in nurturing both the school community and the cadet squadron.

However, when the charter school closed in March 2025 due to non-renewal by the SUNY Board of Trustees, the foundation seamlessly pivoted. It refocused its mission entirely on the Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron, transforming it into a multi-school after-school program serving students across Buffalo.

Today, the foundation continues its youth and leadership development mission through the Civil Air Patrol unit. Under its umbrella, Path Carver Transportation Services ensures cadets have reliable transportation for after-school, summer, and weekend activities. Since its inception, the Friends of Buffalo Creek Foundation has positively impacted over 300 students by offering robust after-school and leadership opportunities throughout the Buffalo area.

🛡️ Our Supported Unit’s History

Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron – NY-614
Sharpened Minds Carve Paths

The Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-614) is a youth development program of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Located in Buffalo, New York, our squadron is committed to shaping future leaders through aerospace education, character development, emergency services, and community service.

Our story began in October 2022, when the squadron was first chartered under the name Buffalo Creek Academy Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-824). The unit was founded by Dr. Christopher R. Manning, an Air Force veteran and experienced educator who had already established Buffalo Creek Academy, a charter school serving students in grades 5 through 8. Seeing the need for structured youth leadership programs on Buffalo’s East Side, Dr. Manning turned to the Civil Air Patrol to provide students with a pathway toward service, scholarship, and discipline.

Dr. Manning’s Air Force journey began back in 2000 as an AFJROTC cadet at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona. He went on to serve on active duty in the United States Air Force (2002-2011) and later in the Air Force Reserve (2011-2015). In 2004, during his time in the Air Force, he joined Civil Air Patrol as a senior member with the Malmstrom Composite Squadron in Montana, while stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He then served as the Leadership Officer with the Tuskegee Composite Squadron in Washington, D.C., while stationed at Bolling Air Force Base as a member of the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

By late 2021, Dr. Manning formally initiated the process to launch a new CAP unit. He had already founded Friends of Buffalo Creek, Inc. (FOBC) to serve as the nonprofit sponsor and launched Path Carver Transportation, LLC to provide transportation for cadets. With these supports in place, he worked closely with CAP’s leadership to bring the program to life.

In 2025, when Buffalo Creek Academy closed its doors, the unit was re-chartered as a traditional, community-based squadron under the name Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-614). The word “Academy” was removed to reflect its growing reach beyond serving a single school.

Despite the transition, the mission never wavered. FOBC and Path Carver remained steadfast in their support, ensuring cadets had continued access to equipment, transportation, and enrichment. Rather than slow down, the transition became a launchpad—allowing the squadron to grow stronger, reach farther, and serve even more youth across Buffalo.

Path Carver Cadet Squadron – NY-616
Getting Ready for the Road Ahead

Buffalo Guardians Cadet Squadron – NY-615
Scaling to Excellence

In the summer of 2025, the cadets and staff of Buffalo Creek Cadet Squadron recognized a growing citywide demand for CAP programming. After Buffalo Creek Academy’s closure, many former cadets—now at different schools—were eager to bring CAP to their new communities. In response, the squadron set out to launch two new flights.

By May 2025, the Path Carver Cadet Flight was established at Buffalo Academy of Science Middle School, and by June 2025, the Buffalo Guardians Cadet Flight opened at Western New York Maritime Charter School. With support from school leaders, FOBC established partnerships, designated facilities, and began recruitment and training swiftly. Cadets participated in air shows, bivouacs, and other activities alongside Buffalo Creek.

In January 2026, both flights became independent squadrons: Path Carver Cadet Squadron (NY-616) under 1st Lt. Kirk Abernathy and Buffalo Guardians Cadet Squadron (NY-615) under Capt. Amy Alderman. Meanwhile, Major Manning passed command of Buffalo Creek (NY-614) to Capt. Chaniqua Bailey stepped into a group leadership role, ensuring all three squadrons thrived in serving Buffalo’s youth.