By Lt Col Bill Petzinger
The New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol recognized the leadership and accomplishments of both cadet and adult members during its annual conference, highlighting achievements in aerospace education, cadet programs, emergency services, leadership and more.
With more than 1,600 volunteer members serving in 22 squadrons, the New Jersey Wing is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the state. CAP, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, supports missions nationwide in search and rescue, aerospace education and youth development.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Brig. Gen. Stephen Snelson, commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who delivered an inspiring message on leadership, service and innovation in today’s evolving aerospace landscape.
Brig. Gen. Snelson, joined by Northeast Region Commander Col. James Ridley and New Jersey Wing Commander Col. Amy Myzie, presented Civil Air Patrol awards to cadets and adult members during the morning ceremony, held before an audience of CAP members from across the Northeast Region, along with parents, family members and invited guests.
“This conference is a powerful reminder of the passion, discipline and teamwork that define Civil Air Patrol,” said Col. Myzie. “We are grateful to Brig. Gen. Snelson for sharing his time and insights, and we are proud to recognize our members who continue to serve their communities and the nation.”
Cadet Col. Satyam Shah of the Bud Jackson Composite Squadron and Cadet Col. Nathan Stankus of the Twin Pine Composite Squadron received the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in character, leadership, aerospace education and physical fitness. Less than one percent of cadets earn the award, which typically requires four years of progression through 16 milestones in the CAP Cadet Program. Along the way, cadets develop self-discipline, leadership skills and a foundation for careers in aviation, space or technology.
Lt. Col. Michael Castania, New Jersey Wing’s director of aerospace education, received the Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award for Lifetime Achievement. This national award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made outstanding, selfless contributions to advancing youth involvement in aerospace.
Additional awards recognized outstanding achievements across a range of categories, including leadership, aerospace education, cadet programs, emergency services, public affairs and more.
Cadets of the Year:
- Phase I: C/MSgt Dylan Hunter, Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron
- Phase II: C/CMSgt Micah Blum, Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron
- Phase III: C/Capt Erin Feeney, Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron
- Phase IV: C/Lt Col Sanjna Thorugu, Bud Jackson Composite Squadron/Col Nanette M. Spears Scholarship
Ira C. Eaker Award – C/Lt Thorugu and C/Lt Col Sarvesh Premkumar
Senior Member of the Year – Capt Joy Hoschek, Maj Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron
Jack Sorenson Cadet Programs Award – Capt Frank D’Agostino, Maj Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron
Safety Officer of the Year – Maj William Stockham, Group 225
Director of Finance of the Year – Capt Sanjay Shah, NJ Wing
Character Development Instructor of the Year – 1st Lt Stacey Feeney, Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron
Professional Development of the Year – Maj Dana Ruggieri, Riverside Cadet Squadron
Col Payton Public Affairs Officer of the Year – 1st Lt Jacqueline Dennis, Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron
Ed Lewis Incident Staff Member of the Year – Maj Britton Williams, Group 225
Col David Kantor Operations Staff Member – Capt Charles Rehkopf, Group 225
Col DeCamp Ground Team of the Year – Group 225
SMSgt Nicholas Taylor served as the master of ceremonies for the morning’s general session.
After the general session, cadets and adult members took part in training seminars and workshops on leadership, emergency services, aerospace education, and public affairs. The day also included interactive activities, such as a spirited Knowledge Bowl that tested cadets’ teamwork and CAP knowledge in a fun, fast-paced format.
The New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol gratefully acknowledges the sponsors who supported this year’s conference: The New Jersey Institute of Technology; The U.S. Air Force ROTC; and Switlik Survival Products. The Wing also acknowledges the support and interest of the staff of the New Jersey National Guard’s Regional Training Institute, where the conference was held.
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures.
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol’s NJ Wing, visit www.njwg.cap.gov .
