More than 50 cadets and adult members of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recently gathered at the New Jersey State House for State Legislative Day, helping raise awareness of the organization’s missions and services among state lawmakers.
Throughout the day, members met with legislators and staff to discuss Civil Air Patrol’s emergency services, aerospace education, cadet programs and community service missions while advocating support for Budget Resolution 57, which recognizes the importance of Civil Air Patrol’s emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs to the citizens of New Jersey, as well as pending legislation that would establish a dedicated Civil Air Patrol appropriation to support New Jersey Wing operations and training. Delegates also encouraged lawmakers to join the New Jersey Wing Legislative Squadron.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, met with the delegation and emphasized the importance of volunteer service and the contributions Civil Air Patrol members make in communities across the state. She was greeted by Lt. Col. Michael Sperry, New Jersey Wing deputy commander; Lt. Col. Zachary King of the Congressional Squadron; 1st Lt. Joshua Metzger, deputy commander of the Legislative Squadron; Cadet Lt. Col. Aaron Szumigala; Cadet Lt. Col. Dishita Singh; and several senior cadets.
Sherrill was presented with a New Jersey Wing Legislative Squadron polo shirt and welcomed as an honorary member of the squadron in recognition of her support for Civil Air Patrol.
“Civil Air Patrol members demonstrate the very best of volunteer service,” Sherrill said. “From emergency response and disaster relief to developing young leaders through the cadet program, these volunteers make a meaningful difference in communities throughout New Jersey.”
Remarks also were delivered by Sen. Raj Mukherji and Assemblywoman Melinda Kane.
Mukherji, a member of the New Jersey Wing Legislative Squadron who holds the rank of major in Civil Air Patrol, said his involvement with the organization has provided him with a greater appreciation for its missions. Senators Michael Testa and Troy Singleton are also members of the New Jersey Wing Legislative Squadron.
“Civil Air Patrol gives citizens an opportunity to serve their communities and support important missions across our state,” Mukherji said. “I am proud to be a member of the Legislative Squadron and look forward to becoming part of an aircrew as I work toward qualifications as a mission scanner and mission observer.”
The New Jersey Wing provides a wide range of operational support to state and federal agencies. On average each year, the wing’s 54 volunteer pilots fly more than 30 missions and log approximately 1,200 flight hours using a fleet of seven single-engine aircraft, ranking third nationally in total flying hours. New Jersey Wing aircrews respond to search and rescue missions assigned by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through annual aerial assessments of Delaware and New Jersey beaches, and conduct U.S. Air Force Fertile Keynote missions that help exercise air defense capabilities.
Since 2017, New Jersey Wing aircrews have conducted weekly intercept training missions with U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Target of Interest program. The wing also partnered with NASA through the Aviation Weather Mission, collecting atmospheric data on clouds and contrails to support research related to aviation safety and climate modeling.
Lt. Col. Michael Sperry thanked the governor and legislators for their continued support and for taking time to meet with cadets and senior members.
“State Legislative Day provides our cadets with an outstanding opportunity to learn firsthand about state government, develop leadership skills and share the impact Civil Air Patrol has in communities across New Jersey,” Sperry said. “The support we receive from our elected officials helps strengthen our ability to serve the citizens of New Jersey.”
Lt. Col. Bob Jennings, commander of the New Jersey Wing Legislative Squadron, said the inaugural State Legislative Day helps build relationships between Civil Air Patrol and state leaders.
“Legislative Day allows us to demonstrate the value Civil Air Patrol brings to New Jersey while giving lawmakers an opportunity to meet the cadets and volunteers who carry out our missions every day,” Jennings said. “These partnerships are important as we continue to expand our service to communities across the state.”
The event also included a guided tour of the State House led by New Jersey Wing’s Lt. Col. Elizabeth Yull, providing cadets with an opportunity to learn about the history and operations of New Jersey state government. Lt. Col. Yull is also a docent at the State House.
State Legislative Day was coordinated by Jennings, King and Metzger.
