{"id":31933,"date":"2025-06-16T16:10:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T16:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stateaviationjournal.com\/?p=31933"},"modified":"2025-06-16T16:10:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T16:10:54","slug":"cap-volunteers-recognized-for-excellence-and-leadership-at-nj-wing-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stateaviationjournal.com\/index.php\/state-news\/new-jersey\/cap-volunteers-recognized-for-excellence-and-leadership-at-nj-wing-conference\/%20","title":{"rendered":"CAP Volunteers Recognized for Excellence and Leadership at NJ Wing Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By<\/em> Lt Col Bill Petzinger<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo – New Jersey Wing, CAP.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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\u2019s evolving aerospace landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis conference is a powerful reminder of the passion, discipline and teamwork that define Civil Air Patrol,\u201d said Col. Myzie. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt. Col. Michael Castania, New Jersey Wing\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional awards recognized outstanding achievements across a range of categories, including leadership, aerospace education, cadet programs, emergency services, public affairs and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadets of the Year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n