NJWG

Civil Air Patrol's New Jersey Wing recently held its Basic Ground Search & Rescue School (GSAR), Class 0626-S, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) and designated field training areas, preparing cadets and senior members for advanced ground operations and mission readiness. Students who successfully completed all required prerequisites outside of the school, met applicable state requirements, and earned Ground Team Member 3 (GTM3), Ground Team Member 2 (GTM2) and Urban Direction Finding (UDF) qualifications, as well as the Senior Ground Team Badge, included 2d Lt. Justin Wellik, C/CMSgt. Sriteja Thodima, C/Capt. Aadam Jalal, C/SSgt. Nicholas McDermott and Capt. Joseph Podesta.

The color guard from the Allentown Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol proudly presented the colors during Allentown's annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, helping launch the community's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

True leadership within the Civil Air Patrol is not measured by the volume of your voice or the visibility of your actions. It is defined by servant leadership, the quiet execution of the commander's intent, and the humility to elevate your team above yourself.

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. 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.

Civil Air Patrol members from the Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron and Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron recently volunteered at the Burlington County Balloon Festival at the Burlington County Fairgrounds, where they supported the New Jersey Lions Club's annual event while gaining hands-on aerospace experience.

The Jersey City Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol proudly presented the colors during the opening ceremony of the NAACP Bayonne Branch's Juneteenth observance in June at 16th Street Park in Bayonne. The squadron's color guard presented the nation's colors, lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and rendered the National Anthem as the community gathered to commemorate Juneteenth National Independence Day.

The Jersey Shore Scouting Council recently presented Certificates of Appreciation to New Jersey Wing Director of Aerospace Education Lt. Col. Michael Castania and Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Member Pamela Bogdan for supporting the council's 250th Anniversary Camporee Celebration at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation.

Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1st Lt. Jasleen Kaur of the Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron has earned her Private Pilot Certificate through Civil Air Patrol's Cadet WINGS Program, achieving a significant milestone in her aviation journey.

The New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recognized 18 cadets who reached significant milestones in the CAP Cadet Program during May 2026. Their dedication, initiative, and commitment to excellence exemplify the core values of Civil Air Patrol.

Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect are more than principles; they are the standard that defines Civil Air Patrol members. In At Ease, Vol. 1, No. 3, Senior Master Sgt. Nick Taylor examines what it means to live these values every day, from emergency services missions to cadet mentoring, and why they remain the cornerstone of effective leadership and service.