Civil Air Patrol’s NJ Wing Announces Cadet Promotions and Milestone Awards
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (May 18, 2026) — The New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recognized 32 cadets who reached significant milestones in the CAP Cadet Program during April-May 2026. Their dedication, initiative, and commitment to excellence exemplify the core values of Civil Air Patrol.
Phase I – Wright Brothers Award
The Wright Brothers Award marks successful completion of the Cadet Program’s foundational phase. Recipients demonstrate growth in followership, drill, leadership fundamentals, and self-discipline.
The New Jersey Wing proudly congratulates the following cadets, all promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant upon earning the Wright Brothers Award:
Meghan Abraham
Mahathi Akula
Sanjhana Bharanidharan
Cristian Bowen
Ava Costanzo
Adam Gibilisco
Sanah Joshi
Sangyoon Kim
Sniti Kumar
Anthony Kumi-George
Harish Loganathan
Carolin Qiao
Iva Penumudi
Yashi Seshadri
Sridharan Shriram
Phase II – Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award
The Mitchell Award marks a cadet’s transition to officer-level responsibilities. Recipients complete rigorous leadership and aerospace examinations, meet physical fitness standards, and fulfill character development requirements. Fewer than 15% of cadets nationwide earn this distinction.
The New Jersey Wing recognizes the following cadet, promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant upon earning the Mitchell Award:
Liam Darragh
Reyansh Dedhia
Grant Goehringer
Mehakpreet Kaur
Vighnajit Kumar
Dylan Rutkowski
Arjun Sarsam
Sonit Saxena
Benjamin Smolensky
Adilyn Varga
Manas Yenigalla
Phase III - Amelia Earhart Award
One of CAP’s highest cadet honors, the Earhart Award is earned by fewer than 5% of cadets nationwide and reflects advanced leadership, aerospace excellence, and readiness for executive-level responsibilities.
The New Jersey Wing commends the following cadets, promoted to Cadet Captain upon earning the Amelia Earhart Award:
Connor Dunn
Aadam Jalal
Advaith Kannan
Isabella Lancellotti
Logan Lancellotti
Phase IV - Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award
The Civil Air Patrol General Ira C. Eaker Award recognizes cadets who successfully complete Phase IV of the CAP Cadet Program, demonstrating exceptional leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace knowledge.
Recipients earn promotion to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, one of the program’s highest cadet ranks and a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of CAP cadets:
Yeshika Bhansali
Civil Air Patrol encourages all cadets to strive for their full potential as leaders and citizens. The New Jersey Wing applauds these achievements and looks forward to their continued success.
About Civil Air Patrol
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.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
