New Jersey Wing Cadets Support Burlington County Balloon Festival
Cadets 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.
Representing the Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron were Squadron Commander Maj. Steven Kutalek, 1st Lt Lucy Couvertier, 2d Lt Pradeep Kaur, 2d Lt Sukhvinder Singh, Cadet 1st Lt Jasleen Kaur, C/1st Lt Aryan Singh, C/SrA Charlotte Grace Cunningham, C/Amn Wesley Grossmick, and C/Amn Bridget Grace Lockburner. Joining them from the Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron were C/CMSgt Amelia Kozachek and C/TSgt Ava Costanzo.
Throughout the festival, cadets assisted with event operations by providing perimeter support, greeting visitors, helping in the Kids Zone, assisting hot air balloon crews with balloon setup and line handling, and supporting event setup and cleanup. They also worked alongside balloon pilots to learn how hot air balloons are inflated, operated, and maintained before helping prepare balloons for flight and assisting passengers.
The experience culminated in a tethered hot air balloon ride, giving cadets a unique perspective on lighter-than-air aviation while reinforcing aerospace education through real-world application. Throughout the day, cadets also served as ambassadors for Civil Air Patrol, engaging with visitors and sharing information about the organization's missions in aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.
The event highlighted Civil Air Patrol's Core Value of Volunteer Service while providing cadets with an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.
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.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
