NJ Governor Honors Civil Air Patrol’s State and National Service; Proclaims May 2 “New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol Day"
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (2 May, 2026) -- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has issued a proclamation recognizing today, Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, as "New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol Day.”
The proclamation, the Governor stated, commemorates the Wing’s 85th Anniversary of service to the State and Nation, “as a fitting occasion to recognize its enduring contributions and honor the commitment of all those who have served its ranks since its founding.”
New Jersey Wing has over 1,600 members, including cadets aged 12 to 21 years, and senior members over 18 years of age. As part of the CAP's Total Force partnership and part of the all-volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the New Jersey Wing is actively engaged in searching for and finding the lost, providing comfort in times of disaster, and ensuring the safety of our homeland.
“For 85 years, the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has upheld a proud legacy of service … through its three core missions of emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education,” Gov Sherrill noted.
Col Amy Myzie, Commander of New Jersey Wing, acknowledged the recognition of Gov Sherrill.
“Service to our great state, and in particular the opportunities for creating opportunities for our youth in developing their leadership capabilities and practical skills and knowledge in aerospace, is an extraordinary privilege, “said Col Myzie. “The Governor’s statement provides assurance to all of our volunteers that their commitment and success is appreciated at the highest levels. We are hopeful this welcome recognition will serve notice to interested New Jersey youth and adults alike of the unusual opportunities that can be realized in CAP, on this day and the future.”
New Jersey Wing members also served thousands of hours in supporting New Jersey Wing cadet programs through teaching, training and mentoring hundreds of young men and women in numerous community schools, squadron meetings as well as field training exercises.
"The New Jersey Wing continues its many contributions throughout our state, from search and rescue, homeland security, and community service. As importantly, we are helping develop the next generation of young men and women who are the future leaders of our great country," Col Myzie said.
Civil Air Patrol
CAP conducts about 90% of inland search and rescue missions as directed by the AFRCC, the federal agency responsible for coordinating on-land search and rescue across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Operating around the clock, the AFRCC evaluates distress alerts and coordinates appropriate responses with federal, state, and local agencies including Civil Air Patrol. In mid-2025, AFRCC marked a significant milestone, surpassing 20,000 lives saved during its history of coordinating search and rescue operations.
About Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is the longtime auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a valued member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine aircraft and 1,944 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). It performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 82 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Operating as a nonprofit organization, CAP also plays a leading role in STEM/aerospace education, and its members serve as mentors to about 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on X, 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
