NJ Wing Encampment Builds Leadership, Teamwork and Confidence

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (Aug. 4, 2026) -- Nearly 190 Civil Air Patrol cadets recently completed the 2026 New Jersey Wing Basic Encampment after a week of intensive, hands-on training designed to develop leadership, teamwork, discipline and personal confidence.

Held July 27-Aug. 1 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the weeklong program culminated with a graduation ceremony at Helen A. Fort Middle School in Pemberton. Encampment is a cornerstone of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, giving cadets an opportunity to apply leadership skills, work as teams and challenge themselves in a structured, supportive environment.

During encampment, cadets participate in age-appropriate activities under the guidance of trained adult leaders and experienced cadet staff. Activities included leadership development, problem-solving, aviation and aerospace education, physical fitness, base tours and team-building exercises.

“Encampment gives cadets the opportunity to discover what they are capable of when they work together toward a common goal,” said Col Amy Myzie, the New Jersey Wing commander. “They leave with new friendships, greater confidence and a stronger foundation for future leadership.”

A key to the success of encampment was the team of 16 volunteer training officers, who served as the primary adult mentors for cadet flights and staff. Their responsibilities included ensuring cadet safety and well-being, providing mentorship and counseling, conducting daily wellness checks, and helping cadet leaders reflect on their experiences and improve their performance.

The training officer team represented a broad range of military and professional experience. Chief Training Officer Master Sgt. Rik Jones of the Walter M. Schirra Composite Squadron led the team, which included members from squadrons throughout the New Jersey Wing.

The 2026 training officers were:

• Capt. Matt Roberts, Bayshore Composite Squadron
• Capt. Karen Callaghan, Group 223
• 1st Lt. Helena Gaither, Raritan Valley Composite Squadron
• 1st Lt. Robert Brown, Gloucester County Composite Squadron
• 1st Lt. Jeremy J. Neff, Bayshore Composite Squadron
• 1st Lt. Drew Hurst, Atlantic County Composite Squadron
• 1st Lt. Marie Hall-Pluchino, Allentown Composite Squadron
• 1st Lt. Joshua Metzger, Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron
• 2d Lt. Katie Goins, Atlantic County Composite Squadron
• 2d Lt. Joshua Toscano, Pineland Composite Squadron
• 2d Lt. Mike Jones, Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron
• 2d Lt. Rohan D’Silva, Walter M. Schirra Composite Squadron
• 2d Lt. Justin Wellik, Gloucester County Composite Squadron
• Patrick Curran, Walter M. Schirra Composite Squadron

The encampment also recognized cadets who distinguished themselves through leadership, resilience, teamwork and overall performance.

Delta Flight received the Honor Flight Award for outstanding academic performance, merit and military distinction. Golf Flight earned the Warrior Flight Award for demonstrating exceptional resilience, determination and teamwork while overcoming challenges.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Mayer of Jimmy Stewart Composite Squadron and Bravo Flight received the Basic Encampment Honor Cadet Award for exceptional leadership, dedication and conduct.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cole Harrell of Cumberland Composite Squadron received the Advanced Encampment Distinguished Graduate Award for outstanding leadership, commitment and professional excellence, as well as his commitment to continued service to future New Jersey Wing encampments.

Cadet Airman Bridget Lockburner of Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron received the Warrior Cadet of the Week Award for resilience, perseverance, teamwork and a positive attitude in overcoming challenges.

Several cadet cadre members also were recognized for exceptional duty performance and their contributions to the success of the encampment. Honorees included Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Will Callaghan; Cadet Capt. Devlin Gaither; Cadet Capt. Sanika Ghule; Cadet Capt. Isabella Lancelotti; Cadet Capt. Logan Lancelotti; Cadet Master Sgt. Amanda Nunez; Cadet Capt. Patience Pittman; Cadet Maj. Aditi Sail; Cadet Master Sgt. Nathen Segui; Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew Vyas; and Cadet Staff Sgt. Vincent Ye.

“Encampment pushed me further than I thought I could go,” said C/TSgt Ava Costanzo of the Maj Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron. “It helped me become someone who could handle challenges that once seemed impossible.”

Myzie expressed her appreciation to the senior staff, cadet cadre and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for supporting the encampment and providing cadets with a safe, structured environment in which to learn and grow.

CAP Photo Gallery of NJWG Basic Encampment

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