NJ Wing of Civil Air Patrol Hosts Successful 2026 Conference
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (May 3, 2026) – Nearly 300 cadets and senior members from across the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol gathered for a full day of professional development, hands-on learning, and celebration during the 2026 New Jersey Wing Conference and Banquet, hosted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The event also marked the Civil Air Patrol’s 85th anniversary of service to communities, the state and the nation. In recognition, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill proclaimed Saturday, May 2nd as “New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol Day.”
“This conference represents the very best of our wing—dedicated volunteers, motivated cadets, and a shared commitment to excellence and service,” said Col. Amy Myzie, commander of the New Jersey Wing. “It was inspiring to see nearly 300 members come together to learn, grow, and celebrate our 85 years of service. The future of Civil Air Patrol in New Jersey is incredibly strong.”
The conference opened with formal ceremonies, including the presentation of the colors by the color guard from the Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron. Attendees also viewed a “2025 Year in Review” video highlighting the New Jersey Wing’s accomplishments over the past year.
The conference featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and activities. Keynote remarks were delivered by Col. Justin Ballinger, commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Additional remarks were provided via video by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Dr. Kevin Belfield, dean of the Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts at NJIT, and Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Harris Kline, USAF, who served as keynote speaker for the evening banquet. Conference photos are available here .
“As the official volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is an indispensable member of our Total Force,” said Col. Ballinger. “Your quiet strength and dedication are woven into the daily operations that keep our nation safe.”
Col. Ballinger highlighted numerous examples of Civil Air Patrol’s integral role in national security, including its unique mission on September 12, 2001, when a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 was the only aircraft authorized to fly over the ruins of the World Trade Center. He also emphasized that the organization’s true value is measured in lives saved, noting that in 2025 alone, Civil Air Patrol is credited with saving 46 lives nationwide.
Addressing the cadets in attendance, Col. Ballinger underscored the importance of their current journey. “You are at a pivotal moment,” he said. “The lessons you are learning right now in leadership, aerospace, and self-discipline are the very ones that will define your success, no matter what path you choose. You are part of an organization that produces leaders.”
Conference participants attended a wide range of educational sessions led by Civil Air Patrol instructors and NJIT faculty members Dr. Andrew Gerrard, Dr. Kevin Parmelee, and Dr. Margarita Vinnikov. Cadets explored NJIT’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Aviation Lab and Makerspace, where they experienced flight and drone simulators, amateur radio technology, and demonstrations of advanced manufacturing tools such as 3D printers and waterjet systems.
Lt. Col. Michael Makaryk, USAF, commander of AFROTC Detachment 490 and chair of NJIT Aerospace Studies, moderated a panel on pathways to military service. Panelists included Dylan Hunter and Donovan Tung, two NJWG CAP cadets who will enter service academies this summer—the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, respectively.
The day’s morning general assembly concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements across the wing. Awards were presented by Col. Myzie, Col. Ballinger, and Chief Master Sgt. Jarrod Getz, command chief of the 621st Contingency Response Wing. Additional remarks and presentations were provided by former New Jersey Wing Commander Col. Andrew Liput and Col. Tim Nelson, Northeast Region deputy commander.
Cadets were recognized for outstanding achievement across all phases of the Cadet Program, with Cadet of the Year honors presented to Phase I Cadet Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Kotlyar of the Lone Eagle Composite Squadron in Gladstone; Phase II C/2d Lt. Divjot Kaur of the Air Victory Composite Squadron in Lumberton; Phase III C/Capt. Harrison Kutalek of the Air Victory Composite Squadron in Lumberton; and Phase IV C/Lt. Col. Erin Feeney of the Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron in Fairfield. Cadet Feeney also received the fifth annual Colonel Nanette M. Spears Phase IV Cadet of the Year Award Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 in recognition of her exceptional performance and leadership. Click here for a full list of awardees.
“The accomplishments recognized today reflect the extraordinary dedication of our members,” said Myzie. “Their service strengthens our communities and embodies the core values of Civil Air Patrol.”
The conference concluded with an evening banquet highlighted by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Kline’s keynote address and remarks welcoming attendees from NJIT leadership, including Kevin Belfield.
Festivities began Friday evening with a welcome reception attended by distinguished guests, including Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and State Senator Raj Mukherji. Senator Mukherji also participated in the conference as a Civil Air Patrol member assigned to the wing’s legislative squadron.
The 2026 New Jersey Wing Conference and Banquet was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including the New Jersey Institute of Technology; the Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts at NJIT; Gov/CIO; the Trenton Thunder; Origin Health & Fitness; and the U.S. Air Force ROTC. Their partnership helped enhance the experience for attendees and contributed to the overall success of the event.
The 2026 New Jersey Wing Conference and Banquet showcased the organization’s continued commitment to leadership development, aerospace education, and emergency services, while reinforcing the strong partnerships that support its mission across the Garden State.
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
