VFW Post 2294 Honors Jersey City CAP Cadets
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (Aug. 10, 2026) — A longstanding tradition honoring veterans took on special significance recently when VFW Post 2294 held its annual veterans picnic with a new name and a special tribute recognizing the cadets of Civil Air Patrol’s Jersey City Composite Squadron.
Through the continued support and collaboration between the Jersey City Composite Squadron and VFW Post 2294, VFW Vice Commander MSgt Vera Bland changed the name and theme of this year’s picnic to recognize the squadron’s cadets and their contributions to the veterans and the community.
Col. Amy Myzie, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing, attended the event and joined the cadets and senior members in spending time with the veterans.
“Civil Air Patrol places a tremendous emphasis on respect for those who have served our nation, and opportunities like this allow our cadets to learn directly from the men and women who have worn the uniform,” Myzie said. “What makes this event especially meaningful is that the veterans of VFW Post 2294 have embraced our cadets and made them part of their tradition. Renaming the picnic in their honor is an extraordinary expression of that relationship.”
For members of the Jersey City Composite Squadron, the gesture represented a significant milestone in the relationship between the squadron and the veterans of Post 2294.
“This was an extraordinary moment for the Jersey City Composite Squadron and one that our cadets and senior members will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Capt. Bishoy Abdallah, commander of the Jersey City Composite Squadron. “The fact that VFW Post 2294 chose to dedicate its annual veterans picnic to our cadets is a tremendous honor. It demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have built with the veterans of this post and recognizes the value of the partnership between the VFW and Civil Air Patrol.”
The picnic brought together veterans, Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members for an afternoon of fellowship, conversation, food and outdoor activities. Cadets and senior members also spoke with veterans and conducted interviews, giving the cadets an opportunity to hear firsthand about the veterans’ military experiences and service. Contributions from American Legion Post 419 and BITE – The Black Interest Team Enterprise also supported the event's Tricky Tray fundraiser.
Throughout the afternoon, cadets participated in conversations with veterans, listened to their stories and enjoyed the informal camaraderie that is a hallmark of the annual picnic. Senior members likewise had the opportunity to strengthen relationships with the post and its members.
For the Jersey City Composite Squadron, the event represented another important step in its ongoing collaboration with VFW Post 2294 and its commitment to connecting cadets with veterans in the community.
“Our cadets gained something that cannot be taught in a classroom,” Abdallah said. “They were able to sit with veterans, hear their stories, ask questions and understand the sacrifices behind the uniform. That experience is invaluable, and having the veterans recognize our cadets in such a personal way made this event truly special.”
The Jersey City Composite Squadron is part of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Civil Air Patrol performs a variety of missions in service to communities, the state and nation while developing the leadership skills of its cadets through its youth development program.
The picnic demonstrated the shared commitment of VFW Post 2294 and the Jersey City Composite Squadron to honoring veterans, strengthening community relationships and providing the next generation with opportunities to learn from those who have served.
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
