Vol. 8, No.

1 SPRING 2010

CAP CADETS
GET TO SEE
AVIATION
UP CLOSE

1 • Wheels Up!
 Contents
4 Wing Launches Ops Center
5 NY Senate Honors Color Guard Champs
6 Sussey Squadron Helps Thank Vets, Military

Wheels Up! 7 Owego Cadet Solos on Alaska Trek

SPRING 2010 Units Assist Albany Model Plane Show
New York Wing
Civil Air Patrol
8 LI Group Partners with Maritime Museum
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Gabreski Color Guard at Ball Games
Commander 9 9 Graduate from National Staff College
Col. Kenneth Andreu Syracuse Cadets Present at PC Users Group
Vice Commander
Lt. Col. Mark Caiello
10 LI Squadrons Place 1,500 Wreaths
Chief of Staff 11 State Senator Urges Cadets to Excel
Lt. Col. Tom Carello
12 Finger Lakes Members Visit Congress
Editor/PAO LI Units Compete for Field Day Honors
1st Lt. Robert Stronach
EditorRob@yahoo.com 13 Broome-Tioga Cadet Earns Eaker
Wing PA Director Niagara Is WNY’s Squadron of Year
Capt. James A. Ridley Sr.

Wing Headquarters
14 Long Island Gives Awards at Ball
Westchester County Airport 90 Cadets Complete 3-Day Leader School
24 Loop Road, Bldg 1
White Plains, NY 10604-1218 15 LIG Taps Color Guard Champs
Phone: 914-683-1000
Fax: 914-683-10056 16 2009 at a Glance: Wing Rated Outstanding
www.nywg.cap.gov
COVER: Aviation Up Close
NY Wing cadets get to experience aviation up close and per-
sonal, thanks to orientation flights, involvement in search-
and-rescue exercises, and the opportunity to assist at air
shows around the state. Here Cadet Dennis Drake of Rome
City School District Squadron got to check out a host of new
and vintage aircraft at the 2009 Fort Drum Air Show.
Photo by 1st Lt. Robert Stronach
Wheels Up! • 2

Col. KENNETH ANDREU
In the Left Seat
WING LEAPS FORWARD!
This is my last column in We have created a NY
“Wheels Up!” and my last State funding stream through
Wing Conference at Fort Member Item grants and laid
William Henry as New York groundwork for eventually
Wing Commander. It has been being included as a line in the
a fast four years, and working NYS budget. Fundraising has
gether, NY Wing has bounded been infectious with smaller
forward. As of this writing, the unit fundraising keeping up
Wing has hit the 2500 member with our Annual Wing Raffle
mark and is the largest Wing in of a Harley Davidson Motor-
the North East Region. Since cycle.
June of 2006, you have added We have a MOU with the
11 new Squadrons. NYS Emergency Management
The NY Color Guard is Office, which includes other
CAP’s best, winning the state agencies, like the NYS
national competition out in Or- Dept. of Transportation.
egon last August and present- We converted to the Wing
ing the colors at the opening Banker system in Finance. In
session of the NYS Legislature Communications, we com-
in Albany this January. pletely refitted NYS with new
We have consistently been Repeaters and reprogrammed
the top flying Wing in the Re- all CAP radios.
gion and our Counter Drug and Logistics has completed
Public Affairs programs are its first Annual Inventory in
nationally recognized for en- ORMS on top of a USAF
ergy and effectiveness. Our IG Survey Audit and our timely
received a Benchmark grade in vehicle reporting is the bench-
our Compliance Inspection and mark of the Region.
the Region looks to NYWg for We said goodbye to the ro-
the standard by which its other dent infested Garden City HQ
Wings are measured. without penalty.
3 • Wheels Up!
We now have a Headquar-
ters (at an Airport) we can
enter with pride and two
paid employees running it
smoothly. It is wireless and
outfitted with video conferenc-
ing, SmartBoards for briefings
and an envious array of radios
in a dedicated Comm room.
The HQ is also home to the
NY Wing Operations Center
which will play a central role
in area coordination of major
events anywhere in NYS and
is capable of tracking multiple
NER missions. We’ve created
training initiatives such as the
Group Commander’s Course
and founded the NYWg CAP
Academy which will generate
future training programs.
Groups, particularly LIG,
have made strides in improv-
ing the infrastructure of their
HQs. Every Group has Video
Conferencing capabilities.
NY Wing is now on the
forefront of CAP advanced
technologies, with new tech
like the Pictometry/RAMS
Live Feed Video link being
trialed this upcoming season.
I am very proud of what
we have achieved together
and look forward to support-
ing new and loftier endeavors
from the next Wing Com-
mander and NY Wing.
Excelsior.
WING LAUNCHES OPERATIONS CENTER
By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY

WESTCHESTER -- New
York Wing Commander Col.
Ken Andreu in October cut
the ribbon to the entrance
of the wing’s newest asset, a
state-of-the-art Wing Opera-
tions Center.
“It’s all about how we bring
what’s going on out there, in
here,” said Maj. Tom Vree-
land, the wing’s director of
information technology and
the center’s chief architect.
The Operations Center is
based at wing headquarters at
Westchester County Airport Maj. Tom Vreeland discusses Op Center capabilities.
(HPN).
In dedicating the new if there is significant coastal situational awareness for be-
center, Andreu commented hurricane or flood damage, tween 7 and 20 mission staff
that, following 9/11/01, NY or at Indian Point Nuclear personnel and will function
Wing ran daily sorties out of Reactor Facility in case of a as the Wing Academy for
Westchester County Airport radiological event. advanced technology train-
in support of the New York It is the “ideal Area Com- ing, simulations, tabletop
City DEP/CAP program. mand Center to coordinate exercises and other training
The airport “was the perfect wing-wide efforts in the event when not in use for missions
location as it was just outside of a significant New York and operations.
of the affected area of New State event,” he said. “It is The WOC boasts advanced
York City, but close enough only the beginning in what communications components
to easily and quickly launch we envision as the state of as well as geographical infor-
aerial surveillance flights,” he the art in centralized com- mation systems and weather
said. mand over a large span of information systems, and
Colonel Andreu believes control.” high speed internet access
that wing headquarters is in The Wing Operations for the purpose of access-
an ideal location to support Center, or WOC, will pro- ing WMIRS and other CAP
operations on Long Island vide operational space and resource data.
Wheels Up! • 4
SENATE H0NORS COLOR GUARD CHAMPS
By CAPT. JAMES RIDLEY SR.
ALBANY – New York
Wing’s national color guard
champs got to present the colors
on the floor of the New York
State Senate on Jan 12. The
Senate also honored the team of
cadets, who began a journey of
triumph a year earlier, first win-
ning the NY Wing and North-
east Region titles before going
on to claim victory at the Civil
Air Patrol’s National Color
Guard Competition in McMin-
nville, Oregon.
State Sen. James L. Seward
of Oneonta, who also is com-
mander of NY Wing’s Legisla-
tive Squadron, presented the
team with a Senate resolution,
later placed into the State Legis-
lative Record, in front of family
members, senators, and North-
east Region and NY Wing staff.
“This group of young people
represent a shining example
of what can be accomplished
through dedication and hard
work,” said Senator Seward.
“All New Yorkers should be
proud of their fine achievement
on the national stage.”
The day’s events were or-
ganized by Lt. Col. Andrew
Liddle, the region and wing
government relations advi-
sor, and sponsored by Senator
The CAP National Champion Color Guard presents the colors
on the floor of the New York State Senate. From left: c/2d Lt
Zin Han, c/2d Lt Thomas Macrini, c/SSgt Jason Chan and
c/CMSgt Albaro Pillco.
Seward. The session began with Col. Ken Andreu, New York
the pledge of allegiance led by Wing commander, said the
the team’s escort, Maj. Mac awards and accolades recognize
Brice, while the cadets pre- “their dedication and prowess”
sented the colors. Then Senator and that the cadets “represent our
Seward read the resolution he best hopes for what New York
sponsored, which in part stated: can and will achieve.”
“It is the sense of this Legisla- Northeast Region Commander
tive Body that when young Col. Christopher Hayden said: “I
people of such noble aims and wish to extend my gratitude and
accomplishments are brought thanks to the NY Wing Cadet
to our attention, they should be Color Guard and to Lt. Col. Lid-
celebrated and recognized...” dle for this demonstration of pro-
The cadets, who got to view fessionalism before the members
democracy up close while meet- of the New York legislature.”
ing many of the state’s political The champion color guard
leaders, drew praise from many team hails from New York City
quarters, including the two Group and includes: C/2nd Lt.
commanders whose competi- Zin Han, C/2nd Lt. Thomas
tions propelled them on their Macrini, C/SSgt. Jason Chan,
journey. C/CMSgt. Albaro Pillco.
5 • Wheels Up!
UNIT HELPS THANK SERVICE MEMBERS
Sussey Squadron Plays Key Role in Oswego Event
OSWEGO -- When
this community de-
cided to host a “Thank
a Service Member
(TASM)” event, the
Civil Air Patrol got in-
volved in the planning
and “had the privilege
of playing various sup-
porting roles,” noted
F.R. Sussey Composite
Squadron Commander
Jennifer Holdren.
Ten squadron mem-
CAP 1st Lt. Jennifer Holdren assists West Point’s Col. Kurt Carver in pre-
bers participated, senting honor coins to service members and veterans during “Thank a
as servicemen and Service Member” Day in Oswego, NY. Photo by Capt. Earl Holdren.
women, along with
veterans, were honored honorees and guests him the coins to present TASM Chair Peter
Sunday, July 26, at Ft. to their seats. Senior to honorees as he ex- Allen said the event
Ontario State Historic members participating pressed deep apprecia- was a great success,
Site. They supplied the included Capt. Earl tion for their service. with about 350 hon-
color guard, escorted Holdren, Capt. Mike “It was a profound ored. He and others
honorees and guests to Kieloch, and 1st Lt. and moving experi- voiced appreciation
seats, and assisted in Kerland Ritchie. ence,” said Holdren. for the color guard and
set-up, directing pedes- Squadron Com- “I felt so privileged to F.R. Sussey’s participa-
trian traffic, fielding mander 1st Lt. Holdren, shake hands with the tion.
questions and greeting who had been asked to men and women that Lieutenant Holdren
military personnel. serve on the six-person are currently serving noted: “I was especially
The color guard TASM Planning Com- and have served and pleased to see one of
team, led by C/SMSgt mittee, assisted Col. fought for our free- our own, Lt. Kerland
Christian Williams, Kurt Carver, vice dean doms. It especially was Ritchie, receive an hon-
included C/SMSgt for education at the emotional to meet and or coin from Colonel
Austin Zappala, C/A1C U.S. Military Academy hear the stories from Carver. He served as a
Sarah Lamb and Cadet at West Point, in pre- those who were there Marine until he retired.
Alex Shannon. C/TSgt senting special TASM for their deceased loved I am proud to have him
Josh Davidson and Ca- Campaign Coins to ones. It is something I as a member of F.R.
det Elliot Mills directed honorees. She handed will never forget.” Sussey.”
Wheels Up! • 6
OWEGO CADET SOLOES ON ALASKA TREK
LYDIA FAIRCHILD AIMS TO BECOME MISSIONARY PILOT
By 1st Lt. RICHARD FAIRCHILD
Even before becoming le-
gal to drive on the roads, then
16-year-old Lydia Fairchild of
West Endicott, NY was pursu-
ing another type of license
— one for the sky. On June 26,
Lydia took to the sky in a Cess-
na 152 for her first solo flight.
Fairchild, who turned 17 in
the fall and is now a home-
schooled high school senior, is
a master sergeant in the Owego
NY Squadron (414). Her ulti-
mate goal is to become a mis-
sionary pilot.
For the second summer in a
row, Lydia spent 10 weeks at a
missionary Airbase, Kingdom
Air Corps in Sutton, Alaska,
UNITS ASSIST AT ALBANY MODEL PLANE SHOW
By Capt. SUSAN NEAL
ALBANY – Thirty-two
members of the Vanguard and
Kaydeross composite squad-
rons teamed up July 11-12 to
help out at the Capitol Jets III
Airshow at South Albany Air-
port, featuring 1/8-scale radio-
controlled model jets reaching
speeds above 150 mph.
More than 300 people from
five states and Canada came
to watch the show. The Civil
Cadet Lydia Fairchild
which is north east of Anchor-
age. In addition to learning
how to become a pilot, Lydia
learned what it takes to be-
come a missionary -- chopping
down trees to create a runway,
Air Patrol members provided
parking assistance, crowd
control, flight line patrol and
Cadet Airman Mounir Rahal of the
Kaydeross Composite Squadron
on flight line patrol at South Albany
Airport. Photo by 1st Lt. Garry Palmer.
7 • Wheels Up!
mowing grass landing strips,
cooking meals for 40 people,
preparing teaching materials
and so much more. Lydia also
learned how to maintain air-
craft in the field where there
may not be handy aircraft re-
pair facilities – including taking
apart and putting aircraft back
together, and then have it fly!
Lydia didn’t mind being the
only teenage pilot at Kingdom
Air Corps. “It is what I want to
do with my life; besides it’s fun
to do,” she said.
During the school year, Lydia
had worked hard to complete
ground school with the help of
flight instructor Neil Lawton.
She also did a little flying out
of the local Tri-Cities airport.
aircraft recovery support.
When two of the planes col-
lided in midair July 12, cadets
immediately went into action,
with several performing crowd
control while others formed
a skirmish line to remove all
debris from the runway.
When the task was com-
pleted, the impressed crowd
applauded the cadets’ actions
as the air show announcer
spoke highly of CAP and its
members.
LIG PARTNERS WITH LONG ISLAND MARITIME MUSEUM
By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, SR.

NEW YORK – On August

15, New York State Senator
Brian Foley cut the ribbon
on the Long Island Maritime
museum’s latest exhibit, en-
titled “The History of Civil Air
Patrol During World War II”.
The display is in honor of
CAP’s Coastal Patrol Base
17, which was located in NYS Senator Brian Foley poses with Gabreski Squadron Cadets.
the town of Riverhead, NY
from 1942 to 1943. The ex- The grand opening event Arlene Balcewicz and finally
hibit features several vintage began with the presentation Senator Foley.
CAP uniforms. There are of the Colors by the Col “We’re here to celebrate
also numerous CAP insig- Francis S. Gabreski Squad- the new partnership between
nia, patches and manuals as ron’s Color Guard followed the museum and the Civil Air
well as photographs of CAP by speeches made by the Patrol,” Senator Foley said,
members, aircraft and activi- Gabreski Squadron’s Com- “and to honor those who
ties conducted during the war mander, Maj Lou Fenech, have served and sacrificed for
– such as patrolling the wa- the Long Island Group Com- their fellow citizens; our wa-
ters off Long Island search- mander, Lt Col Jack Ozer, ters and air space are much
ing for German submarines the museum’s Director, Na- safer because of them and all
and ships in distress. tasha Alexenko, its Registrar of you.”

GABRESKI COLOR GUARD AT SOCCER, LI DUCKS GAMES

By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY The “Play for Peace” Tour- 6400 fans at the Long Island
nament was a unique opportu- Ducks minor league baseball
MEDFORD, NY -- On nity for eight teams to play in a game in Islip NY.
Saturday, Aug. 1, the Col World Cup-styled tournament “It was a great feeling to
Francis S. Gabreski Color on full regulation size soccer stand in front of so many
Guard presented the colors at fields in Medford. people” said C/CMSgt Naomi
the Patchogue/Medford Youth This was the second of two Warshauer, the team’s com-
Soccer League Complex. They recent events that the Gabres- mander. “We were a little
were invited by Legislator Jack ki Color Guard attended. On nervous at first, but our train-
Eddington to open the Play for Tuesday July 28, they present- ing took over and the team did
Peace Soccer Tournament. ed the Colors in front of over great.”
Wheels Up! • 8
9 NY OFFICERS GRADUATE NATIONAL STAFF COLLEGE
By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY The college is the Civil Air The nine senior members
Patrol’s senior-level, capstone are:
MAXWELL AFB, Mont- course in professional develop- • Lt Col William S. Bernfeld
gomery, AL, Oct. 24, 2009 -- ment. It is designed to give ac- • Lt Col Anita E. Martin
Nine senior members from the complished field-grade officers • Lt Col Ellen G. Hirsch
New York Wing completed the (majors and above) the execu- • Lt Col George L. Fillgrove
weeklong National Staff Col- tive leadership experiences • Maj Michael P. Mooney
lege held at Maxwell Air Force necessary to develop national- • Maj Darren J. Cioffi
Base. It was the largest con- level policy and effectively • Maj Mac T. Brice
tingent from the wing to ever manage programs at the wing, • Chap (Maj) Edwin R. Kopp
participate in this course. region, and national levels. • Maj James R. Strickland.

SYRACUSE CADETS FEATURED AT PC USERS GROUP

SYRACUSE -- Members of
Central New York PC Users
Group were treated to a display
of Air Force blue at their Sep-
tember meeting as a contingent
from Syracuse Cadet Squadron
marched in to be the featured
presentation.
The adult leader and five ca-
dets reviewed the history of the
Civil Air Patrol (CAP), activi-
ties of the local squadron, their
equipment and procedures. For
example, Cadet Nathan Porceng
demonstrated an Emergency
Locator Transmitter (ELT) and
the radio direction finder (DF)
used to find downed aircraft.
The cadet explained that CAP is
a vital adjunct to civil and mili-
tary search-and-rescue services.
Led by the squadron’s infor-
mation technologies officer, 2nd
Lt. Matt Mallory, the contingent
also included cadets Bill Coons,
Steve Cusumano, Liz Diamond
and Tylor Mallory.
“These young people were all
dressed in crisp US Air Force-
style blue uniforms and stood
at parade rest during their entire
presentation,” noted Paul Fli-
eschmann, vice president of the
PC Users Group.
“What an inspiring sight...
They got a rousing round of ap-
plause... Many of our members
spoke glowingly of their show
as they left.”

Syracuse Cadet Squadron contingent poses for a photo at Central NY PC Users Group meeting. From left:
Cadets Nathan Porceng, Liz Diamond, Steve Cusumano, Bill Coons, Tylor Mallory, and 2nd Lt. Matt Mallory.
9 • Wheels Up!
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
LONG ISLAND SQUADRONS PLACE 1,500 WREATHS
By 2d Lt. ROBERT blyman Marc S.
CALVIELLO Alessi, (D-NY 1st
AD) joined Messrs.
CALVERTON Edward M. Lee and
– Over 20 members Joseph Themann Jr.,
from Suffolk Cadet executive board mem-
Squadron 10 and bers of Calverton’s
Long Island Senior Support Committee,
Squadron met at in brief remarks. Each
CalvertonNational speaker stressed the
Cemetery on Dec. 12 need to remember,
to pay tribute to our honor and teach
country’s servicemen about the courage
and women. and sacrifices of our
The group repre- nation’s veterans.
sented the Civil Air At the conclusion
Patrol in just one of of the public ceremo-
the more than 400 ny, volunteers from
national and overseas the Patriot Guard,
memorial ceremonies Gold Star Families
Cadets salute after placing wreaths at Calverton
organized as part National Cemetery. Photos by 2nd Lt. Rob Calviello and U.S. Department
of Wreaths Across of Veterans Affairs
America. colors as cadets laid presentation was also joined CAP members
Suffolk Cadet wreaths at memorials made in honor of as they placed 1500
Squadron 10’s honor for each of the service POW-MIAs. wreaths upon grave
guard presented the branches. A special State Assem- sites.

Wheels Up! • 10
STATE SENATOR CHALLENGES CADETS TO EXCEL

State Sen. Catharine Young, center, poses with Jamestown Composite Squadron.

By Capt. CAROLYNN FILLGROVE Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing. The rocketry badges and patches to
ski-equipped C-130 she was 22 cadets from Jamestown and
JAMESTOWN – “The next on, had to orbit the Greenland TAK Composite Squadrons.
time you see me, I want a base for several hours due to The 2009 Model Rocketry
progress report on how you’re bad weather. The crew was sur- Class represented the third
doing,” New York State Sen. prised at how well she and the mass graduation of cadets in
Catharine M. Young (R,C,I- other state lawmakers handled ten years in a program taught
Olean), challenged Civil Air the delay. To them it was just by Lt. Col. George Fillgrove,
Patrol cadets. something they had to do. NY Wing Assistant Director of
Senator Young was guest She also spoke to the cadets Aerospace Education. Lt. Col.
speaker at the annual James- about service to their nation Fillgrove was joined this year
town Composite Squadron and local communities, and en- by James Cole, a CAP Aero-
(NER-NY-402) awards banquet couraged them to be involved space Education member, who
on October 29 at Jamestown and to help others. serves as the squadron AEO for
Airport. The senator presented an cadets.
Senator Young reminded the Amelia Earhart Award to Senator Young, a former
cadets about the importance of C/Capt. Rachel Campbell of Cattaraugus County legislator,
the CAP’s three missions and Russell, PA and a Billy Mitch- was elected to the NY State
how they should strive to excel ell Award to C/2Lt. Bronson E. Senate in 2005 after serving
in all their endeavors and as McGee of Angola, NY. three terms as a State Assem-
good citizens. She joked with The Senator also joined blywoman. She is a member of
the cadets about her own expe- Maj. Larry Skerker, Western New York Wing’s Legislative
rience flying to Greenland with New York Group commander, Squadron and holds the rank of
the New York Air National with the presentation of model major.
11 • Wheels Up!
FINGER LAKES MEMBERS VISIT CONGRESS
By Maj. SCOTT GARDNER Lee (CD 26), and with
staff from US Senator
WARSAW, NY Kirsten Gillibrand’s
-- On Thursday, Feb. office. Follow up meet-
25, 2010, members of ings were planned in
Finger Lakes Group the district offices of
traveled to our nation’s Reps. Dan Maffei (CD
capital to meet with 25) and Louise Slaugh-
members of Congress ter (CD 28).
and staffers who repre- CAP members went
sent Western and Cen- to Capitol Hill to dis-
tral New York. The lo- cuss the restoration of
cal CAP members were Cadet Lt. Col Jacob Miller and Cadet Maj. Stepha- CAP’s FY 2011 O&M
joined by New York nie Hyatt pose with Congressman Chris Lee dur- funding; the passing of
Wing Commander Col. ing a visit to Capitol Hill. CAP’s Homeland Se-
Kenneth Andreu to Cadet Lt. Col. Jacob Lt. Col. Diane Wojtow- curity Bill (S704); and
discuss CAP’s mission Miller from War- icz from Perry and 1st the cosponsoring of the
and funding priori- saw and Cadet Maj. Lt. Diana Hyatt from Congressional Gold
ties for the upcoming Stephanie Hyatt from Batavia. Medal in recognition
budget year. Batavia. They were ac- The CAP delegation of CAP’s World War II
Attending were companied by officers met with Rep. Chris service.
LI SQUADRONS COMPETE FOR AFA FIELD DAY HONORS
By 2nd Lt. ROBERT After a tie-breaker
CALVIELLO run-off, AFA New
WEST HAMP- York State President
TON – Over 55 ca- Al Parise and Secretary
dets from Long Island Cathy Ward (see photo)
Group met at Gabres- presented Suffolk
ki Airport on Oct. 25 Cadet Squadron 9’s
to participate in the Air Maj. Daniel Rogers
Force Association’s 5th and C/2nd Lt. Andrew
Annual Civil Air Patrol M. Mooney Squadrons war. The New York Air L’Hommedieu with
Field Day Competition. squared-off in team National Guard’s 106th 2009 Field Day Tro-
Suffolk Cadet events that included a Rescue Wing once phy. The award marks
Squadrons 7, 9, 10 and knowledge quiz, drill, again hosted this year’s consecutive victories
the Gabreski and Brian ELT search and tug-of- CAP-AFA event. for the squadron.
Wheels Up! • 12
BROOME-TIOGA
CADET EARNS
EAKER AWARD
By c/MSgt BEVERLY MARTIN
BINGHAMTON - At the
Autumn Promotions and
Awards Ceremony, cadets of
the Broome-Tioga Composite
Squadron witnessed a rare
Civil Air Patrol promotion.
Cadet Major Marc Ghiron was
presented the General Ira C.
Eaker Award by U.S.Navy Cap-
tain Robert Wuestner (Retired)
and promoted to the rank of
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.
This award was earned after
completing all of the achieve-
ments in the Civil Air Patrol
cadet program. Nationwide,
only about 200 cadets per year
receive this award.
Captakin Wuestner presented
the Billy Mitchell award to Ca-
det Chief Master Sergeant Dan-
iel Hecktor, who was promoted
to Cadet Second Lieutenant.
The Mitchell award is the sec-
ond of three major milestones in
the cadet program.
Four cadets, Kristi Aksay,
Sidney Borne, James Pietrosanti
and Evan Shelp were presented
the first milestone award, the
Wright Brothers Award. They
were promoted to Cadet Staff
Sergeant.
Niagara Falls Composite Squadron Commander Maj. John Risio
(center) receives Squadron of Year Plaque from Wing Command-
er Col. Kenneth Andreu and WNY Commander Maj. Larry Skerker.
NIAGARA IS WESTERN NY’S
SQUADRON OF THE YEAR
DEPEW -- Niagara Falls notable awards to members for
Composite Squadron 1 took service and achievements.
Squadron of the Year honors at C/A1C Devin Sampson was
the annual Western New York recognized for earning the Solo
Group Military Ball, held Jan. Flight Badge. Cadet Sampson
9 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens earned the WNY Group Solo
in Depew. Commanded by Maj. Flight Scholarship last year.
John J. Risio, the squadron was Other award winners included:
cited for excellence in activi- • Senior Member of the Year:
ties, training, accomplishments, Capt Aaron Conley, Niagara
and cadet and senior achieve- Frontier Senior Squadron;
ments for 2009. • Cadet of the Year: C/1st Lt
The Military Ball featured, Timothy Anger, TAK Squad-
distinguished guests, and 1st Lt ron;
David Wharton as the emcee. • Solo Flight Scholarship
Following dinner, Lt. Col. recipient: C/1st Lt Bronson Mc-
Charles Jones presented the Gee, Jamestown Squadron;
2009 Year in Review and later • Cadet NCO of the Year:
Group Commander Maj. Larry C/2nd Lt Megan MacDonald,
Skerker and staff presented Jamestown Squadron.
13 • Wheels Up!
LONG ISLAND GROUP GIVES
AWARDS AT MILITARY BALL
By 1st Lt. MICHELE WUESTMAN
HOLBROOK, NY, January
16 -- It was an enchanting
night at Villa Lombardi’s for
Long Island Group’s annual
Military Ball. Senior members
and cadets alike came together
for good food, dancing,
promotions and awards.
This year’s guest speaker
was Lt. Col Lance Jolly,
USAF, assigned to CAP-
USAF for the Civil Air Patrol’s
Northeast region.
Among honored guests were
Jasan Kaatz of the Jewish War
Veterans Association, who
presented a Patriotism Medal
to c/Maj Zeki Ozylimaz; and
William Wagner, chairman
of the Pershing Rifles Q-
8 Alumni Association,
who presented the Group
with a scholarship for one
cadet to attend the Wing
Leadership Encampment.
The night was filled with
military traditions such as the
posting and retrieving of colors
by the 2009 group champion
color guard team from the Col
Francis S. Gabreski Squadron.
Capt Susan Hartman, group
legal officer, sang the National
Anthem.
Wing Commander Col. Ken An-
dreu and LIG Commander Lt. Col.
Jack Ozer listen to guest speaker. a Buffalo News story about the
Photo by 2nd Lt William Schecker. Leadership School. “I had to
Awards were given to c/
CMSgt Joshua Millings for
Group Cadet NCO of the
Year, Maj. Lou Fenech for
Group Officer of the Year,
1 Lt. Wayne Smith for Staff
st
Member of the Year, Suffolk
Cadet Squadron 10 for
Squadron of the Year.
Achievement Awards went
to Maj. Daniels Rogers for
GSar (Ground Search and
Rescue), and Capt John
Corcacas for maintenance.
Certificates of Appreciation
were given to 2 Lt Harris
nd
Stein, 1st Lt Rich Merlino,
and 1st Lt Adam Ozer for the
Communications Room and
changing the antennas.
Wheels Up! • 14
90 WING CADETS
COMPLETE 3-DAY
LEADER SCHOOL
NIAGARA FALLS AIR
RESERVE STATION – Some
90 cadets graduated from a
three-day Cadet Leadership
School held here in February.
The weekend school was com-
manded by Maj. Randy Anger.
Cadet commander was c/Maj.
Caitlin Sippel, 16, of Rochester.
“The hardest part for me
was to delegate responsibility
to my cadet staff,” she said in
learn to let go and to let the staff
do the work . . . and I noticed a
change in the cadets during the
weekend; they came away with
improved attitudes and stronger
motivation.”
Among honors awarded
during graduation was Honor
Cadet, which went to Cadet
Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Diamond,
17, of Syracuse.
Major Anger told the Buffalo
News that the cadets would
return to their hometowns
throughout upstate New York
to apply the leadership and
mentoring skills. Higher-rank-
ing cadets occupied staff posi-
tions and operated the weekend
program, while being mentored
by adult members.
LI GROUP NAMES CHAMPION COLOR GUARD TEAM
By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, SR.

PATCHOGUE, NY, Feb. 13

-- After a day filled with color
guard events, the score was
dead even between the reign-
ing 2009 Long Island Group
color guard championship
team from the Col Frances S.
Gabreski Squadron and the
2008 Group champions from
Suffolk County Cadet Squad-
ron 10. All that remained was Judges from the Pershing Rifles unit at Hofstra University inspect the
the mile run, and winner take Gabreski team in one of the first events of the day.
all. BELOW: Squadron 10 cadets Joshua and Jonathan Millings and Nich-
Because snow and ice covered olas Chiarcelli prepare for the mile run, the final and deciding event.
the Patchogue-Medford High
School track, the teams were
forced to run the mile indoors
and complete 19 trips around
the large gym floor. In the end
the Team from Squadron 10 ran
a total of 71 seconds faster than
the Gabreski team and took back
the championship title.
Individual Awards were pre-
sented to c/CMSgt Jonathan
Millings of Squadron 10 who
received the Outstanding Cadet
Award and also the Highest followed her sister Naomi, last stra ROTC have supported this
Written Exam. The Male Fleet year’s Female Fleet Foot. competition for several years
Foot Award went to c/CMS- The judges for this year’s now and they do a great job,”
gt Nicholas Chiarelli, also from event, as well as the last four said Major Lou Fenech who
Squadron 10, and the Female competitions, were college organized the competition for
Fleet Foot Award was presented Army ROTC Pershing Rifles ca- the Group and is the commander
to c/Amn Rivky Warshauer of dets from Hofstra University. of the Col Francis S. Gabres-
the Gabreski Squadron, who “The Pershing Rifles and Hof- ki Squadron.
15 • Wheels Up!
2009 AT A GLANCE
NY WING RATED OUTSTANDING
With some 2,500 members,
New York is the largest wing
in the Northeast Region (NER)
and continues to provide valu-
able service to the community,
state and nation. With a strong
emphasis on Emergency Ser-
vices, Disaster Relief and Ca-
det Programs as well as Coun-
ter Drug and Homeland Secu-
rity, New York Wing continues
to raise the bar for itself, and
recently unveiled a state-of-the
art Operations Center at Wing
Headquarters in White Plains.
With 14 aircraft at their dis-
posal, Wing aircrews accumu-
lated over 3,305 flying hours With wing staffers looking on, Col. Ken Andreu cuts ribbon at the
in 2009. They included Search opening of a new Operations Center at wing headquarters.
and Rescue missions and exer- The U.S. Air Force evaluated Guard team won the National
cises, homeland security tasks the wing on its emergency ser- Color Guard Competition held
such as fighter intercept mis- vices capabilities and prepared- in Oregon and was invited to
sions and military support with ness, rating NY as “Outstand- present the colors on the floor
the NY Air National Guard, ing” and as a “benchmark” for of the NY State Senate. A Sen-
weather damage assessment in other wings. NY also placed ate resolution honored the ca-
cooperation with state agen- 3rd overall in the Northeast dets’ achievement.
cies, and Operation Vigilant Region’s Search and Rescue In addition, New York Wing
Guard, a multi-agency exercise Competition. conducted an aerospace educa-
that simulated an earthquake Cadet Programs excelled tion program in schools, fos-
in Buffalo. The wing also flew in 2009. The wing once again tered aerospace excellence and
over 550 Counter Drug mission held a successful cadet leader- provided orientation flights for
hours, which assisted law en- ship encampment and flight its cadets, conducted Air Force
forcement agencies with reduc- academy at Stratton Air Na- ROTC orientation flights, and
ing the amount of illegal drugs tional Guard Base in Scotia. took teachers to the skies in its
on the streets. Its Championship Color Fly-A-Teacher program.
Wheels Up! • 16