N.J. Wing Supports Pandemic Response with Multiple Missions

Capt. Matthew Chirik
Public Affairs Officer
Pennsylvania Wing

New Jersey Wing members are participating in five missions across the state in support of their communities and local and state government during the COVID-19 pandemic..

Since March 31, 115 members have contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours in support of the Central Food Bank of New Jersey, Burlington County Office of Emergency Management, Piscataway Township Emergency Medical Services, the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services and the New Jersey National Guard.

“Civil Air Patrol volunteers have been filling critical force-multiplier roles for our state and local partners to serve our communities, state and nation during this unprecedented crisis,” said Col. Joe Abegg, New Jersey Wing commander.

Wing members at the Central Food Bank of New Jersey’s Hillside and Egg Harbor locations have packaged nearly 78,000 meals to be distributed to the community. Members set a new one-day record in the Hillside location’s 45-year history for most meals packaged and then surpassed it, preparing 875 cartons on April 2, 1,030 the next day and 1,141 on April 14.

Wing members also provided aerial photography flights for the New Jersey National Guard over COVID testing sites.

In Piscataway Township, members are working with the River Road Rescue Squad to assemble fluid-impervious gowns for local emergency medical services personnel responding to COVID-19. They assembled over 500 gowns that can be used to provide protection for EMS personnel.

"I've been humbled by the dedication and response of CAP members during this crisis,” said Lt. Col. Bob Jennings, incident commander for the wing. “While disaster relief is one of our most mainstream missions, this is an entirely different kind of environment than we are used to.

"The fact that so many of our volunteers have stepped up in the face of this unusual threat to serve demonstrates their spirit of service and commitment to Civil Air Patrol's mission of serving our communities and fellow citizens," Jennings said.