The program introduces children 5–17 to realities of military deployment through hands-on activities stations that simulate real-world scenarios. Presenters from the Military & Family Readiness Center staffed each learning station while the Civil Air Patrol volunteers guided participants through activities that highlighted the teamwork, preparation, and roles involved in deployment.
Past activities have included processing through a simulated deployment line to pick up orders and passports, receiving gear, touring a C-17 Globemaster III, interacting with therapy dogs, and receiving a welcome home greeting from base personnel.
“Supporting our military is at the heart of Civil Air Patrol’s mission, and it is especially rewarding to be able to support their children in a setting such as this,” said Col. Amy Myzie, New Jersey Wing commander. “Our members were proud to help create an enjoyable and meaningful experience that enhances the children’s understanding and appreciation of deployment operations.”
The participants:
Allentown Composite Squadron
1st Lt. Marie Pluchino-Hall, commander
1st Lt. Scott Hall, character development instructor
Cadet Senior Airman Anish Janapareddi
Cadet Senior Airman Sahasra Kolluru
Cadet Airman 1st Class Amanda Nunez
Cadet Sriteja Thodima
Cadet Soham Vitonde
Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron
Lt. Col. William Petzinger, New Jersey Wing plans and programs officer and public affairs officer
1st Lt. Jeffrey Polizzi, communications officer
Cadet Lt. Col. Alexander Hawkins
Cadet Lt. Col. Nathaniel Hawkins
Cadet Master Sgt. Amelia Kozachek
Cadet Airman 1st Class Nathan Pena
Cadet Senior Airman Lauchlan Marcheski
Cadet Airman Timothy Piotrowski
