- News Articles
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Civil Air Patrol,
Day of orientation flights takes four cadets to the skies.
By 2nd Lt. David Samuel
Aerospace Education Officer
October 25, 2009-
The rainstorms of last Saturday gave way to gorgeous skies on Sunday as four cadet members of the Civil Air Patrol’s Teaneck Composite Squadron headed to
The hour-long flights in single-engine Cessna aircraft introduced the cadets to the science that makes flight possible. They learned about navigation, weather, aircraft instruments, flight maneuvers, and more. The cadets’ day began by helping pre-flight their aircraft. Working with their pilot, 1st Lt. Robert Lippman, they taxied their aircraft to
Once they reached their assigned altitude, the cadets turned southwest and navigated to
Lt. Robert Lippman, pilot, and Senior Member Emanuel Mendez volunteered their time, while the Civil Air Patrol provided the aircraft and fuel, at no cost to the cadets or the pilots.
The area youth participating were Cadet Staff Sergeant Allison Root, Cadet Airman First Class Jonathan Bass, Cadet Ariana Cannonier, and Cadet David Medvitz.
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth aged 12 through 18. Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities for adults, pilots and non-pilots alike. The Teaneck Composite Squadron meets every Tuesday at the Teaneck Armory from 7:30 to 9:30.
For more information, contact Captain Al Hoffman at (201) 446-8307,
or visit http://teaneck.njwg.cap.gov/
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- Cadets Show Remembrance on Memorial Day
On May 25, 2009 Teaneck Composite Squadron
Cadets arrived
at
the
Veteran’s Memorial in Englewood, New Jersey in their Civil
Air Patrol Uniforms to show respect for those who gave their lives
for our country. Newer cadets (Derasse, Meyers,
Mulrooney, Pendergast, Gorini, Cannioner, and Marsch) who are in
the learning phase of the program wore their Battle Dress Uniform
as they demonstrated their customs and courtesies during a
memorial and parade. More experienced cadets
(Hoffman, Root, and Haggerty) showed their exemplary training as
Honor Guardsmen during the activities. Veterans
and their families commented on the participation and professional
military appearance of the CAP cadets.
- Cadets Show Remembrance on Memorial Day
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Fleet Week Festivities
- Teaneck Composite Squadron joined Jersey City Composite Squadron to tour multiple ships at Fleet Week in Staten Island, New York. Considered military personal, CAP cadets and senior member officers were granted access to US and Canadian ships and received guided tours by Naval personnel before the facility was opened to the general public. Tour highlights included a US Naval Officer explaining how the crew of US Navy Cruiser, USS Vella Gulf, CG-72, captured numerous pirates. He recounted and showed the cadets where the pirates were decontaminated and then detained. Touring a Canadian Frigate Ship, a Canadian Naval Officer explained this ship's primary role is to search for submarines. The cadets were shown the foldable helicopter onboard the ship and examining unloaded weapons.
- During the tour, cadets demonstrated their military customs and courtesies as well as their drill abilities in front of active duty personnel. Following the tours, Jersey City Composite Squadron invited Teaneck Composite Squadron to a barbeque in Liberty State Park. Both squadrons had a delightful day, bonding together as one CAP TEAM. Click here to see photos of this activity. Pictures of Group 1. Pictures of Group 2 and picnic
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TCS Works MTA Show
- Teaneck Composite Squadron (TCS) joined other members of Group 221 to perform services at the Military Transport Association (MTA) Swap Meet. Some of the members assisted with the vital tasks of helping spectators enter the premises and registering, other members worked a recruiting booth. The recruiting booth served two separate but equally important purposes: to introduce the public to Civil Air Patrol and its missions for America by raising the organization visibility and to introduce the public to Drug Demand Reduction (DDR).
- DDR was established by the USAF and has been integrated into the CAP
Cadet
Program.
It is also one of the four elements of the
Cadet Honor Guard program along with the
Colors Element, Funeral Element, and the
Rifle Demonstration Element. During the day,
Honor Guardsmen preformed rifle demonstrations to attract the
public attention while senior members encouraged
spectators to try walking a straight line while
wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating the effects of being
drunk. Many visitors
commented on the cadets’ professionalism and the effectiveness of
the demonstration.
- TCS Deputy Commander, Capt. Al Hoffman stated, “All the members of our squadron and Group 221 worked extremely hard at the MTA show and their efforts were greatly appreciated.” He especially noted the members of the TCS who did an outstanding job, including C/ Lt Col. Lori Hoffman, C/TSgt. Kyle Vonknoblauch, C/SSgt. Jake DeCristofaro, C/SSgt. Nadine DeCristofaro, C/SrA. Alison Root, C/A1C. Joe DeCristofaro, C/Amn. Jack Haggerty, C/Amn. Dan Derasse, C/Amn. Joe Meyers, 2d Lt. Mike DeCristofaro, 2d Lt. Lisa Hoffman, and 1st Lt. Twila Hoffman. To see pictures click here
Cadets
Simulate Effects of Inhalants
- In honor of March being National Inhalants Month, the squadron’s March DDR class focused on the effects of inhalants. Cadets were educated on how harmful fumes, whether inhaled intentionally or accidently, can be. In fact fumes cause more brain damage to the parts of the brain that control memory and motor skill function than cocaine.
- Inhalants are the drug of choice by younger teens because they are easier to obtain and are less addictive than other drugs, but much more dangerous because their effects are instantaneous. Consuming fumes can cause suffocation, brain aneurisms, and heart attacks. In addition, the long term use of inhalants can cause permanent debilitating damage. To ensure the cadets fully understood how dangerous and sever the damage is, they were instructed to take part in mild simulations.
- Cadets were first instructed to hold their breath as long as they could. The average cadet could last 30 seconds. It was then explained that if they were suffocating, 30 seconds would be the amount of time for a bystander to call for help and they would have to wait an addition few minutes before medical help would arrive. They were told to do calisthenics while running in place. When they sat down out of breath with their arms slightly sore, they were told to imagine shortness of breath and muscle weakness and deterioration for their entire lives. Other effects such as lack of bladder control, memory loss and loss of motor skills were explained, not simulated. The most effective simulation was the one which demonstrated the lack of smell. Cadets felt that the inability to smell would be a minor effect that would make little difference. When cadets put cotton up their nose an attempted to identify two different types of soda without their sense of smell, they had a very difficult time doing so. This demonstrated how vital it is to ensure all the senses are operational.
- “In Literature, teachers always preach that we must show not tell, and these simulations prove that point”, said Cadet DDR Officer, C/Lt. Col. Lori Hoffman. “I could tell them how dangerous inhalants are. I could explain how little time they have to receive help when they are suffocating and how scary it could be, but it would not leave the same impression as them gasping for air after 30 seconds.”
TCS Marches
in St Patty’s Parade
- Teaneck Composite Squadron members joined organizations around the county while taking part in annual Bergen County Irish Association - St. Patrick’s Day Parade. While cadets marched, senior members handed out literature and spoke to members of the public who inquired about Civil Air Patrol. The TCS Honor Guard (Cadets Hoffman, Jake and Joe DeCristofaro, Bass, Root, and Haggerty) marched as a Colors Element and Demonstrational Element, followed by a flight of TCS Cadets in BDU's (Cadets VonKnoblauch, Mui, Graham, Derasse, Meyers, Carvajal, Gorini, and Mulrooney). The cadet flight demonstrated military drill and chanted cadences about CAP. “I was very proud of all the cadets. They did a great job”, said Teaneck Composite Squadron Commander, Capt Peter Mitchell. View more pictures
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- CAP Cadets Complete Honor Guard Training
- Cadet Airman First Class Alison Root and Cadet Airman Jack Haggerty both completed basic Honor Guard
Training and have now been appointed to the Civil Air
Patrol – Teaneck Composite Squadron Cadet Honor Guard. “It’s
not just about spinning and throwing rifles. The cadets had to
learn how to conduct all ceremonial functions and the importance of
each”, said Commander and Instructor, Cadet Lt. Col. Lori
Hoffman. The team also consists of Cadet First Class
Jonathan Bass, Cadet Staff Sergeant Jacob DeCristofaro, Cadet
Airman First Class Joseph DeCristofaro, and Cadet Senior Airman
Nadine DeCristofaro. Still in training is Cadet Technical
Sergeant Kyle VonKnoblauch. - CAP Cadets Complete Honor Guard Training
- The Teaneck Composite Squadron’s ceremonial units joined the Navy and
various
Veterans’ Associations on December 7th at the USS Ling
and Naval Museum to remember those who lost their lives 67 years
ago. The Pearl Harbor Ceremony drew a large crowd comprised of
active military, veterans, other cadet corps, politicians, and the
general public, all who wanted to show their respect
for the soldiers and civilians who perished during the aerial
attack. After the Colors were retired and Taps was played,
the Honor
Guardsmen, C/Lt Col Lori Hoffman, C/SSgt Jake DeCristofaro, C/SrA
Nadine DeCristofaro, and C/A1C Joe DeCristofaro,
preformed
a rifle demonstration for the audience which was followed by a flag
folding and presentation by Color Guardsmen C/TSgt Kyle von Knoblauch
and C/Amn Jack Haggerty.
The Honor Guard program is comprised of four parts, the Colors (flags) element, the body bearing element, the rifle demonstration element, and the drug demand reduction element. Before receiving the coveted silver cord, Honor Guardsman must participate in Medal of Honor history and knowledge, flag history and care, protocol, escorting, and dinning etiquette. They must demonstrate their proficiency in the four elements.
“Recently formed in November of 2008, the Honor Guard has performed in Teaneck, Englewood, Hackensack, Moonachie, Edison, Wrightstown, and Colonia”’ stated Captain Peter Mitchell, the Teaneck CAP Squadron Commander. “These young, well trained cadets demonstrate the Core Values of CAP which are: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect." To see additional pictures of the graduation, click here.Teaneck Ceremonial Units Remember "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"
In November, Teaneck Composite Squadron’s ceremonial units assisted the USS Ling with a Veteran’s Day Ceremony where Honor Guardsmen stood watch protecting a piece of the USS Arizona that was being donated to the museum. “It’s amazing to see the professionalism and strict compliance to protocol that these young men and women demonstrate”, said Tom Coulson, USS Ling Board Member. The experiences also provide cadets the opportunities to show respect for the men and women who are responsible for their freedom, “After both ceremonies veterans came up to my cadets and I to thank us. It is nice to know that after all they have done for us, we could do something for them”, said Honor Guard Commander, Cadet Lt Col Hoffman. View Video
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TCS Holds
4th Annual Awards Ceremony
- Teaneck Composite Squadron (TCS) held its Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony on September 23, 2008. Cadets were recognized for their participation and accomplishments throughout the year. Family and friends were in attendance to show support for the members. Notable awards include the Lifesaving Award presented to C/A1C Jonathan Bass, The Air Force Association’s Award presented to C/Maj Lori Hoffman, The 2 year Red Service Ribbon presented to 1st Lt Bob Lippman, the Membership Ribbon presented to S/M Mike DeCristofaro, and S/M David Samuel’s promotion to 2d Lt. After the ceremony, a year in review video was shown, highlighting the year’s activities, followed by a reception with light refreshments. To view pictures and video click here.
- Bass Receives Lifesaving Award
- Civil Air Patrol cadet, Jonathan Bass, was presented a Lifesaving Award for his heroic acts that resulted in him saving his father. Bass a member of Teaneck Composite Squadron received First Aid and CPR along with other emergency service training at the weekly meetings. He was able to put that training to use when his father started choking of a piece of chicken. Bass used the Heimlich Maneuver to remove the chicken so it was no longer blocking his father’s airway.
- “He was able to keep his head clear and
do what he was trained to in an emergency. We are proud of him and
are recognizing his actions by presenting him with this award”, said
Deputy Commander for Cadets, Capt. Al Hoffman. The Civil Air Patrol
Lifesaving Award is given to members around the nation whose actions
have saved a life of another.
- Honor Guard Becomes Emergency Services Team
- While the Teaneck Composite Squadron Honor Guard was training in ceremonial demonstration, they were requested by Ridgefield’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to assist in manning a shelter. A bomb threat was called in during the Honor Guard practice causing the evacuation of over 60 residents. With the Red Cross being out of contact, OEM was in need of volunteers and requested that C/Maj Lori Hoffman, C/A1C Jake DeCristofaro, C/A1C Nadine DeCristofaro, C/A1C Joe DeCristofaro, and C/A1C Jonathan Bass along with certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Senior Officers assist in managing the shelter.
- With the mass number of residents arriving at one time, members assisted with registering evacuees, assisting police with parking, and radio communications. The CAP members were able to supplement the emergency response staff by fulfilling positions at the shelter so the responders could handle matters at the command center.
- “This is really confusing and they help”, said Mrs. Lee who was assisted by cadets when she arrived at the shelter. The OEM Coordinator was both thankful for Civil Air Patrol’s help and impressed by their ability to stay calm and carry out tasks in a hectic setting.
- CAP Members Become
"Victims"
Sirens blaring all around, blood
everywhere, victims screaming in pain and where is Civil Air
Patrol? Waiting to be rescued of course! CAP members took
part in a disaster drill at Newark Liberty Airport. Members
are made up by the Port Authority Mulege Team to simulate injuries
that might occur in a real plane crash. The “victims” are
given physical and mental limitations and told to act them out when
rescue workers arrive to assist them.
- CAP members do not take part in responding during the drill, but it gives them a chance to see how the victim feels in an emergency. The experience is often referred to during Emergency Service classes when members are being taught how to interact with those they will be assisting. See Pictures of the Drill
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- Squadron Supports Armory's Family
Services
- Teaneck Composite Squadron assisted the Teaneck Armory’s Family Services on June 28, 2008 with a food drive. The Rotary Club sponsored the drive at the local Shop Rite, customers were given a list of items to donate and then dropped their bags off to military personnel who were standing by in the parking lot. Members of TCS were waiting at the armory and when the groceries arrived they helped bring them into the building and stack the shelves. (See Photos)
- The groceries lined the length of two hallways and cadets and seniors alike unload the truck and piled bags into grocery carts. The Armory was extremely grateful for the support. They recently experienced the largest deployment since WWII and the families of the deployed soldiers, who are taking a pay cut to serve their country depend on the food pantry for assistance. If you are interested in making a donation to family services please ask 1st Lt Hoffman for more information at the meeting.
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