On Tuesday, July 5, there was a changing of the guards at the Civil Air Patrol Suffolk Cadet Squadron 10. Commander Andy Niens ceremoniously handed off the flag to incoming Commander Samantha Portugues-Klos. Suffolk Civil Air Patrol Squadron 10 is one of the oldest and largest cadet squadrons on Long Island. Boys and girls as young as 12 can join and can continue to serve their community well into adulthood.
The young cadets experience hiking, camping and obstacles course where while having fun they learn team building and leadership skills. They learn aviation history and flying skills. They learn how to assist in real search and rescue emergencies. Regardless of age, the cadets can get actual flight training in the Redbird flight simulator and, as they grow in experience, they can co-pilot a Cessna plane right out of their Lincoln Avenue, Holbrook airfield near MacArthur Airport.
Taryn Dyckman, 18, now a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant, joined over two years ago and is grateful she did. She has learned a lot, and made many new friends. This experience has solidified her desire to go into pre-med as she starts to consider going to college. Anna Iannone, 16, pictured in Redbird simulator with Commander Niens, is now a Senior Cadet Airman. She originally joined because she knew it would look good on college applications. Now, she is learning how to fly as we speak.
Although Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the US Air Force, it is a not-for-profit organization and is staffed by adult volunteers. The incoming commander, Sam Portugues-Klos is a real estate agent from Bohemia who got involved years ago after experiencing the program firsthand when her daughters were part of it. She is now the first female commander for this squadron in its long history. Her Deputy Commander is Jennifer Dickson making them the first female team to lead this squad.
Sam’s daughter Lauren has since gone on to active military service in the United States Army. These dedicated volunteers are called upon when disasters strike. To date this year, members of various Civil Air Patrols are credited with saving 130 lives.
There are some fees involved in joining the Civil Air Patrol, but there are also scholarships available to its members. The Civil Air Patrol does rely on fundraising and donations.
There is no obligation to anyone involved to become part of the Air Force or any military. Anyone interested can join and it is much more than aviation. Although if you have any interest in flying or search and rescue this is a great place to get started. For more information their local chapter’s website is NY328.CAP.GOV.
