Senator John Brooks, of Senate District 8 – now running for District 5 due to redistricting – attended the Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Family Appreciation Day held on September 17 at their Headquarters next to MacArthur Airport to present them with a check for $65,000.
Senator Brooks, along with the assistance of Senator John Liu of New York City, was able to secure funding through a grant program. However, Senator Brooks stated he feels the CAP should receive some type of regular funding stream from the State of New York, as the services they provide are crucial to many in times of emergency.
Both senators are currently working on that funding. Senator Liu is an active pilot within the CAP, flies the Cessna planes during missions, and is an instructor for cadet pilot training.
The Civil Air Patrol is run by volunteers who dedicate the equivalent of full-time hours to
training the cadets and running emergency assistance wherever needed. It was announced that, due to the adult-trained volunteers and cadets in the program, their assistance in search and rescue missions, storm assistance and other emergencies, they saved taxpayers $197 million last year alone. This was done all while saving lives and training up our next generation of heroes and leaders.
Colonel John Jones, the New York Wing Commander, who oversees all 72 squadrons throughout New York, and Major Andy Niens, who oversees the 8 squadrons of those here on Long Island, were on site to gratefully receive this donation. The cadets and their families were
provided with a nice lunch out on the field as a way to say thank you for all their hard work and dedication.
For more information visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com
