Aerospace at Klockner Elementary
MCGUIRE COMPOSITE SQUADRON
CIVIL AIR PATROL
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NEW JERSEY 08562
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Maj. Bill Petzinger
(609) 306-0966
McGuire Civil Air Patrol Squadron Brings Aerospace Education to Elementary School
HAMILTON, N.J. (May 17, 2023) – The Maj Thomas B. McGuire Jr Composite Squadron of
Civil Air Patrol brought its Aerospace Education curriculum to more than 100 Klockner
Elementary School 4th and 5th graders. Fifteen cadets and four senior members from the unit
visited the school.
NJ Wing Director of Aerospace Education Lt Col Michael Castania and McGuire’s Aerospace
Education Officer 1st Lieutenant Justin Hawkins and four cadets presented an introductory
science course teaching youth about some basic laws of physics and how they apply to aircraft
and rocketry.
“One of the rewards of doing these presentations is getting to see the look of curiosity in a young
person’s eyes when they start to realize flying isn’t something simple or mysterious,” said
Castania, “It’s just something we call the magic of physics.”
Allyson Scotto, 4th grade teacher, agreed. “The students absolutely loved engaging with Civil Air
Patrol and learning aerospace concepts. The students were inspired by McGuire cadets who
helped them assemble the rockets.”
Pre-K teacher Linda Sheehan and Resource Teacher Kalyn Vizzoni appreciated the McGuire
Composite Squadron members who assisted with the school’s STEM Family Night.
“We are looking forward to McGuire cadets helping us in the future with other events,” Sheehan
said.
Aerospace Education is one of the primary missions of Civil Air Patrol with classes being
offered to schools throughout New Jersey.
Civil Air Patrol also offers Aerospace training to teachers and encourages educators to join as
Aerospace Education Members. As a member, educators get access to Civil Air Patrol’s vast
curriculum of Aerospace, STEM, and Cyber training as well as access to free STEM kits
provided by the organization.
Civil Air Patrol offers a youth program for kids ages 12-18 who are interested in flying,
aerospace, STEM, emergency services and leadership. It also offers membership for adults
interested in any number of volunteer positions including emergency services as well as teachers
interested in bringing Aerospace & STEM education to their classrooms.
Anyone interested in joining Civil Air Patrol can reach out to Maj Bill Petzinger by email
bill.petzinger@njwg.cap.gov or visit the squadron’s website for more information.
Civil Air Patrol, the long-time all-volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force operates 26
squadrons in New Jersey carrying out Air Force-assigned emergency and disaster relief missions
as well as congressionally chartered education activities in science, education, technology and
math (STEM).