KUDOs Program 2024

Civil Air Patrol Supports JBM-D-L’s KUDO Program

MCGUIRE AFB [SEPT 28, 2024] — Two units from Civil Air Patrol’s NJ Wing recently supported
the Military & Family Readiness Center’s KUDOs (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations)
program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

The KUDOs program aims to educate children between ages 5-17 years about the unique challenges
faced by military families, particularly during deployments. The children, guided by adult and cadet
members from Allentown and McGuire Composite Squadrons, rotated through various learning stations
that simulated real-world deployment scenarios, fostering understanding and appreciation of military
roles and teamwork.
The experience also allowed Civil Air Patrol members to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices made
by military personnel and their families.
“KUDOs has been an eye-opening experience for us,” said Justin Hawkins, 1 st Lt, CAP, and commander
of the McGuire Composite Squadron. “It’s important for Civil Air Patrol cadets to understand and
appreciate the lives of those who serve our country. We are grateful to support Joint Base M-D-L in
these meaningful activities.”

The color guard from the McGuire Composite Squadron opened the event at the Passenger Terminal by
presenting the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem followed by opening remarks
by Col. Anthony Smith 87th Air Base Wing and JBM-D-L Commander, USAF.
After visiting the learning stations and visiting a KC46 static display, the children stopped by the exhibit
area and Civil Air Patrol’s recruitment table.
If you are a student between the ages of 12-18, or an adult, and interested in Civil Air Patrol, please
reach out to Lt Col Bill Petzinger via email bill.petzinger@njwg.cap.gov. Or visit the unit’s website:
https://mcguire.cap.gov.
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later,
Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force
partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and
rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s
communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.