Suffolk Cadet Squadron VII
U.S. Civil Air Patrol - U.S.A.F. AUX
A UNIT OF L.I. GROUP,
NY WING, NE REGION
The number at the top is our National Squadron number. The first 2 digits (31) represents New York state (not necessarily the 31st. State - either in CAP or the U.S.) The last three digits (153) designates our particular Squadron within NY state.
The Tomcat is relaxed but eager - ready at a moments notice (he's wearing his gear) to go into action to locate and save people in need of help. He stands beside his Cessna ready to take off and fly low and slow looking for lost aircraft and people.
He has three tails. These represent the three services of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol; Emergency Services, Aerospace and the Cadet Program which he takes care of when not busy saving lives.
Emergency Services encompasses much more than just Search and Rescue. We work with FEMA assisting police, firemen, Coast Guard and any other agency which needs our help in an emergency. We fly sorties over disaster areas, reservoirs, forest fires and even beaches (Flight 800).
Aerospace education teaches cadets meteorology, all the parts of the airplane that make or help it fly, how rockets work (Cadets build and fly their own rockets to earn a Rocketry badge) and navigation to name just some. This program also works with local schools to teach non-cadets.
The Cadet Program teaches Leadership, Moral Leadership, Safety and military movements and bearing. Cadets are tested on Aerospace and Leadership subjects in order to complete achievements earning promotions and more responsibility.
Lucky 7 has several meanings. We have a perfect safety record, a large, air conditioned meeting area, a great group of volunteers and we're good at what we do. How much luckier can you get!
CADET OATH
"I pledge to serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation."
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Our Newest Members
In January, Kevin Dowling of Kings Park became our newest Senior Member. Kevin is a Program Manager and a Flight Test Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration and, with a Bachelor of Science degree, is looking forward to using his talents to assist our Aerospace Officer. His enjoyment of fishing and camping could also make him an asset on bivouacs and possibly as a Ground Team Leader.
In March, cadet Alexander Bennett of Northport became our newest Cadet member. Alex attends Northport High School and is a member of the marching band. He is also a member of the Suffolk County Police, 2nd Precinct Explorer's Post, Boy Scout Troup 52, Wilderness Club and Project Tolerence. He is certified in CPR and AED and enjoys backpacking, rock climbing (sounds like a good candidate for Ground Team Member), paintball, biking and playing the Tenor Saxiphone.
Welcome to the Squadron!
Introducing
Our Squadron Commander
1st Lt. Litzke joined Suffolk Cadet Squadron VII of the Civil Air Patrol in October 2007. He quickly assumed the positions of Cadet Programs Officer and Leadership Officer of his squadron, and in 2008 was certified at the Technician Rating level for Cadet Programs. In November of 2008 he assumed command of the squadron.
He has successfully completed the testing process for Cadet Programs Officer (Technician, Senior, and Master Rating levels), IT Officer (Technician, Senior, and Master Rating levels), Safety Officer (Basic and Senior levels), Communications Office (Technician Rating level), and Aerospace Education Officer (Technician Rating level). He has received certificates for the Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award and for completing both Basic Operational Risk Management training and Skills Evaluator training. He has also achieved Emergency Service’s Ground Team Member certification.
1st Lt. Litzke grew up on Long Island and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after graduating from high school, initially receiving specialized training in the Nuclear Power Program, followed by Nuclear/Biological/Chemical (NBC) Warfare training. He served as a Machinist Mate power plant operator aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). After separation from service, he worked at Brookhaven National Laboratory as a Health Physics technician and the Environmental Safety and Health Officer for the Laboratory’s Superfund environmental cleanup. During that time he enlisted as a Sergeant in the New York Army Reserve National Guard and qualified as an NBC Warfare Specialist (MOS 54E) and Petroleum Supply Specialist (MOS 77A). He presently works as an Environmental Programs Manager for a municipal government.
1st Lt. Litzke holds a B.A. (double major) in Sociology/Political Science and an M.S. in Environmental Science. He has also received certification as a New York State Secondary Education Teacher for both Earth Science and Social Studies. He has been happily married for well over 25 years and has a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son.
Our Cadet Commander
Greetings to you all. My name is C/Capt Patrick J. Argento, and I am the Cadet Commander here at Suffolk Cadet Squadron VII. I am 17 years old and have been in Civil Air Patrol for four years this July. In that time, I have earned the rating of GTM1, gone to NYWg Encampment twice (first as a basic cadet and the second time on staff), gone to Virginia for a week of flying at the National Flight Academy, and much more. Outside of CAP, I am currently a member of the National Honor Society and am a member of my high school show choir, Vocal Motion.
Last month, I had received surgery on my knee after I tore my ACL back in April and took a leave of absence for the last few weeks. But I have recently returned to duty. As the squadron Cadet Commander,
My responsibilities are mainly to oversee the operation of the Cadet Program in the squadron and make sure that everything is carried out according to the regulations. Also as Cadet Commander, I have been through the majority of the Cadet Program and understand the difficulties and responsibilities at each level that the cadets face. In my opinion, the hardest but also most important thing to do is figure out how to balance CAP and everything else a cadet does. Because, even though one may be a sergeant or airman or officer, we’re all still teenagers and obviously, we have other interests and other things we participate. What matters is that you find a way to balance it. In short, while I do have the responsibility of being the cadet commanding officer of the squadron, I am also your run of the mill teenager.
