The F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron 408 of the Civil Air Patrol’s NY Wing hosts monthly pancake breakfasts at the Oswego County Airport.
iHeart Oswego headed out to their most recent breakfast on Sunday, June 14, to learn more about the cause these breakfasts support. Our team spoke with Commander Graig Arcuri and Chief Master Sergeant Benjamin Wietz about the organization.
The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary program of the US Air Force that trains cadets ages 12 to 21 (must be under 18 to join as a cadet) on a wide number of subjects, including flying lessons and search and rescue techniques. There are units across the state and the country and even a few international squadrons, and they are quite active in supporting the communities they are in. Within the inland of the US, the Civil Air Patrol conducts approximately 90% of search and rescue operations. “We had a few emergency searches a few months ago that I was involved in down by the Finger Lakes,” noted Wietz.
The program is focused on providing space for youth to gain leadership skills and experience and aims to inspire the next generation of aerospace and aviation professionals. There are benefits to involvement for cadets who go on to join the Air Force, such as the potential for increased pay grades upon enlistment. After turning 21, cadets can transition to senior members involved in leading the squadron.
Joining F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron 408 of the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet involves signing a yearly contract for $35 and participating in weekly meetings at the Oswego County Airport on Mondays from 6-8pm. There are also a wide number of academies offered throughout the summer both locally and regionally to help youth develop industry knowledge and leadership skills. In particular, Wietz mentioned a Red Bird flight simulator he’s looking forward to training on.
The breakfast fundraisers—which feature French toast, pancakes, sausage, potatoes, and eggs, as well as a variety of beverages—support the purchase of cadet uniforms, search and rescue gear, transportation for cadets participating in off-site training, and other costs associated with running the unit.
For those interested in supporting our local squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, the next breakfasts are scheduled for Sunday, July 5th and Sunday, August 2nd. Breakfast is served from 7:30am to 11am at the Oswego County Airport. Meals are $12 for adults, $10 for veterans and seniors, $7 for kids 5 to 11 and free for kids 4 and under. Pedal planes are on hand for the smallest pilots in attendance to use. Weather permitting, there are also free airplane rides through the EEA’s Young Eagles Flight Program.
For more information about becoming a cadet or getting involved in leadership at the squadron, reach out to Commander Graig Arcuri by email at [email protected] or by phone at 518-365-0077.
