Squadron Public Affairs

     
Recent Events and Activities
Aerospace Workshop
Sunday, November 22 , 2009
Did you ever wonder what makes an airplane fly, how the early aviators built their planes out of wood and fabric or how astronauts train for space flight? These topics along with others where the focus of a day workshop held at the Oswego County Airport. Members of the local Civil Air Patrol Squadron (CAP),
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and special guest conducted multiple hands on workshop activities as well as general presentations. The event was open to all area youth ages 10 to 18 and was free of charge.

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Workshop1, Workshop2, Workshop3, Workshop4, Workshop5, Workshop6, Workshop7
(See Press Release for photo information)

Lieutenant Ritchie Promoted to First Lt.
Thursday, April 24, 2009
Second Lieutenant Kerland L. Ritchie, of Syracuse, was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol on Tuesday, April 21st. The Vice Commander of New York Wing, Lt Col Mark Caiello and CAP’s Central New York Group Commander, Maj Carl Anthony performed the promotion during a banquet held at the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, New York.

Lieutenant Ritchie is a rated Civil Air Patrol pilot and currently serves in the Sussey Composite Squadron at the Oswego County Airport in Fulton, New York. Lieutenant Ritchie retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 20 years before commissioning in the Civil Air Patrol in March 2007. In addition to flying, he assists the Civil Air Patrol cadet program at the Oswego County Airport as a physical fitness and leadership officer.

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(In the photo from the left: Lt Col Caiello, 1Lt Ritchie, Maj Anthony)

Cadets Check Out F-16's; Tour 174th Fighter Wing
Thursday, April 16, 2009

Civil Air Patrol cadets from Oswego and Lewis counties received a hands-on tour at Hancock Air National Guard base today. The cadets participate in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program to learn about aviation, leadership, citizenship and more.

Second Lieutenant Greta Lewis, Public Affairs Officer for the 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard, gave the CAP cadets the base tour. Cadets had the opportunity to see up close one of the F-16C Vipers, a single-engine fighter aircraft capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Cadets asked questions of aircraft maintainers and pilots, and also got to see and handle the life support gear pilots wear in flight, such as the “G-suit”, their helmet and survival vests.

Part of the tour included a briefing at the 152nd Air Operations Group, a facility that provides command and control for air power in theatre, as well as the base fire department, which helps protect the aircraft in the event of an emergency.

The Civil Air Patrol cadet program is an opportunity for local youth ages 12 to 20 to explore aviation, become better leaders, improve their physical fitness and be of service to their communities and nation. Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization founded by Congress which acts as the Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Cadets wear Air Force uniforms with distinctive CAP cadet insignia and meet weekly in Onondaga, Oswego and Lewis counties to train.

For more information on the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

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(In the photo from left to right are: Capt Earl R. Holdren, III, recruiting and retention officer for NY-408, C/SMSgt Austin Zappala, cadet public affairs NCO for NY-408, C/Amn Joshua McClellan and C/Amn Anthony Sad of the Fort Drum detachment, C/Amn Brandon Visser of NY-408, C/AB Anthony Woodsen of the Fort Drum detachment, C/SMSgt Christian Williams, cadet flight sergeant for NY-408, Capt Michael Kieloch, deputy commander for cadets for NY-408.)
 

Central New York Color Guard Team Wins Trophy in Statewide Competition
April 15, 2009

Civil Air Patrol cadets from Oswego and Liverpool won a third place trophy in a state-wide Color Guard Competition held this past weekend at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY.

It was the first time in over a decade that the Civil Air Patrol's Central New York Group fielded a cadet color guard team in the annual New York Wing competition, noted Capt. Michael Kieloch, the project officer who escorted the cadets to the competition along with 1st Lt. Holden Fenner. The adults and cadets are all members of F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron NY-408, one of five squadrons in Central New York. Sussey Composite Squadron is headquartered at Oswego County Airport in Fulton. 

The team included:

-- Cadet Tech. Sgt. Marikate Lamb, flag bearer and color guard commander, of Oswego.
-- Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Christian Williams, riftleman, of Liverpool.
-- Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Austin Zappala, rifleman, of Oswego.
-- Cadet Airman Sarah Lamb, flag bearer, of Oswego,

"We're very proud of our color guard cadets," said Maj. Carl Anthony, Central NY Group commander. "They trained, studied and worked hard to get to this competition."

Captain Kieloch added: "They also learned a great deal by competing this first time. I think the lessons learned in the Wing competition will go a long way to making our color guard competitive in future years."

The Civil Air Patrol is the cadet-mentoring, aerospace education and search-and-rescue auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

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(In the photo from left to right are: Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Christian Williams, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Marikate Lamb, Col Ken Andreu (NY Wing Commander), Cadet Airman Sarah Lamb, Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Austin Zappala, Capt Michael Kieloch, 1Lt Holden Fenner
 

Posted 12/18/08
Local Teenager Receives “Billy Mitchell Award” for Achievements

FULTON, NY -- Cadet Donald J. Lamb, 19 of Oswego, received the General Billy Mitchell Award for his achievements in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Wednesday, December 17th, Lt. Col. Tom Carello, chief of staff for Civil Air Patrol’s New York Wing, presented the Mitchell Award to Cadet Lamb and promoted him to the grade of Cadet Second Lieutenant.

“Cadet Lamb has demonstrated long-term commitment to Civil Air Patrol and our community,” said Capt. Michael Kieloch, squadron deputy commander for cadets.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Lt. Col Tom Carello (Left) and C/2Lt Donald Lamb

“He has put a lot of hard work into his progression and education.” Cadet Lamb’s parents helped Lt. Col. Carello pin the new rank insignia to his uniform during the ceremony at the Oswego County Airport on Wednesday night.

The General Billy Mitchell Award recognizes cadets who successfully complete the first two phases of the four-phase Civil Air Patrol cadet program. The award has existed since 1964. Cadet Lamb’s award is only number 57,035 since its inception. This award honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America.

Earning the award also makes Cadet Lamb eligible to attend certain training activities and schools, opens the door for scholarships, and even grants automatic promotions should he later enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces or become a Civil Air Patrol officer. Cadet Lamb, an alumnus of Oswego High School, is currently a freshman at SUNY Canton majoring in Criminal Justice.

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Posted 10/2/08
Squadron Promotes Two Cadets
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Sarah Hlavac, 17 of Pulaski and Cadet Joshua Davidson, 17 of Oswego, were promoted by Capt Michael Kieloch, Deputy Commander for the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, in a ceremony at the Oswego County Airport on Wednesday night.

Cadet Sarah Hlavac completed academic and performance requirements for the General Jimmy Doolittle Achievement and was promoted to the rank of Cadet Senior Master Sergeant. Cadet Joshua Davidson completed the comprehensive requirements for the Wright Brothers Award, a milestone in the CAP cadet program, and was promoted to the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant.

Through Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program, young people develop leadership skills, investigate the fundamentals of aerospace science, acquire the habit of exercising regularly, solidify their character, and participate in exciting hands-on activities that prepare them to become responsible and successful citizens.

Cadet Senior Master Sgt Hlavac, who attends Pulaski High School, serves as First Sergeant for the squadron, leading the cadet corps and serving as its most senior cadet. Cadet Staff Sgt Davidson who is enrolled at Oswego High School, joined the program in October of 2007 and is a recent graduate of Civil Air Patrol’s Hawk Mountain Ranger School in Pennsylvania. Youth between the ages of 12-18 may join the CAP Cadet Program and remain in cadet status until they turn 21. Civil Air Patrol is the official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and was founded by Congress in 1941.

The local Civil Air Patrol cadets meet weekly on Wednesday evenings year-round at the Oswego County Airport.


Recently promoted Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Sarah Hlavac, 17 of Pulaski (left) and Cadet Staff Sergeant Joshua Davidson, 17 of Oswego (right), stand with Civil Air Patrol Captain Michael Kieloch, Squadron Deputy Commander for Cadets. Photo Credit: Capt Earl Holdren, III.

 

Posted 6/3/08
F. R. Sussey Squadron unveils new squadron patch

The F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron unveiled its new squadron patch at it's 2ed annual awards banquet this past weekend. The patch was design by Capt Michael Kieloch.

Emblem Heraldry

The yellow borders and blue field are both the colors the Air Force highly recommends are
used in all unit patches and also mimic the colors of the New York Wing patch. The blue represents "the sky", a primary theater of Civil Air Patrol operations, while Air Force yellow represents "the sun" and the excellence required of Civil Air Patrol personnel. The recognizable, 5-point Oswego County shield sits at middle base. The shape represents Fort Ontario which is located in the city of Oswego. (The F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron is the only squadron in Oswego County, receives support from the county, and operates from the Oswego County Airport).
 

The white cross represents our humanitarian and Emergency Services operations. The white represents the purity of the volunteers' intentions in responding to their nation's call to service.
The gold, upswept wings represent the core of Civil Air Patrol: aviation and aerospace.
Aerospace is intertwined in our cadet program, is an integral part of our humanitarian
operations, and is the heart of our third mission: Aerospace Education. The wings are alsoreminiscent of the aviation community and airport where our squadron has been located since its charter. The wings are upswept to represent constant improvement in the spirit ofthe New York State motto, Excelsior - "Ever Upward". The white, 5-pointed star represents the North star. The F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron is the northern most squadron in the Central New York Group and its members hail from some
of the northern most parts of the state. The squadron motto is Ad Proficiendum Civitatem, means to be of use to, to assist, and to help the citizens; it implies public service. It embodies the volunteerism inherent in all of Civil Air Patrol's missions, strongly represented in both cadet and senior members. This motto is not in use by any other Civil Air Patrol or military unit, nor any civilian organization.
Posted 2/12/07
F. R. Sussey Members Helps City of Oswego Dig Out Essential Fire Hydrants

The F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron offered its emergency services-trained members to the City of Oswego Fire Department to help dig out essential fire hydrants throughout the city.

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Photo1.JPG (413289 bytes)
 Capt Grant Sussey finishes cleaning off a hydrant in a residential area of the City of Oswego’s east side.
  Photographer:  Capt Earl Holdren, III
Photo2.jpeg (69737 bytes)
Second Lt. Devin LaMay (left) and First Lt. Mike Kieloch (right) uncover a buried fire hydrant along Bridge Street in Oswego.   Photographer:  Flight Officer Grace Orbesen
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Second Lt. Devin LaMay (left) and Flight Officer Grace Orbesen (right) work on uncovering a fire hydrant blocked by steep snow banks on the east side.  Photographer:  Second Lt. William Bowering
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First Lt. Mike Kieloch and Cadet Cody Benac finish clearing out an access path to a buried fire hydrant in the City of Oswego.  Photographer:  Flight Officer Grace Orbesen

 

Posted 12/18/06
F. R. Sussey Members Promoted
The F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron promoted three local members in a ceremony held at the Oswego County Airport on Tuesday, December 12th.   Squadron Commander, Lt Col Fred Bullard, Jr., presented the officers with their new rank.

 

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Posted 7/6/06
F. R. Sussey Members Assist in North Country Missing Person SAR Effort.
On July 4th, six members of the F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron spent their holiday hiking through the rough terrain near the town of Plessis, in Jefferson County. Those participating in the search, met at the Oswego County Airport at 5AM. It was an hour and a half drive to the small town of Plessis NY, located 6 miles south of Alexandria Bay. Once at the mission base, teams where assigned a crew boss, were briefed on the details of the search and their assignments for the day. Each person on the team had to carry enough food and water for the day. The combination of heat and humidity and the dense vegetation made for slow and daunting progress.
By 5PM the team had completed their assigned grid and returned to the mission base. While nothing was found in the search grid, it was still a successful search effort having ruled out that area with an 85% POD.

List of members participating:

  • Vince Burroughs (Crew Boss - DEC SAR  Team Leader)
  • LtCol Fred Bullard
  • Capt Grant Sussey
  • C/2Lt Devin LaMay
  • 2Lt Paul Spies
  • 2Lt Jenni Holdren
  • Capt Earl Holdren
  • Maj Mark Cashin (from CNY Group)
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See Photo Album for Pictures from the Mission
Posted 6/19/06
Oswego County Airport and Local Civil Air Patrol Unit Host Head Start
On the June 6th, two groups from the Fulton Head Start program visited the Oswego County Airport. While at the airport they toured the airport grounds and offices. They also had opportunity to get a close-up look at the airport fire truck. From there they visited the Civil Air Patrol hanger and were greeted by local members of the F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron. They each had a turn sitting in the pilot seat of CAP’s Cessna 172S model, while guided through a quick orientation to the aircraft and its controls.  Click here to read the Media Release
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Posted 6/19/06
Civil Air Patrol Members Become SKYWARN Weather Spotters
SKYWARN is a national effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies with an expanding network of trained weather spotters. The services performed by SKYWARN spotters have saved many lives.

The National Weather Service has a number of devices for detecting severe thunderstorms. Included in these are Doppler radar, satellite, and lightning detection networks.  However, the most important tool for observing thunderstorms is the trained eye of the storm spotter.

By providing observations, SKYWARN spotters assist National Weather Service members in their warning decisions and enable the National Weather Service to fulfill its mission of protecting life and property.

To learn more about SKYWARN visit www.wbuf.noaa.gov

 

Posted 3/30/06
Cadet promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant at 20,000 feet.
While on a recent Military Orientation Flight with the 109th Airlift Wing stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Cadet Senior Airman Donald Lamb III, age 16, was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant and received the Wright Brothers Award. Sergeant Lamb is a member of the F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron based at the Oswego County Airport in Fulton, NY.  Click here to read the Media Release


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Posted 3/20/06
16 CAP Members fly with the 109th Airlift Wing

Squadron cadets and senior members had the opportunity to fly aboard a military LC-130 aircraft with the 109th Airlift Wing on Wednesday, March 15th, as part of an orientation ride set up through New York Wing Liaison. The flight took off from Stratton ANGB in Scotia, New York.
The LC-130 is a specially equipped transport aircraft fitted with ski and wheel landing gear, capable of landing on snow or ice, and traveling to both the north and south poles. These aircraft carry out five primary Federal missions: Polar Airlift, Aero-medical Evacuation, Aerial Port, Combat Construction and Field Hospital contingencies. 

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To visit the 109th Airlift Wings website: Click Here
Posted 1/11/06
NJ Township thanks local CAP aircrew for search and rescue efforts
  • OSWEGO COUNTY AIRPORT – In a small presentation on January 10th, four local members of the FR Sussey Composite Squadron received Certificates of Appreciation from NJ Township of Hardyston after participating in search and rescue operations for a Wantage, NJ area pilot who disappeared off the radar this past summer. The air crew flew one Civil Air Patrol Aircraft and one member owned aircraft both based at Oswego County Airport in Volney to Sussex, NJ. The aircrew aided in the search and rescue efforts by flying grid searches and performing as a "high bird" relaying radio messages from aircraft flying low in the grid back to the Operations Center. 

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11/26/05 - Mercy Flight Helicopter Visits Oswego Co. Airport
10/26/05 - Squadron Open House
10/12/05 - Visit to Oswego USCG Station
10/5/05 - General Billy Mitchell Award Presentation


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At a presentation on Wednesday night, the Central New York Group Commander, Major Thomas Carello, presented the General Billy Mitchell Award and promoted Cadet Devin LaMay of Scriba, NY to the rank of cadet second lieutenant. LaMay has been an active member of the F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol located at Oswego County Airport in Volney. LaMay’s current duty assignment is Cadet Commander.

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9/26-28/05 Cadet Weekend Bivouac
The F. R. Sussey composite squadron held an encampment at the Oswego County Airport in Fulton New York, starting August 26th through the 28th. The focus of the weekend was a comprehensive introduction to flight and aerospace and emergency services specialties. The following is a summery of the weekend accomplishments.

Personnel:

We had a total of 16 Senior Members and officers help in the activity throughout the weekend and a total of 11 cadets attend the activity.

Cadet Orientation Flights:

8.3 Flight hours flown by 3 pilots.

Emergency Services:

4 General Emergency Service Specialty Cards issued to cadets
Communications Orientation Class conducted
9 Cadets and 1 Senior Member will receive Basic Radio Operator Permits.

Read Media Release / See Photos (coming soon)

4/23/05 - Squadron Name Change Ceremony
On April 23ed we held the official name change ceremony for our squadron. To read about it and see photos from the event follow the link below.

Read Ceremony Report

3/22/05 - Added Biography for F. R. Sussey
I have added a biography page for Bob Sussey. While a member of our squadron he worked tirelessly as maintenance officer for aircraft as well as directing the senior member education program. Our squadron, NY-408 had been named the Greater Oswego County Composite Squadron. After Mr. Sussey death in 2003 we decided to change our squadrons name to the F. R. Sussey Composite Squadron in his honor.

Click here to read Biography

 

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