Suffolk Cadet Squadron VII
Civil Air Patrol - The official auxiliary of the United States Air Force
Suffolk Cadet Squadron VII is part of
the Long Island Group,
New York Wing, North East 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."
Upcoming Events
Our Newest Members
In November, we welcome two new members, John DiSalvo and Casey Haller both who live in Commack and attend Commack High School.
It will be good to have John around as he says he has a knack for fixing broken things - especially those that have a motor. He practices on the RC cars he builds. As for sports, he plays soccer and runs track where he got an award in 8th grade for the 200 yard sprint. John has been working part time for the last two years at Commack Hardware.
Casey is already taking flying lessons and NY State Leadership training which will work well with her CAP training. She enjoys playing softball and basketball and practicing kick-boxing (better not mess around with her!). Casey is a member of Skills USA where she serves as Vice President and is on the Executive Board of Girls Leader Corp. She worked last summer at the Ivy League Day Camp as a Camp & Bus Counselor. Casey's honors include "Wildcat Athlete of the Month" from Commack Middle School, Renaissance Honor Society member and Tech Honor Society member.
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 Officer (Technician Rating level), and Aerospace Education Officer (Technician Rating level). He has received certificates for completing the Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement, 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. Rated as Machinist Mate, he served as a nuclear 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, and obviously not having learned a thing from his initial enlistment in the US Navy, 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.
