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Community Corner

Meet Lt. Col. Jeanne Magurany, Commander of the 169th Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol

"We are looking for opportunities in Manchester to do community service."

I went to the annual Eighth Utilities District "Shred-Fest" recently to shred ballots from the municipal election last November and the unused ballots from the Republican Presidential Primary in April along with my counterpart, Democratic Registrar Frank Maffee. I was surprised to find young men and women in camouflage uniforms helping with the event. I was introducted to Civil Air Patrol Commander Jeanne Magurany and I asked right away if she would mind talking to me about the Civil Air Patrol for Manchester Patch. Jeanne agreed and we talked during the event.

Timothy Becker: Jeanne, what is the mission of the Civil Air Patrol and when was it founded?

Jeanne Magurany: Just before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Civil Air Patrol was founded by more than 150,000 citizens who were concerned about the defense of the United States coastline. CAP pilots helped rescue hundreds of crash survivors during World War II. President Harry Truman established CAP as a federally chartered benevolent citizen corporation in 1946. CAP is charged with three primary missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

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We operate as a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force when performing services for the federal government. CAP conducts search and rescue missions, and provides disaster relief support.

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Timothy Becker: How long has the Civil Air Patrol had a squadron in Manchester?

Jeanne Magurany: We have been operating out of the National guard Armory on Main Street since the 1950s.

Timothy Becker: What does the Manchester Squadron focus on?

Jeanne Magurany: Our program focuses on the cadet program for cadets 12 years old and older. We work on leadership training, emergency services, community service and aerospace education.

Timothy Becker: Do cadets get an opportunity to receive pilot training?

Jeanne Magurany: Cadets can earn their solo pilot wings at a reduced cost. They receive five front seat rides and five back seat rides in a single engine aircraft as part of their aerospace training.

Timothy Becker: How many people are involved in the Manchester squadron?

Jeanne Magurany: We have 23 Cadets and 20 Senior members. Cadets can become senior member when they reach the age of 21.

Timothy Becker: What happens at a typical meeting?

Jeanne Magurany: We meet every Thursday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Eighth Utilities District meeting room at 18 Main St. We have classes in military customs and courtesy, aerospace training, safety, character development, leadership training and drug demand reduction. Once a month we do physical training by doing a mile run, push ups and sit ups. We also have field trips and do community service.

Timothy Becker: How did you arrange to meet at the Eighth Utilities District?

Jeanne Magurany: I was notified last year that the National Guard Armory was closing last August. That is when I started making panic calls. I called everyone that I could think of. I spoke to Eighth District President Mary O'Marra. Mary put me in touch with District Director Joe Tyler who handles Public relations for the District. Joe helped to arrange for permission for CAP to meet at the District offices without charge.

Timothy Becker: How do you recruit new members?

Jeanne Magurany: We primarily utilize word of mouth. We encourage our members to bring in their friends.

Timothy Becker: Do many of the cadets join the armed forces?

Jeanne Magurany: Yes, over the past 15 years we have had four of our cadets go into military academies. There are a number of slots each year reserved at the academies for Civil Air Patrol cadets.

Timothy Becker: Do you have anything coming up during the rest of 2012?

Jeanne Magurany: We are looking for opportunities in Manchester for community service. The more we are out in the public, the better for everybody. I can be contacted at 860-930-3663 for more information.

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