October 5, 2026 · VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS · 4,180 words · 7 speakers · 24 segments
Good morning. I am Senator Doug Mastrian, a chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, and I call to order this informational meeting. Today we have before us the leadership of the Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. That is outstanding. Thanks for joining us here today. The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary to the United States Air Force. Love the Air Force. The Civil Air Patrol's three congressionally chartered missions are aerospace education, cadet programs, emergency services, which consists of search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security. Missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. The Pennsylvania wing of the Civil Air Patrol consists of more than 1,500 volunteers. Outstanding. Thank you guys for volunteering and making this possible. That's just beautiful. in over 40 squadrons in six groups across the state. These volunteers are well-equipped with aircraft, vehicles, communication radios, aerial imaging equipment, and much more for emergency situations, such as locating a downed aircraft. Over the years, the Civil Air Patrol's cadet program, similar to junior ROTC. I went through ROTC. It's a good program. It has trained tens of thousands of young Pennsylvanians aged 12 through 18 and provided them with a foundation to become dynamic Americans, aerospace leaders, and citizens of high character who serve their nation, state, communities, and fellow citizens faithfully. Today we will receive a briefing from the Civil Air Patrol, and then afterwards members of the Civil Air Patrol's legislative squadron will be sworn in. We'll proceed with the briefing. I'd like to welcome Wing Commander Colonel Leslie Hare. Please make sure your green light's on, and Colonel, the floor is yours.
Thank you. Okay. Hopefully this is now better.
Yes.
On weekends, our members participate in community service, flying, leadership in emergency training, and many other activities. These experiences connect our members to their communities, state, nation, while developing valuable skills. Our cadets are widely successful in their adult lives. Our adult members grow as well. They learn to run meetings, speak in public, plan a yearly program, manage finances, lead teams, and mentor others. Many take those skills beyond Civil Air Patrol to serve their communities in other fashions. At the state level, we work closely with PIMA, the Army and Air National Guards, and DCNR. During disasters, our aircraft and specialized photography equipment allow state officials to assess damage rapidly and direct resources where they are most needed. We also support many other missions, such as aerial fire watch, plane crash security. We fly you legislators to see your districts from the air. We have a single employee paid for by the national organization to keep the books, and all of our other efforts are carried out by volunteers. Each dollar that you spend on supporting us returns $32 in total value. The state budget has supported us for an annual appropriation of $100,000 for the past 15 years. For next year's budget, we are requesting an increase to $250,000. This increase will help us support disadvantaged youth so that they can participate fully in our program through purchases of uniform items, educational materials, and scholarships for our various activities. It will provide vitally needed funds for flying missions that are not covered by either the Air Force or by our contracts with the state government. And for the first time, it will allow us to support our local units in their activities, activities providing help to our local communities across Pennsylvania. I've told you what Civil Air Patrol does for Pennsylvania. Now I'd like you to hear from some of our fine young people about what the organization has meant in their own lives. First, I'd like to introduce Cadet Major Aaron Cohane. Aaron, if you could hold on a second.
I'd like to recognize Senator Cain. Senator Cain, thank you, I'm promoting you. Battlefield Commission. Senator Hutchinson is also with us, as well as Representative Kathy Rapp. Thank you for your support of Civil Air Patrol.
Major over to you Thank you sir Thank you ma Good morning My name is Cadet Major Aaron Cohane of the Lancaster Composite Squadron and I honored to speak on behalf of the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing I'm 17 years old and a senior at Penn Manor High School, currently pursuing a career in real estate and public policy. When I look back on my service in the Civil Air Patrol, I'm constantly reminded of my father's words, not everyone gets a seat at the table. At first, I thought this was simply a lesson about how difficult the world could be. As I grew older, I came to understand it differently. Opportunities are not always handed to us. Sometimes, if you want a voice in the room, you have to work for your place at the table. When I was 12 years old, I found a place where I could begin learning what that meant, Civil Air Patrol. As a new cadet, I wanted to learn how to fly and originally wanted to become a United States Air Force pilot. I showed up in a uniform that didn't quite fit, learned my ranks, and stumbled through drill and watched other cadets who seemed to know exactly what they were doing. Since joining the Civil Air Patrol, I have had endless opportunities in aviation, emergency services, education, leadership, public speaking, civic engagement that I never could have ever imagined at 12 years old. By far, one of my most valued experiences through the Civil Air Patrol has been being able to play a key part in the development of the next generation of cadets, leaders, and Americans as the Squadron 10 Deputy Commander during our summer cadet training schools program. I have had the privilege of watching young cadets make 180 transformations. At first, they were shy, struggled with PT, marching drill, and customs and courtesies. Yet after one week, they developed into a cohesive, effective unit that represented the purpose of the cadet program, to bring together like-minded youth and prepare them for professional careers and service to our community, state, and nation. Another initiative that I value deeply, that is a little more close to home, is leading the Civil Air Patrol parking teams at the 2025 Quarryville Hospice Auction. I was entrusted to lead our cadet teams that assisted the auction with parking services, and while this event may seem like just a small community service event, it fills my heart knowing that Civil Air Patrol directly supports the elderly in our communities, even if it's by parking thousands of cars a day. Beyond that, I've had the privilege of talking with public servants in both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. to advocate for a program that saves lives. I don't think many 17-year-olds can say the same. But the most important lesson I've learned is that leadership isn't simply about earning a seat at the table. It's about using that seat to make room for someone else. That is what the Civil Air Patrol does across Pennsylvania. We prepare volunteers to serve their communities. We give young people opportunities to develop skills that will follow them throughout their lives. And we teach cadets that citizenship isn't something you simply possess. It is instead something that you practice. Eventually, I will graduate from the cadet program and move on to college and a career, but the Civil Air Patrol will still be here. Another 12-year-old will walk through the same doors I did, and I hope they find what I found, a place to learn, a place to serve, and a place to become a leader. Because ultimately, the greatest measure of leadership isn't how many people follow you. It is how many people you prepare to lead after you're gone. Ladies and gentlemen, the youth of Pennsylvania are here. On behalf of the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing, I am proud to say that we are helping create capable youth right here in the Commonwealth and the nation. We are ready to learn, we are ready to serve, and we are ready to lead. Thank you. I will now give the floor to Cadet Major Sebastian O'Praya.
Thank you. My name is Sebastian O'Praya. I'm a junior at Nishamany High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and a cadet major in Civil Air Patrol. When I first joined this program at age 12, I did not really know what to expect. I knew that Civil Air Patrol had something to do with airplanes, the Air Force, and serving my community. What I discovered was a program that would give me opportunities I never imagined having at my age. It's a place where a 12-year-old can walk through the door without much experience, but in just a few years, be trusted with real responsibilities. We learn how to lead, communicate, solve problems, work as a team, and make decisions when things don't go exactly as planned. But some of the most important things CAP has given me cannot be measured by a promotion, ribbon, or activity. CAP has taught me confidence. It has taught me that leadership is not about having a title. It's about taking responsibility of yourself and the people around you. It has taught me how to succeed, but just as importantly, it has taught me how to respond when I make a mistake or experience a failure. I've been granted the opportunity through many schools here in Pennsylvania, but one of the main ones was the cadet training school that we have where CAP trains cadets to go through this program. That's where I've learned and gained my responsibilities as a cadet and where I learned to want to continue my career as an Air Force intelligence officer. I'm not the same person I was four years ago when I joined this program at age 12. I've become more confident speaking, more comfortable taking responsibility, and it's helped me think seriously about my career and how I want to go to the Air Force. Today, here at 16, I have the privilege of sitting before you and telling you about what this opportunity has meant to me. I thank you for your time and for your support in Civil War Patrol and its cadets. Thank you. I will now pass the floor to Cadet Major White.
This is an interlude. I was Army Intelligence for 30 years. That's fantastic. Best two years of my Army career, we could say, was probably at Maxwell Air Force Base. I report to housing at Fort Stewart, Georgia, 3rd Infantry Division, with my wife and my young son to get a house, a housing office. They're like, what do you want? I'm like, what? I'm a captain in the Army and you're going to? so I get assigned now as Major Mastriano to Maxwell Air Force Base. We go to housing office, and they're like, Welcome, Major Mastriano. Can we get you some refreshments? Can we get you a seat? We'll get you a house. My wife looked over at me and goes, Why did you join the Army? So you chose wisely. Sir, over to you. Thank you, sir, and thank you, Cadet Major Oprea.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Cadet Major John White of Civil Air Patrol's Pennsylvania Wing, and I hail from our Braiding Composites Quadrant in Easton, Pennsylvania. I am 16 years old and a homeschooler in my junior year of high school. I am extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to speak for you today concerning the Civil Air Patrol and the profound impact that it has had upon my own life. I joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in January of 2024. My public speaking skills were virtually non-existent. Learning to fly seemed nothing more than a dream. And my self and leadership abilities were quite insignificant Little did I realize how much opportunity for growth the Civil Air Patrol would provide I had first joined Civil Air Patrol because I was seeking a program that would help me in my flight training aspirations as well as align with my interest in a career in public service. However, as I progressed from a cadet in this Pennsylvania wing, it began to dawn to me that there was something more to be gained with more far-reaching effects than a pilot's license or even a career, Something that I could carry with me throughout life and used to serve others. Eventually, I learned to call it by its name, leadership. Within a year of joining Civil Air Patrol, the different facets of the journey in the cadet program began to unfold rapidly. I became involved in Pennsylvania Wings Cadet Advisory Council. This responsibility gave me the chance I needed to expand my leadership experience. I soon found myself helping manage projects, run conferences, and dedicating my time to the improvement of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program for the benefit of my fellow cadets. That same year, I graduated from Pennsylvania Wing's Cadet Wing Basic Encampment, where I learned the value of teamwork, time management, and attention to detail. Around this time, I also learned the fundamentals of first aid and ground search and rescue through the training programs made available to me through my home squadron and Pennsylvania. Ultimately, though, the greatest change came about as I rose through the ranks of my home squadron to become the cadet commander. It was there that I built the foundation for all the leadership traits that would aid me throughout life, simply by serving my fellow cadets and guiding them as they grow and succeed. All of these incredible activities that I participated in within Pennsylvania Wing paved the way for all the experiences that I would discover as I expanded my horizons. As I progressed from a young cadet who struggled with public speaking to a mature leader and the cadet commander of my local squadron in Easton, Pennsylvania, I gained valuable experiences and skills that I would not have obtained elsewhere. I would not have had the opportunity to view the world of aviation from an entirely different perspective as a cadet volunteer and servant leadership at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, which is the largest air show in the country. Also, I would not have had been granted even the possibility of applying for the cadet flight training scholarships that I can now pursue to fund my pilot's license training. Furthermore, I would not have developed the emergency services and medical skills that I now possess and can apply for the benefit of those in need around me. And finally, if it were not for the Civil Air patrol cadet program. I would not have had the leadership building experience of serving as a cadet. Best summed up in the words of the ancient Greek writer Sophocles, only the man who knows how to obey can understand what it is to command and give orders when the spears are coming at him and his time to lead has come. For more than 80 years, Civil Air Patrol has done exactly that, forged tens of thousands of cadets into the future leaders of tomorrow. Thank you ladies and gentlemen I would now like to pass the floor on to Cadet First Lieutenant Drager
Thank you John Well it definitely worked I did not detect any trouble with speaking there That is fantastic And homeschool family as well And a big fan of Dan MacLeese As depicted by Thucydides So I like the reference to the Greeks I'd like to acknowledge Senator Williams is joining us Thank you for your support of Civil Air Patrol Please Cadet Lucy Drager over to you
Good morning everyone I joined Civil Air Patrol at 15. Today at 19 years old, I still participate actively in this program. A friend of mine told me about her first time flying an airplane, and I thought, I want to do that too. Within six months of joining, I was in the air for the first time. The control is in my own hands. I'll never forget that, but flying wasn't the only reason that I stayed. Civil Air Patrol gave me opportunities that I never expected. I attended National Blue Beret at Oshkosh. I went to Hawk Mountain Ranger School as a public affairs officer, and I took part in state and national legislative days, where I got to see how our work connects to the government. Along the way, I've built relationships with people all over the country. I've also grown a lot as a leader, and today as a deputy support, where I now lead a larger number of cadets. I learned how to be responsible for people I became a better public speaker and I learned how to talk professionally with higher authorities which is what I'm doing right now My favorite part is teaching aerospace to my fellow cadets and seeing something click for the first time in them is the best feeling One moment I'm especially proud of is earning my scholarship through my squadron for flight lessons flying through Civil Air Patrol was something that I longed to do and that scholarship made it feel real. It hasn't always been easy. There were setbacks and some things that made this path really hard. Pushing through them showed me I was capable of more than I thought I was and Civil Air Patrol was where I found that. In a week, I started as a line service technician at Lancaster Airport. I'm studying business management at Millersville University and my goal is to become an airport manager.
That is outstanding. And I appreciate your testimony. You know, there's always this rivalry between the Army and the Air Force. And I used to make fun of another guy I was in college with. I was joining a chair of force, ha. Then Desert Storm happens, and all the joking went aside. We were in a tank battle. The Iraqi 12th Armored Division had broken through our flank. And we called in F-16 for help. And the DPICM, 250 live munitions of that F-16, dropped on the Iraqi Armored Force penetrating our flank. I was close. It was terrifying. I never made fun of the Air Force ever since. You're joining a great elite force. Ava, I can barely see you there. Over to you.
Thank you. Good morning. Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, has affected my life in a way that I could have never expected when I joined two years ago. I have learned more about aerospace, emergency services, and leadership than I have in my entire 12 years of schooling. My time at my squadron has been some of the most valuable experiences that I have. Through that time, I served as the squadron flight sergeant at my local squadron, and that taught me that you don know everything If you don know anything even just a little bit you still learning even if you think you know what you talking about During that time, I had to learn how to master my drill, perfect my uniform, and perfect all of my other aspects of cadet lives because I was looked up to as a mentor. Through that time, I have also seen cadets grow, And that was the most heartwarming thing that I could have experienced, was watching my cadets grow or just even something click. Through that, I also participated in a local fly-in at my squadron due to being based out of Lockhaven. If you know what I'm talking about, it is where Piper Corporation was actually based out of. And so they have a fly-in every year. And we actually got to work. We got to park cars, and we got to help marshal aircraft. and that was an amazing opportunity. CAP has so many different opportunities to grow. If you had told me two years ago that I would be sitting here right now speaking, I would have thought you were crazy. I was so much of an introvert. And now you talk to people who know me outside of CAP and inside of school, I am two different people. People think that I am so quiet at school, and then people say, oh, you're so loud at Civil Air Patrol. I'm comfortable. It has gotten me so comfortable. But that has also taught me how to use my voice at school, step up when I need it to be. Through that, I've also attended a National Cadet Special Activity, an Aviation and Aeronautics Business Academy, which has taught me the fundamentals of public speaking. We had one week to do a full pitch on an aviation product. Through that, though, it wasn't only about the business side. We got to go see so many different places and learn about different aerospace career opportunities, which led me to want to go to college for aerospace engineering. If there's one thing about Civil Air Patrol that I want you to know, it's that it is the perfect youth program. You learn how to serve your community willingly. you learn fundamentals of flight and you learn the most valuable leadership experience that you
will ever find thank you that was outstanding and i do appreciate your sharing your testimony of being an introvert my wife was voted shy in her class in high school and didn't even show for the class picture for that which is fantastic so i am leslie what a powerful testimony before i hand the mic back over to you. I'd like to recognize Representative Zach Mako for thanks for supporting Civil Air Patrol by your presence here. Colonel, back over to you. Thank you for your kind reception
today. Do you have any specific questions that we could answer right now?
I have one. I have one. Yes, sir. Maybe. In 2019, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed into law Act 60. You're familiar with that. Codifying the Civil Air Patrol under DMVA and requiring DMVA to supervise state funding used by Civil Air Patrol maintenance and use of the Commonwealth facilities. And requests from the Commonwealth for cap assistance. Please tell me how the law has worked since its enactment.
I can tell you a couple of things about that. First of all, it was a tremendous reinforcement for us that you would recognize us as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. We provide you with a quarterly report on how those funds are being spent each year. they provide to prospective members an understanding of what our relationship with the state government is. Before that amendment to Act 60 was passed, we didn't really have what we could answer to that question. And there are wings in this country that have no relationship with their state. Some of them get no funding at all. It's entirely fundraising from the point of view of volunteers. A second thing is that I was approached just last week by another wing commander in a different state asking me for precisely that language and how we worked with you to get the amendment passed. She wants to do the same thing in her state. So I was able to look up that exactly, the language, and pass it on to her, and I was proud to do so. So we thank you for that.
Thank you. Next question is, have you been in communication with DMVA reference at budget request for an extra quarter million dollars?
That responsibility is delegated to one of my deputy commanders. He's been handling it for the past five years, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Aaron. I can consult with him to give you that information.
Okay, thank you. Anything else?
We are available now if you wish to, if you'd like to arrange a tour of your district from the air. If you have questions, you'd like to retrieve your membership card or apply for membership or answer private questions, get a photo opportunity, whatever you'd like.
Thank you for all your leadership, for volunteering so much of your time to raise up a great next generation here. You guys each did fantastic. I appreciate your testimonies and letting us know how CAP has improved your lives. And thank you for being here. I know it can't be an easy thing, but here you are before a state committee testifying. That's definitely a feather in your cap, right? So with that, I now recess the informational meeting, and I'd ask members to stick around for the swearing in of the legislative squadron, as well as a group shot. How do you want to proceed before I recess? Do you want to swear in right now, the folks?
Yeah, we can do that, sir.
And then after that, we'll come up here for a photo. Sure. Thank you. I recessed this. Thank you.