Motivational Murals

The Van Brunt Squadron, along with the very generous and artistic help of Mr. Richard Deans, painted two murals for Detachment 490. These murals can be found outside of the Leadership Development Center wall and are comprised of a Prop and Wings insignia and a Second Lieutenant insignia. The purpose of these murals is to allow cadets attending Det 490 to have a means to always have their goal in sight; whether it be the Prop and Wings for GMC or a commission as a Second Lieutenant.

When: 22 August 2008
Where: Detachment 490

Summer Conditioning Sessions

With Field Training looming around the corner for the former AS200 class, the Van Brunt Squadron instated a new weekly program to aid in the transition to Field Training by developing a physical conditioning program. The sessions have been running for typically an hour and a half in length, and strengthen all muscle groups and tests the cadets' physical stamina. The sessions are geared towards cadets going to Field Training, however they have been open to the whole Wing to better develop our Airman's Espirit De Corps and physical fitness during the down time of the summer.

When: Summer 2008
Where: Newark, NJ

Poverty Day

The Independence Hall Squadron in Philadelphia hosted Poverty Day on November 3. It was a joint service project with Achieve Ability, an organization in West Philadelphia that provides homes for low income single parent families. During this project, cadets from multiple squadrons in Area II painted a new home and helped tidy up an existing home by cooking and cleaning for the residents.

When: 3 November 2007
Where: Philadelphia, PA

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

The 3rd Friday in September marks National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Cadets took the time to honor the extraordinary courage of the Americans who have been Prisoners of War, and prayed for those who are still Missing in Action and unaccounted for. The cadets of Air Force ROTC Detachment 490 and the Lt Col Ralph S. Van Brunt Squadron of the Arnold Air Society showed their respect to the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action through a remembrance ceremony. The sacrifice and service of America's veterans, including those who became Prisoners of War or who went Missing In Action, have preserved freedom for America and brought freedom to millions around the world. This Nation also remembers the challenges and heartache endured by the families of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. We seek answers for the families of those who are still missing, and we will not rest until we have a full accounting.

When: 16 September 2005, 15 September 2006, 21 September 2007, 19 September 2008
Where: NJIT, Newark, NJ

Habitat for Humanity

The Van Brunt Squadron volunteered with the Newark chapter of Habitat for Humanity to help with the construction of new homes. These homes are given to the poor and needy who cannot normally afford homes on their own. Construction of these houses comprises 85% of volunteer efforts. All the members had a good time participating in something that was not only enjoyable, but rewarding and beneficial to a financially-deprived community.

When: 18 November 2006, 16 March 2007
Where: Newark, NJ

Adopt-A-Flag

AdoptAFlag.org's mission is to privately fund all of the U.S. flags that are placed on all the graves of U.S. veterans and to advance the cause of the flag. The Van Brunt Squadron volunteered their time in selling AdoptAFlag.org lapel pins. The squadron raised over $500 for the organization.

Goodwill Rescue Mission

The Goodwill Rescue Mission offers help and hope to North Jersey's urban poor and dispirited. The Van Brunt Squadron served Easter Sunday breakfast as well as performed a kitchen and dining hall cleanup. In addition, members undertook an inventory of incoming food and helped keep things in order.

When: 30 October 2006
Where: Newark, NJ

New Jersey Scholars Educators Excellence Dedication Success (NJSEEDS)

The program helps eighth grade students of high potential who come from less fortunate backgrounds. Students come from all around the area during the summer and on Saturdays from 0830 to 1230 to further their education and dedication for success.

When: 28 October 2006
Where: Montclair, NJ

Hoboken Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen is located in the basement of St. John's Lutheran Church and is open every night of the week. The Van Brunt Squadron helped out with kitchen duties such as food preparation, serving, and cleaning.

When: 27 October 2006
Where: Hoboken, NJ

Air Force Memorial Dedication Ceremony

"Evocative of flight and the flying spirit, the United States Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations. The Air Force Memorial is envisioned as a national place of reverence and remembrance located just outside the Nation's Capital, in Arlington, Virginia." - Air Force Memorial Foundation. The United States Air Force Memorial was officially dedicated and presented to the nation at a 1:30 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, October 14, 2006. The Van Brunt Squadron, along with other squadrons in Area II, volunteered their time and effort to help out with the day's events.

When: 14 October 2006
Where: Washington, D.C.

Habitat for Humanity

The Van Brunt Squadron volunteered with the Newark chapter of Habitat for Humanity to help with the construction of new homes. These homes are given to the poor and needy who cannot normally afford homes on their own. Construction of these houses comprises 85% of volunteer efforts. All the members had a good time participating in something that was not only enjoyable, but rewarding and beneficial to a financially-deprived community.

When: 30 September 2006
Where: Newark, NJ

9/11 Fifth Anniversary Vigil

To mark the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the cadets of Air Force ROTC Detachment 490 and the Lt Col Ralph S. Van Brunt Squadron of the Arnold Air Society took the time to remember all those who were affected and honored the memories of those who lost their lives. They showed their respect to the victims and heroes of 9/11 through a remembrance ceremony.

When: 11 September 2006
Where: NJIT, Newark, NJ

Hoboken Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen is located in the basement of St. John's Lutheran Church and is open every night of the week. The Van Brunt Squadron helped out with kitchen duties such as food preparation, serving, and cleaning.

When: 21 October 2005
Where: Hoboken, NJ

Goodwill Rescue Mission

The Goodwill Rescue Mission offers help and hope to North Jersey's urban poor and dispirited. The Van Brunt Squadron served Easter Sunday breakfast as well as performed a kitchen and dining hall cleanup. In addition, members undertook an inventory of incoming food and helped keep things in order.

When: 27 March 2005, 28 March 2005, 30 March 2005
Where: Newark, NJ

Airmen's Attic

The Airmen's Attic, through donations, provides furniture, clothing, household and baby items for families E-4 and below. The Van Brunt Squadron donated a host of food and clothing for the Airmen's Attic.

When: 14 March 2005
Where: McGuire AFB, NJ

Passaic River Cleanup

The Passaic River Cleanup consists of cleaning the banks of the Passaic River in Newark, NJ. The Van Brunt Squadron helped to clean up garbage that collected on the banks of the river.

When: 5 March 2005
Where: Newark, NJ