Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo received her official Civil Air Patrol membership certificate and ID card Thursday night at a meeting of the Broome-Tioga Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol. Lt Col Douglas Jensen, CAP presented her certificate on behalf of interim NY Wing Commander Lt Col Thomas Carello, CAP. Assemblywoman Lupardo is now a member of New York Wing’s Legislative Squadron and holds the honorary grade of Major.

“It’s an honor to join CAP’s Legislative Squadron and hold the honorary rank of Major,” said Lupardo.

Lupardo’s interest in aviation stems from her father’s service in World War II. Frank Lupardo was a flight mechanic in the US 13th Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater. She shared some of her personal history with the cadets of NY-292 Thursday night. She brought some of her late father’s military memorabilia to show the cadets.

“I got my love of country and of public service from my father,” Lupardo said. “He was a great man who loved to share his flight stories; he shared them right to the end.”

Assemblywoman Lupardo is the Co-Chair of the Legislative Aviation Caucus. In this role, she works to sponsor and pass legislation that helps promote and grow the aviation industry.