Welcome to the Air Force Academy Parents Association of New Jersey website
The Air Force Academy Parents Association of New Jersey (AFAPANJ) supports Air Force Academy cadets and their families. While cadets prepare to join the Long Blue Line, we commit to encouraging New Jersey cadets and their families through the unique Air Force Academy experience.
The AFAPANJ is recognized by the Air Force Academy. With official lines of communication to and from the USAFA Parents Club Liaison, the AFAPANJ securely disseminates important information to all current members.
AFAPANJ membership provides benefits for both member families and cadets. Membership is limited to parents & guardians of USAFA appointees and currently enrolled cadets. For further information regarding benefits and membership costs, please check out our Membership page.
AFAPANJ Board Members
Officers / Directors
President - Bonnie Graziano afapanjPresident@gmail.com
Vice President - Elizabeth Szumigala afapanjInfo@gmail.com
Co-Treasurers - Preeti / Ramesh Ponnada afapanjTreasurer@gmail.com
Assistant Treasurer - Jen Daly
Co-Secretaries - Melinda / Glen Schaul
Assistant Secretary - Gita Ponnapan
Directors (Class Year Representatives)
2027 representative - Bonnie Graziano
2028 representative - Elizabeth Szumigala
2029 representative - Merina Schweiger
2030 representative - TBD
Committees
Membership - Elizabeth Szumigala (Chair)
Facebook Coordination - Elizabeth Rynd
Special Projects - Laura Miani (Chair), Lee Anne Nugent
Website Webmaster - Hiral Shah, Renny Shih
Welcome to the new Class of 2030!
See you at Parents Weekend !
Important links & Social Media groups:
Official USAFA FB Pages:
USAFA Parent Support FB Pages (Alumni-led):
Events & Benefits For All NJ Families and Cadetsvents
The following are some past and current events the AFAPANJ has hosted or participated in:elow are some of our activities and other benefits we provide.
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Falcon Fest – an informational meeting prior to “I-day" for the NJ Appointees and their families, as well as families of existing cadets. This gathering is a great time to meet one another, hear about the USAFA experience, and perhaps most importantly provides an opportunity to ask questions. Special guests have included recent graduates, alumni and/or USAFA reps.
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“March with Cadets” in virtual support of the Basic Cadets' 6-mile march to and from Jack's Valley in the middle of the summer.
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Summer Social - a casual event for NJ families to get to know each other, share stories, and have fun!
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Fall & Spring “Candy Capers” - families gather together to pack Goody Bags for NJ Cadets. NJ Cadets who respond to our email receive a Goody Bag and a special Box Dinner.
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AF @ WP football game event, coordinated by the US Air Force Academy Association & Foundation (SeaStreak tailgate & Visitor's Section block tickets)
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Graduation gifts and annual ad in the Yearbook with each NJ Cadet's picture to say Congratulations to our new graduates!
Member Benefits
Become a member of the AFAPANJ and enjoy the following member benefits:
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Discounted football tickets to various Air Force football games.
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“Air Force Academy NJ” name tags laser engraved with your name, cadet’s name and class year
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Official communication from the USAFA Parent Liaisons forwarded directly to your email
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Membership into our AFAPANJ FB page (for security purposes, verification needed to join our FB & Messenger Chat Groups)
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Receive helpful info via our NJ Messenger Chat Groups - Share your stories, ask questions, and get support from our AFAPANJ FB Coordinator and other Board Members
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Access to the Members Only section of this website, including AFAPANJ Board Meeting Minutes and our Photo Gallery.
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To become a member, click here