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Community Corner

Ambitious Teen Earns Congressional Gold

High School Junior Austin Balarin is a Civil Air Patrol volunteer, striving to give back to his community

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Austin Balarin, 17, 11th grader

Accomplishment: This Wayne resident, who will begin his junior year of high school this September, has been involved in military-related volunteer work since age 14. As a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, Austin helps his community while learning about the military. Austin is also on his way to earning a pilot license, and hopes to stay in the program long enough to become senior member.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Austin has more motivation than your average high school student. Since joining the Civil Air Patrol, he has participated, run and created multiple volunteer events and projects to benefit his community and war veterans.

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Q&A with Austin:

Can you tell me some of the projects you’ve organized for the military and veterans?

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I started this non profit, "Let Us Do Good", with my mom. It's all about veterans and helping around the community in Wayne. I’ve organized multiple projects with Let Us Do Good Wayne. One was a tower run for Stephen Siller. This is an annual run in New York for Twin Towers. Every year they still have this run but now they're reaching out into different communities, even as far as Hawaii. We were the first to do any kind of 911 run in New Jersey to commemorate the fallen heroes. The funds have gone to military personnel who have lost their limbs.

You were recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. What did you need to do for this prestigious honor?

For the Congressional Gold Medal I did the Veterans' History Project. I did a lot of volunteer hours with that. I started doing that two, three years ago. I'm still doing this and I will continue to do this as long as I can.

Can you tell me more about the Veterans' History Project?

The Veterans' History Project is a program with the Library of Commerce. I just started doing it. I interviewed veterans and recorded stories about what they did in the war and how they're feeling.

How many vets have you interviewed? What wars did they fight in?

I've interviewed about 15 people so far. They're from World War II to recent wars; some Afghanistan, and a lot of Vietnam veterans.

What sparked your interest in the military and helping your community?

Well, I did a volunteer program called Cival Air Patrol, it's under the U.S. Air Force. With them I've gone to a lot of different military things. I've done a lot of different military stuff and it was cool so that sparked my interest.

When did you first become involved?

I was about 14 years old. You have to be at least 12, the oldest is 21 and then you become a senior member.

What exactly does the Civil Air Patrol do?

The Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer organization about helping the community in any aspect that they can. One of our big things that we focus on is emergency services. If an aircraft goes down, we get sent out to look for that airplane. We have an aironautics field, because it's with the Air Force. We also have a lot of programs that help young kids achieve their goals.

What are your plans for the future?

When I turn 21 I'd like to become a senior member. I also want my pilot's license. I've been working on it for about a year.

How long does it take to earn your license?

It can take anywhere from a few months to years; it depends how much time you need and how much time it takes until your prepared to fly solo.

Learn more about Austin and his projects at LetUsDoGoodWayne.org

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