Lt Col Ralph S. Van Brunt Squadron of Arnold Air Society - History

History

The Lieutenant Colonel Ralph S. Van Brunt Squadron probably has one of the richest histories of the Arnold Air Society. It began as the Highlander Squadron back in 1950 at the Newark College of Engineering.

The reason why it was called the Highlander Squadron was because the Highlander was the school's mascot. The location of the school was on top of a hill, on High street, overlooking downtown Newark; so the Highlanders were born. In addition, it also became a metaphor for Arnold Air Society's pure intent and everlasting struggle to accomplish high goals.

Approximately 34 cadets including the Commander, Executive Officer, Adjutant Recorder, Publications Officer, and Treasurer were the chartering members. The Charter was signed by General Jimmy Doolittle on 21 September 1950.

The Highlander Squadron was extremely involved in many things inside and outside of the detachment. Annually, they awarded a scholarship and hosted a Military Ball. They also published a newsletter called The Cadet, which later became the official newsletter for Detachment 490. After that, the squadron continued to support it both financially and with labor.

However, their community service was their most impressive and defining quality. They put together Halloween and Christmas parties every year for children at nearby hospitals and did clean-up projects in the local area as well. In addition, they were extremely supportive of the Cadet Corps. They held tutoring programs, mixers, and dinners to boost the morale of the cadets.

In late 1978, Cadets Thomas Pisarski and Henry Bomhoff put together the required "packet" to change the name of the squadron to the Lieutenant Colonel Ralph S. Van Brunt Squadron. They submitted the packet through the detachment and it was approved around the time the cadets graduated.

These cadets were very fond of Lt Col Van Brunt. As a Major, Van Brunt flew an F-4 in the Vietnam War. As a Lt Col, he was assigned as the detachment commander in 1975 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Officers that were cadets at the time of his command say he was an outstanding speaker, humorous and inspirational. He was very personable and many cadets trusted him with many issues outside of those ROTC related. Thomas Pisarski (Ret.) says "you could speak to him as a person; not just a Lt Col" When he retired about 5 years later, he went to work for Boeing in Washington State. He has since retired from Boeing and enjoys a healthy life as a father and grandfather, first residing in Washington, and then moving to Florida in 2011.

Stevens Institute of Technology was a detachment, as well, up until 1978. Due to the proximity of the two schools, there was constant rivalry. Unfortunately, they had to suppress their resentment due to the fact that Stevens did not have enough numbers to continue as a detachment. Therefore, they were combined and Stevens' cadets had to commute to Newark.

Currently, the Van Brunt Squadron does everything they can to continue this honorable tradition. They have worked with Habitat for Humanity, held food drives, assisted a local fire department, and worked on many other projects that are beneficial to the Cadet Wing and the community.