Working Group Studying Glider Program During Strategic Pause

A working group is reviewing Civil Air Patrol’s glider program in the wake of Maj. Gen. Regena Aye’s November announcement that Civil Air Patrol’s glider program would be paused for the duration of 2025.

“Our glider fleet will not be viable for the long term without significant investment and a clear plan on how to position our organization to serve the next generation of glider pilots,” Aye wrote then.

The pause is intended to enable a holistic review to determine how the glider program adds value to the organization, how it can be improved, and how CAP may be able to improve glider and pilot safety and accountability in the future. 

Appalachian Flooding Spurs CAP Response

Civil Air Patrol stepped up after heavy rains and snowfall in rural Appalachia over a few days in mid-February caused rivers to rise and overflow their banks, putting homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout the region in jeopardy.

Flooding and later erosion and mudslides hit eastern Kentucky particularly hard, as well as other rural areas of southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia. CAP responded quickly to the disaster, providing vital aerial imagery to state emergency management agencies as well as geospatial damage assessments for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As heavy rains continued to fall, FEMA activated the CAP Geospatial Program’s Damage Assessment Team to help evaluate the impact on homesteads and business districts in all three states. Aircrews from the Kentucky and Virginia wings were activated to capture oblique and 3D imagery to support the geospatial assessments as well as the states' emergency management agencies.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. McKinley Turner of the South Carolina Wing's Greenville Composite Squadron has been recognized nationally for providing medical assistance to an Upstate motorist in 2023. Her heroic act came just days after she participated in CPR training with other members of her squadron. Turner received CAP's Lifesaving Award in a Feb. 22 ceremony and will be featured in April in the Civil Air Patrol VOLUNTEER magazine.

Dolnick Set to Command Pacific Region

Col. Brett Dolnick, Washington Wing commander and Civil Ai Patrol national cyber defense mission team leader, will expand his CAP service to Pacific Region commander after being appointed to the post by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO.

Dolnick’s recent responsibilities and nearly 40 years of CAP service “have prepared him for this new leadership role,” Aye said. “I look forward to working with him over the next three years as he leads the Pacific Region.”

Dolnick will assume command April 12 at the joint Pacific Region-Oregon Wing Conference in McMinnville, succeeding Col. Virginia Nelson.

Cadets from 16 CAP Wings, 1 Overseas Squadron Devote Week in D.C. for Civic Leadership Academy

Twenty of Civil Air Patrol’s top young members gathered in Washington, D.C., in February for one of CAP’s most popular National Cadet Special Activities — the weeklong Civic Leadership Academy.

A premier educational experience for cadets, CLA has long been recognized nationally for its outstanding academic value. Participants receive a well-rounded understanding of government leadership, public service, and the principles of American citizenship.

“The intent of CLA is to expose our future leaders to the inner workings, complexities, and tradeoffs senior governmental leaders face on a daily basis, and how issues at the federal level can impact the local communities of where our cadets reside,” said the academy’s director, Lt. Col. James Keohane of CAP’s Pacific Region.

Cadets attending the 2025 academy came from 16 CAP wings and seven regions as well as an overseas squadron in Japan.

Cadet Joins Spaatz Ranks as Association Gala

Cadet Col. Aimee Calvert of the Louisiana Wing’s St. Tammany Composite Squadron (pictured with her parents) received Civil Air Patrol’s top cadet honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, in a particularly appropriate setting Feb. 14 — the Spaatz Association’s annual gala in Washington, D.C., with CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, making the presentation.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Leslie Hauck, keynote speaker for the gathering and Air Force director of electromagnetic spectrum superiority (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cyber effects), was present to assist and to honor Calvert’s achievement. Spaatz recipients from around the world — including Aye, who achieved the award as a Kansas Wing cadet in 1992 — gathered with family and friends for the assembly to celebrate their connection and community.

Florida Squadron Thrilled by National Commander's Visit

Early in the week, the Florida Wing's Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron group texts began lighting up: The regular weekly meeting Feb. 6 would be anything but.

“OK cadets – turns out the NATIONAL COMMANDER is coming to our meeting this week! I need you all to look great — shine your boots, measure out your ranks, and if possible, get haircuts. I won’t be the one inspecting you at this meeting — she will!”

The communication came from Cadet 1st Lt. Jonathan Oatmeyer, one of the squadron’s four cadet flight commanders. Oatmeyer had begun to spread the word: Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, Civil Air Patrol national commander/CEO, would make an appearance during her visit to Homestead for the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee Conference.

Another flight commander, Cadet 1st Lt. Morten Kreb, provided similar encouragement to the cadets he leads: “Let’s make sure we are looking the best we can,” adding in a few tips for preparing.

As the time neared, excitement steadily built as the squadron’s 90 cadets and 20 adult members prepared for a CAP national commander’s first-ever visit to the unit.

Texas Cadet Accepted for Army Warrant Officer Flight Training

Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Lowe of the Texas Wing’s Fort Worth Phoenix Composite Squadron has been accepted into the highly competitive U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Training Program, marking a significant milestone in his aviation journey and a testament to his dedication and leadership within CAP.

Lowe, who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and skill in his academic and extracurricular pursuits since joining CAP in August 2023, will soon undergo rigorous training at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), Alabama — home of the Army Aviation Branch. The Warrant Officer Flight Training Program is renowned for producing some of the military’s most skilled helicopter pilots, with acceptance reserved for the most qualified candidates.

“This opportunity is a dream come true,” Lowe said. “Civil Air Patrol has provided me with invaluable leadership experience and a solid foundation in aviation that prepared me for this next step. I am excited to give back to my community and nation.”

NHQ News

'CAP Health' Achieves Electronic Records Goal

Since its publication on eServices, “CAP Health” has been effectively used to provide an electronic health record for cadets and adult members participating in about 75% of encampments (pictured) and other major activities involving cadets and adult members — meeting a goal of the Health Services team following the COVID pandemic.

“An electronic health record is a critical risk management tool for commanders, activity directors, and health services officers to use when working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants during activities, encampments, and other events,” said Lt. Col. John Burrows, a full-time healthcare administrator who commands the Missouri Wing's Legislative Squadron and helped provide this update.

Artwork Series Features 'Cessna T-41A Mescalero'

Maj. Ron Finger's second series of vintage aircraft artwork — the Silvered Wings Series — returns with its 23rd installment, featuring the Cessna T-41A Mescalero (1965).

Debuting in August 2022 and continuing into 2025, the Silvered Wings Series features the work and writing of Finger, a volunteer staff member on the Marketing and Communications national team who serves as Civil Air Patrol's national artist.

Check out the latest vintage CAP aircraft in the series, as posted on CAP.news:

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Call Issued for Command Chief Nominations

National Headquarters is now accepting national command chief nominations to succeed Chief Master Sgt. Todd Parsons, whose term ends in August.

Visit this GoCivilAirPatrol webpage to find out more about the selection process and requirements. Applications for command chief must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST April 1.

Applications are also being accepted for these Volunteer University staff positions: 

1. VOLU Online Chair Level 3 (EVT3)
2. VOLU Online Chair Level 4 (EVT4)
3. VOLU Online Chair Level 5 (EVT5)
4. VOLU Online Dean (EVT6)
5. National Innovation Cell Member (NICM) — **One position from each region.

Applications for these five national volunteer staff positions must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST March 23.

Top Headlines

“Bridgewater Student Becomes Youngest Pilot in Civil Air Patrol — Inspired by Her Dad”

-yahoo.com

“Marco Island Civil Air Patrol Gets Game-changing Camera System”

-winknews.com

“Soaring to New Heights: My Fire Flight with Civil Air Patrol”

-tillamookheadlightherald.com

“Community All-Stars: Civil Air Patrol Saves Lives and Shape Futures Through Volunteer Work”

-localnews8.com

For more information, go to Operation Pulse Lift's webpage on GoCivilAirPatrol.com. There you will find the latest Blood Donation Center schedules, instructions on how to set up a BDC, and other mission information.