Colorado Wing Mourns Loss of Pilot, Photographer in CAP Aircraft Accident

A Civil Air Patrol pilot and an aerial photographer participating in a Colorado Wing search and rescue training mission perished Nov. 23 in an aircraft crash on Palisade Mountain in Larimer County. 

CAP is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation to learn more about the factors that contributed to the accident, which occurred about 11 a.m. Saturday — an hour into the training flight. 

A release from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' office identified the deceased as Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, both majors in Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Randall Settergren, the co-pilot, was the sole survivor. 

"In the wake of this tragic loss, we remember and honor our dear teammates,” said Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO. “Maj. Wolber and Maj. Rhoten were known for their unwavering dedication and their commitment to our missions. They will be deeply missed, but they leave a legacy of selfless service to their community, state, and nation. 

“We are keeping Capt. Settergren in our thoughts at this time.” 

Squadrons Meet with National Cyber Director

Cadets and adult members from the Virginia Wing’s Burke and William P. Knight composite squadrons shared a Civil Air Patrol perspective with Harry Coker Jr. (seated, left), national cyber director, in a meeting Nov. 1 focusing on cyber security, career opportunities, and artificial intelligence.

Convening in the Eisenhower Executive Officer Building, Cadet Lt. Col. Samuel Ten and Cadet 2nd Lt. Catelyn McClure of the Burke squadron briefed Coker and his staff, including deputy director Harry Wingo, on CAP and its core programs.

Cadet Maj. Ronald Zhang, a fellow member of the Burke squadron, followed with a presentation on cadet participation in the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program competition.

Civil Air Patrol Hires First 'Chief People Officer'

With its latest National Headquarters hire of Danford Kern, Civil Air Patrol recognizes the importance of its people — both its members and staff — as essential to achieving its mission.

Investing in a “chief people officer” underscores Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to nurturing, developing, and retaining talent, said John Desmarais, CAP’s chief operating officer. The new CPO leadership role came from a desire to focus more on CAP’s human capital, he said.

"We are thinking strategically about the future of our organization," Desmarais said. "Continuing to grow, evolve and meet the needs of our membership for today and tomorrow requires a shift. And that all relies on getting the right people on board to support our vision. Adding our first chief people officer will enhance our people operations and will be vital in aligning our human resources initiatives with the organization's business goals. Dan's background with CAP and his other experiences made him our top choice for this pivotal role."

National Commander Announces Changes

to Hot-Air Balloon and Glider Programs

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP's national commander and CEO, informed membership and key stakeholders in November that CAP's hot-air balloon program has been halted. She also shared that CAP's glider program has been paused, effective Dec. 1, while a working group conducts a review of the program and its future.

Read the full statement, which Aye sent via email on Nov. 20, at this link.

If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to be a part of the focus group to determine the future of the glider program, please email gliderprogramwg@capnhq.gov.

Mission Reaches Goal of 40,000+ Units of Blood

Civil Air Patrol's Operation Pulse Lift blood donation mission reached its 2024 goal a month early. For the fifth straight year, a combination of CAP-sponsored blood donation centers and individual contributions reported by members yielded success for this national mission.

"Not only did you achieve your 2024 end-of-the-year goal of 40,000 units collected as part of the mission, but you shattered that goal by achieving 41,384 units," Lt. Col. Robert Ditch, the incident commander for Operation Pulse Lift, told participants.

NHQ News

Together, We Can Make a Difference — Join Us With Your Support This Giving Tuesday

Today is Giving Tuesday, our chance to make a lasting difference together.

Your support opens doors to endless possibilities for our cadets. CAP counts on funds raised through Giving Tuesday and the holidays to support our cadets and activities throughout the year. What brighter future will you help create?

Photographs That 'Capture CAP' Recognized

Photographs that capture the essence of CAP's members and missions earned recognition for their creators in the second Capture CAP contest.

Members from seven wings were cited in six photo categories.

The competition, covering photos and videos taken from Sept. 1, 2023-Aug. 31, drew 165 entries from 28 wings across all eight CAP regions.

Time's Running Out: Use Your IRA for Good Before Dec. 15

If you are 70½ or older, you may be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your Individual Retirement Account withdrawals.

An IRA charitable rollover is a way you can help continue our work and benefit this year. Make a gift from your IRA by Dec. 15 to ensure receipt by Dec. 31.

Top Headlines

“Civil Air Patrol Awards Montana Cadet with Solo Flight Wings”

-KPAX-TV

“Marshall [Tex.] JROTC Cadets Take to the Skies with Longview Civil Air Patrol”

-marshallnewsmessenger.com

“'Opportunities Await in Lee County's Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program”

-WINK News

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.