Two At-Large Members Named to CAP Board of Governors

Civil Air Patrol’s Senior Advisory Group has selected two CAP members to serve as member-at-large representatives on the organization’s Board of Governors.

Col. Brad Lynn, previous Southeast Region vice commander, will join the BoG effective immediately, replacing Col. Ralph Miller of the Pacific Region. Miller completed his three-year term on the board earlier this month. Col. Dale Newell, Oklahoma Wing commander, will succeed Col. Warren Vest when Vest’s term ends in August.

Lynn’s extensive aviation background includes a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force and a lifelong commitment to Civil Air Patrol beginning in 1969 when he joined the organization as a cadet. While in the Air Force, he served as a KC-135 aircraft commander and as vice wing commander of the 908th Airlift Wing. He also completed an Air Staff training assignment at the Pentagon and a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.

Prior to his last position in CAP, Lynn served as Alabama Wing commander and at the national level as commandant of cadets for Cadet Officer School, escort officer for the International Air Cadet Exchange and instructor and seminar leader for National Staff College. Lynn brings a unique perspective to CAP’s Cadet Program mission, having been a Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award recipient, National Cadet of the Year in 1973 and a member of the National Cadet Advisory Council in the mid-'70s.

Lynn is a captain with United Airlines, where he flies primarily international routes. His background also includes positions on the Air Force Association National Advisory Board representing the Air Force Reserve Command and membership on the Reserve Corporate Board for Air Force Materiel Command. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to represent my fellow CAP members in this capacity,” Lynn said, adding, “I have spent my entire life preparing for such a position of service to the organization that has done so much for me.”

Newell retired from the Army National Guard in 1992 with the rank of colonel. His long career in combat arms included numerous company command assignments and principal staff assignments in intelligence, operations and logistics at the battalion and brigade levels. He served on the staff of the adjutant general, where he was responsible for military support to civil authorities. He also served as an infantry officer in Vietnam.

His military decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

Newell is retired from a career in commercial insurance that included insurance company management and various executive positions.

His CAP service includes positions as assistant national inspector general for investigations and various staff assignments in the Washington Wing and CAP’s Pacific Region, including service as Washington Wing commander. 

“I look forward to the opportunity to apply my vast professional experience in a variety of leadership roles to further the growth and success of Civil Air Patrol,” Newell said.

The BoG consists of four Air Force appointees, three members appointed jointly by the secretary of the Air Force and CAP’s national commander, and four members-at-large selected by the CAP Senior Advisory Group (CSAG). CAP’s national commander, national vice commander, executive officer and eight region commanders serve as voting members on the CSAG. The CAP inspector general, command chief, chief operating officer and CAP- U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) commander are non-voting members of the CSAG.

The 11-member BoG generates strategic policies, plans and programs designed to guide and support the volunteer service of the organization’s 52 wings and 56,000 members nationwide. CAP’s national commander and chief executive officer, the organization’s chief operating officer and the CAP-USAF commander serve as advisers to the BoG.