Board of Governors Gains New Leadership, Receives Air Force Praise

Col. Brad Lynn, in one of his last acts as chairman of Civil Air Patrol’s Board of Governors, shared a message of appreciation from Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth congratulating board members and CAP’s 55,000 volunteers for “a job well done during an unprecedented time.”

In his temporary role, Roth leads the Department of the Air Force, which includes oversight of CAP — the official auxiliary of the Air Force and its Total Force partner.

“Even when faced with a global pandemic, you have mentored our nation’s youth, supported its citizens during times of need, and executed our missions with exceptional skill,” Roth said. “Your dedication is a testament to our department’s tenacity to take even the most difficult challenges head-on.”

Roth’s message acknowledged a detailed letter from Lynn and Maj. Gen. Mark Smith, Civil Air Patrol’s national commander and CEO, detailing the CAP’s accomplishments through 2020. One of the nation’s premier public service organizations, CAP provided an estimated economic impact of nearly $200 million last year.

“From its staunch advocacy of STEM to leveraging the latest available technologies to support national disaster relief, the Civil Air Patrol excelled in all endeavors,” Roth said.

“Our department is and will continue to be grateful for your support and steadfast commitment to shaping our future force.”

Lynn, who chaired the board the last two years, is completing his term as a CAP-appointed member-at-large expires. On Feb. 27 retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin McLaughlin, now vice chairman, will succeed him as chairman.

“Col. Lynn has made exceptional contributions to Civil Air Patrol during his tenure as the chairman of the Board of Governors," McLaughlin said. "His vision and team-oriented approach leave us positioned well for the future. We thank him for his outstanding leadership.”

Col. Curtis Boehmer, another CAP at-large member on the board, will become vice chairman. The vacancy Lynn leaves will be filled by Col. John R. Longley Jr.

Longley, commander of the Oregon Wing from October 2012-September 2016, was appointed as an at-large member in November by the CAP Senior Advisory Group. Longley’s three-year term begins March 1.

The 11-member Board of Governors is CAP’s top governing body. It consists of four U.S. 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. That group’s voting members are the national commander, national vice commander, executive officer and eight region commanders.

Longley’s addition to the board follows three others in the summer and fall, when Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Cedric George and CAP Col. Larry Ragland began their respective terms of service.