Freese Takes Ind. Wing Command

Col. Robert Freese is the new commander of the Indiana Wing, succeeding Col. Philip Argenti during a change of commander ceremony Jan. 25 at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.

Col. Matthew Creed, Great Lakes Region commander, presided over the ceremony , praising Freese’s leadership within the wing.

“Col. Freese has been an integral part of the Indiana Wing leadership under the last three commanders, and I know he will continue to excel in his new role,” Creed said.

Freese previously held the position of wing vice commander. During the last four years he led flight operations for hundreds of cadet orientation flights at the wing’s summer encampment.

He is also the curriculum director for the Intermediate Mission Aircrew School at Civil Air Patrol’s National Emergency Services Academy (NESA), held at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuvering Training Center south of Indianapolis.

“I am honored to be given the duty to lead the Indiana Wing’s 1,000 members.” Freese said. “The commanders who have been before me made the Indiana Wing the success it is today. We shall strive to add to our reputation in the coming years.”

In speaking to those assembled for the ceremony, Creed emphasized contributions made by the Indiana Wing during Argenti’s commander, including assistance provided during Hurricane Harvey and after recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico.

“As a former Indiana Wing commander myself,” he said, “I’m proud to see all of the achievements the Indiana Wing accomplished under Col. Argenti’s leadership, and I’m excited to see where the Indiana Wing will go under Col. Freese’s command.”

Argenti, whose had commanded the wing since October 2016, is taking the role of Great Lakes Region deputy chief of staff for emergency services.

"It has been a pleasure to serve the members of Indiana Wing during the past little over three years,” he said. “The dedication that our members have is truly awe-inspiring, and we could not have accomplished all that we have without their tireless support of our missions.

“I know that through Col. Freese's leadership, Indiana Wing will continue to set new standards and reach new heights,” he added.

Maj. Bill Vendramin
Public Affairs Officer
Indiana Wing