New Ga. Wing Commander: 'Keep It Simple ... Safe ... Smart'

1st Lt. Ethan Berg
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Georgia Wing

Georgia Wing members from across the state turned up Saturday to welcome Col. Jeffrey L. Garrett as their new commanding officer.

In the time-honored change of command ceremony, Garrett accepted command from Lt. Col. Michael Crowe, who had temporarily served in the position since August after the previous wing commander, Col. Andrea Van Buren, assumed command of Civil Air Patrol’s Southeast Region.

Addressing members at a reception following the ceremony at Wing Headquarters at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Garrett spoke of the philosophy he plans to use to lead the Georgia Wing’s nearly 2,000-strong membership.

“Keep it simple, keep it safe, and keep it smart,” said Garrett, adding that he’s honored and humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility.

Garrett joined CAP as a cadet in the mid-1970s before entering the U.S. Air Force. He returned to CAP as a senior member in 1984.

During his years of service, Garrett has served in several states and Germany in a variety of roles, including wing director of aerospace education, squadron commander and, most recently, Southeast Region deputy chief of staff for cadet programs.

He has earned numerous awards in CAP, including Commander’s Commendations and two Exceptional Service Awards.

Garrett announced that Crowe and Lt. Col. Richard Bush will continue to serve as the wing’s chief of staff and vice commander-South, respectively. He also welcomed Lt. Col. William Wynn as vice commander-North, thanking Lt. Col. Jeff O’Hara for filling that role for the past three years.