Col. Griffith as a cadet
Having joined Civil Air Patrol as a teenager, Col. Griffith now serves as the Indiana Wing commander. Her story reflects how mentorship, service, and leadership opportunities at a young age can shape a lifetime of purpose, both inside and outside the organization. What follows is her interview.
Why did you join Civil Air Patrol?
I was taking a science class with a teacher I really respected. I had an interest in aviation at the time and asked him about Young Astronauts. He recommended I check out Civil Air Patrol. I visited the Weir Cook Cadet Squadron in Indianapolis and knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it. I joined as a cadet when I was 16.
What is your current career?
I am currently the Indiana Wing commander (leader of a state in Civil Air Patrol). Outside of CAP I am the primary full-time caregiver for my youngest son. He is epileptic and intellectually disabled.
What specific lesson or experience from CAP has influenced your career or your life?
I always tell cadets that I learned more about leadership in CAP than in four years of college. The practical experience that comes from pulling together a team from different backgrounds and with different skills, and leading them to accomplish the mission, has helped me in every aspect of my life. Being in CAP has taught me resilience and self-discipline, and that there is always an opportunity to improve as an officer and a leader. Never stop learning.
What else should we know about you?
We are a CAP family. My spouse served as the Indiana Wing commander. Four of my five children have been or are currently CAP cadets. It has been exciting to watch them develop their own leadership skills and begin to put into practice all of the knowledge they are acquiring as they move through the cadet program. Being able to look at a problem through the lens of CAP Core Values will serve them well.
Col. Griffith and her daughter
Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values in Action
Col. Griffith’s story reflects Civil Air Patrol’s core values in action. Her commitment to continuous learning and accountability demonstrates integrity. Her decades of involvement, from cadet to wing commander, exemplify volunteer service. The emphasis she places on practical leadership, teamwork, and constant improvement speaks to excellence. Finally, her respect for mentorship, family, and the diverse individuals she leads shows how CAP’s values are lived out not just in uniform, but across a lifetime of service.
Stay Connected. Get Involved.
Stories like Col. Griffith’s highlight the long-term impact of Civil Air Patrol, not just on individuals, but on families and communities.
If you are a former CAP member, stay connected to the organization that helped shape your path. Join CAP Alumni and Friends and continue to be part of the CAP story.
If you have never been part of Civil Air Patrol, consider joining. Whether as a cadet, adult volunteer, or educator, there is a place for you to serve, grow, and make a difference.
