Volunteer organizations rise or fall on leadership. When leadership changes, direction, priorities, and opportunities often change as well.
Lt. Col. Michael R. Toedebusch has been selected to serve as the next commander of the Missouri Wing of Civil Air Patrol, a nationwide volunteer organization supporting emergency services, youth leadership programs, and aerospace education. He succeeds Col. Jennifer Smith, who has led Missouri operations since March 2023. The leadership transition will be formally recognized during the Missouri Wing and North Central Region conference in March.
In Civil Air Patrol, a wing commander is responsible for guiding thousands of volunteer hours across an entire state. This role sets strategic direction, develops leaders, and ensures programs remain effective and responsive to community needs. A change of command signals continuity paired with new perspective, especially important in organizations built on long-term volunteer commitment.
Toedebusch brings extensive experience to the position. Since March 2022, he has served as the wing’s chief of staff for missions, overseeing operational readiness and coordination. From January 2018 through May 2022, he led youth leadership initiatives as director of cadet programs. His service also extends nationally through roles as an instructor at CAP Volunteer University and, since July 2024, as senior adviser to the National Cadet Advisory Council.
His involvement began in 1987 as a teenage cadet. In 1993, he completed the cadet program by earning the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the organization’s highest youth achievement. As an adult volunteer, he continued serving in progressively responsible leadership positions, including group-level program management, squadron deputy commander roles, and a term as a squadron commander.
“Lt. Col. Toedebusch has a well-established reputation as an effective mentor, manager, and leader at the wing, region, and national levels,” said Col. Thomas Theis, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s North Central Region. “Since joining in 1987 as a cadet, his depth of experience positions him well to guide Missouri’s future.”
Final approval for the appointment was granted by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, Civil Air Patrol’s national commander and chief executive officer.
Throughout his career, Toedebusch has received multiple national, regional, and state-level awards recognizing sustained service and leadership excellence. He completed Civil Air Patrol’s highest professional development program in 2019 and was named North Central Region Cadet Programs Officer of the Year in 2018. His qualifications span leadership, emergency services, aerospace education, and personnel management.
Born in St. Louis, Toedebusch earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Missouri in 1995. He has held leadership roles in both public and private sectors and currently works in small business solutions sales. He lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, and has two daughters.
Leadership Grows Here
Lt. Col. Toedebusch’s path shows how long-term investment in people creates capable leaders who serve communities across decades. Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for youth and adults to build leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and contribute through service. Those seeking personal growth paired with meaningful impact can explore how involvement in Civil Air Patrol leads not only to advancement, but to lasting community benefit.
