More than half of Civil Air Patrol’s 52 wing commanders are at National Headquarters in Alabama this week for CAP’s Wing Commanders College.
Participants in the graduate-level course, set for Nov. 3-7 at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Squadron Officer School, were selected by their region commanders and approved by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP national commander/CEO.
“The Wing Commanders College continues to provide new wing commanders with essential tools and resources for successful command, emphasizing education, training, and subject matter expertise,” said Col. Joseph R. Winter, CAP’s national inspector general, who’s overseeing the leadership training.
“This year, the curriculum has been updated to reflect recent regulatory changes, including the transition from a four-year to a three-year command tour,” said Winter, Maryland Wing commander from 2016-2020.
“These updates ensure that our training remains relevant and effective in preparing commanders for current challenges.”
This year’s class consists of 28 new wing commanders, making it one of the largest in recent years. The increased class size is a direct result of CAP’s shift to a three-year command tour, allowing more leaders to participate in the training.
To accommodate this growth, Winter said. the course was moved from National Headquarters to the nearby Squadron Officer School. The move provides the necessary facilities and resources to effectively support the expanded cohort.
“As director of the Wing Commanders College, I’m proud to welcome our largest class to date,” Winter said. “This growth allows us to bring more leaders through our doors and prepare them for the evolving challenges ahead.
“This shift is not only an opportunity for us to expand our reach but also to reinforce the excellence and adaptability that define our command leadership.
“As we move to a lecture- and seminar-based structure, we’re enhancing the intentionality of the education process by dividing the class into three focused seminars,” he said.
“This approach allows for deeper discussion, mentorship, and interaction tailored to individual leadership needs.”
Winter said he’s “honored to have exceptional seminar leaders,” including seasoned former wing commanders like Cols. Liz Sydow of the Virginia Wing and Bobby Allison of the Arkansas Wing, as well as Col. Curtis Boehmer, a recent member of CAP’s Board of Governors and former Michigan Wing commander, on the Commanders College staff.
“Their expertise and experience are invaluable as they guide our newest wing commanders through this pivotal stage in their CAP leadership journey,” he said.
Aye, who commanded the Kansas Wing from 2008-2012, was on hand Nov. 4 to lead the last session of the day, “Making Your Time as a Wing Commander Count.”
Also scheduled to address the new wing commanders this week are U.S. Air Force Col. Aaron Reid, CAP-USAF commander; John Desmarais, CAP chief operating officer; and numerous directors, deputy directors, and subject-matter experts at National Headquarters.
“Our primary goal is for wing commanders to leave the course with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities, equipped with practical leadership skills, and prepared to foster a culture of excellence within their units,” Winter said.
This year’s participants are:
Connecticut WingCol. Ashley LaPlante
Florida WingCol. David Panzera
Idaho WingCol. Kirk Dehn
Iowa WingCol. Sean Michael McClanahan
Kentucky WingCol. Jaimie L Henson
Maine WingCol. Mark Hyland
Maryland WingCol. Brenda Reed
Massachusetts WingCol. Carleton Jones
Michigan WingCol. Eric Scott
Minnesota WingCol. Jason Suby
Mississippi WingCol. Gary Hornosky
Montana WingCol. Matthew Bolin
National Capital WingCol. William Eliason
Nebraska WingCol. David Plum (interim)
New Hampshire WingCol. Dominic “Nic” Goupil
New Jersey WingCol. Amy Myzie
New York WingCol. William Martin
North Dakota WingMaj. Roy Barden (commander-designate)
Ohio WingCol. David Dlugiewicz
Oklahoma WingCol. David McCollum
Oregon WingCol. Scott Maguire
South Carolina WingCol. James Brogan
South Dakota WingLt. Col. Kevin Pegelow (commander-designate)
Tennessee WingCol. Joseph Shirer
Texas WingCol. Donald Gulliksen
Utah WingCol. Andreas Wesemann
Vermont WingCol. Brian Benedict
Virginia WingCol. Patrick Fulgham
