State Sen. Mark Pody has been appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, expanding the organization’s efforts to strengthen connections between volunteer service and state government.
Pody was selected for the role by Col. Tracy Scantland, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Tennessee Wing, and promoted from major to lieutenant colonel within the organization. Civil Air Patrol serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and operates as a nationwide nonprofit focused on emergency services, youth leadership development, and aerospace education.
A private pilot, Pody joined Civil Air Patrol in 2011 as a legislative member. He has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2018, representing eastern Davidson County and Wilson County, after serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2011 to 2018.
Col. Tracy Scantland, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Tennessee Wing, administers the oath of office to Tennessee Sen. Mark Pody, who was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel and appointed commander of the Tennessee Legislative Squadron.
Supporting Awareness and Civic Engagement
As commander of the Legislative Squadron, Pody will help increase awareness among members of the Tennessee General Assembly about Civil Air Patrol programs, including emergency response support, aerospace education initiatives, and youth cadet programs. He will also work with wing leadership to plan the Tennessee Wing’s annual Day on the Hill activities, which highlight the organization’s mission and community impact.
“I know well the contributions and capabilities of the volunteers who serve in CAP’s Tennessee Wing, and I am proud to be an advocate in their efforts to serve communities, save lives, and shape futures,” Pody said.
“I am honored to lead the Legislative Squadron and draw attention to the work of Tennessee Wing’s senior members and cadets.”
The Legislative Squadron is open to all members of the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives. Lawmakers who join the squadron serve as members of Civil Air Patrol while supporting outreach and education efforts related to the organization’s mission. Pody succeeds former State Rep. John Ragan as squadron commander.
Leadership and Service in Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol emphasizes leadership built on experience, service, and collaboration. Leaders selected for command roles are expected to strengthen partnerships, represent the organization to public officials, and support volunteers who carry out missions across their communities.
“This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CAP. We are confident that, under Senator Pody’s guidance, our legislative efforts will be strengthened, our advocacy amplified, and our impact deepened,” Scantland said.
“We look forward to his thoughtful contributions and collaborative spirit as we strive to serve our constituents with integrity and purpose.”
Tennessee State Sen. Mark Pody (second from right) displays his certificate and lieutenant colonel epaulets after his ceremony naming him as commander of Civil Air Patrol's Tennessee Legislative Squadron. With Pody is Col. Tracy Scantland, Tennessee Wing commander (left of Pody); Lt. Col. Kevin Divers, deputy commander-west of Tennessee Wing (far left); and Lt. Col. Andrew Oppmann, adviser to the Tennessee Wing commander (far right).
Professional and Community Background
In addition to his service in the legislature, Pody serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and as a member of the Education Committee and the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
He lives in Lebanon with his spouse, Barbara, and they have two adult daughters. Pody owns Educators Resource Association, an insurance business based in Murfreesboro.
