Col. Sid Wiggs is the new commander of the Washington Wing after being sworn in by Col. Virginia Nelson, Pacific Region commander, at the annual wing conference.
As commander, Wiggs said, he wishes to “continue building on the last few years’ progress, ranging from cadet growth to expanding emergency services and other directorates.” He succeeds Col. Brett Dolnick as wing commander.
Wiggs has spent more than 46 years in Civil Air Patrol, beginning when he joined the North Carolina Wing as a cadet in September 1978. He has staffed nine encampments, serving as commander of three he served as commander. He has staffed CAP’s Desert Eagle National Flight Academy in Ephrata, Washington, four straight years.
As director of the wing’s monthly All Missions Academy, Wiggs ensured members across the state developed the skills required for emergency services, aerospace education, and leadership development. Wiggs aims to use that experience as wing commander.
“I want to work on (adult) member retention, expanding training programs, and expanding partnerships with external agencies in emergency services,” he said.
Asked by a cadet what he enjoyed about being an adult member, Wiggs replied, “Watching cadets progress through the program and learn and grow to become leaders themselves. “
He holds a Master rating in Cadet Programs, Senior rating in Personnel, and Technician ratings in Administration, Communications, Safety, Command, Emergency Services, and Aerospace Education. He is a graduate of CAP’s National Staff College and Cadet Officers School. He participated in the International Air Cadet Exchange as a cadet.
In Emergency Services, Wiggs has earned numerous qualifications, including Aerial Photography, Mission Observer, Mission Scanner, Communications Unit Leader, Public Information Officer, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Technician, and Urban Direction-Finding Team member.
Wiggs is a retired operating room nurse and nurse manager, roles in which he honed his leadership skills and attention to detail in high-pressure environments.
Wiggs has been married to his wife, Heather, for 12 years. They have three children, two of whom have also been involved in Civil Air Patrol._____Capt. Andrew KolstadPublic Affairs OfficerWashington Wing
