25
August
2017
|
16:21 PM
America/Chicago

Roberts Takes Over as Okla. Wing Commander

Leadership History Includes Okla., Mo. Roles

Lt. Col. David McCollum
Public Affairs Officer
Oklahoma Wing

Col. David L. Roberts assumed command of the Oklahoma Wing in a change-of-command ceremony at Tinker Air Force Base, succeeding Col. Dale E. Newell, who had held the position the previous past 27 months.

Newell goes on to serve on Civil Air Patrol’s Board of Governors.

“It is an amazing honor to be selected to lead the nearly 800 volunteer members of the Oklahoma Wing,” Roberts said. “They epitomize the ‘Oklahoma Standard’ in everything they do and demonstrate our organization’s core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect.”

He previously served as the wing’s vice commander, director of emergency services and director of personnel. Roberts came to the Oklahoma Wing from the Missouri Wing in 2006, when he chartered the Grove Composite Squadron. He commanded that unit until 2012.

Roberts’ CAP background includes service in Missouri and Oklahoma at the unit, group and wing levels. He holds 27 emergency services qualifications and has served in search and rescue, counterdrug and homeland security missions. He also has a CAP pilot aeronautical rating and 12 Master ratings and five Senior ratings in various specialty tracks.

Born in California, Roberts has lived in Oklahoma for the past 50 years. A 1977 graduate of Grove High School, he attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s and doctorate in theology.

He retired in May after 36 years in public education but is employed part-time by Grove Public Schools as safety director for the school district. He is an ordained deacon and licensed minister.

Roberts and his wife Becky reside in Grove. They have three adult children and one grandchild.