Wisconsin Wing’s Hunt Chosen to Lead Great Lakes Region

Maj. Margot Myers
National Marketing and Communications Team

Col. Rose Hunt, former commander of the Wisconsin Wing, has been selected as the next Great Lakes Region commander.

In this role, Hunt will be responsible for the command and administration of more than 6,600 volunteers, 66 powered aircraft, 110 vehicles, and six gliders across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Hunt accepted the appointment by Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, CAP national commander, and will succeed Col. Matthew Creed, who has led the Great Lakes Region since January 2018. The change of command is expected to take place in January.

“Col. Hunt brings a wealth of experience from all of CAP’s missions, C-suite business leadership experience, and a proven talent for mentoring to the role of region commander," Phelka said. “I’m excited for the future of the Great Lakes Region, and I’m thrilled to have Col. Hunt join the CAP Senior Advisory Group.”

Hunt began her Civil Air Patrol service in 1997 in the Wisconsin Wing’s Eau Claire Composite Squadron when her son joined CAP as a cadet. He has long since moved on to a career in the U.S. Air Force, but Hunt has remained in CAP because she feels “compelled to give back to an organization that has given me so much,” she said.

During 24 years in CAP, Hunt has held increasingly demanding duty assignments. She served as Wisconsin Wing director of finance and as a National Finance Committee member. Before becoming wing commander in 2014, she was wing chief of staff and then vice commander.

After completing her term as wing commander in 2018, Hunt assumed command of the Wisconsin Wing Legislative Squadron, which she grew from 19 members to more than 100. The Wisconsin State Legislative Day effort now includes up to 75 CAP cadets and senior members briefing more than 100 state legislators on CAP activities, budget, and needs. Hunt also serves as director of CAP’s Wing Commander College and leads the National Mentoring Program.

Hunt’s rise in CAP parallels her work life as well. She started as a server at a Heckel’s restaurant in 1989 and within two years was managing a restaurant. Three years later, she became executive assistant to the CEO of the local restaurant chain, and in 2000 she took over the company, where she has been the owner/CEO for more than 20 years.

“Col. Hunt's focus on developing people and their skills has helped her cultivate success in a variety of previous roles,” said National Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Regena Aye. “She is the embodiment of the ‘shaping futures’ aspect of our mission statement, and the Great Lakes Region will continue to thrive under her leadership.”

Describing her leadership style, Hunt said it is constantly evolving. “My philosophy has always been that by building partnerships, providing mentoring, training, value, and a positive environment where volunteers want to join, we will retain our membership, and they will grow and prosper,” Hunt said. “By meeting our members’ needs, we ensure the quality of our airmen is maintained, our mission will be successful, and the future of CAP will flourish.”

Putting that philosophy to work, Hunt has succeeded in a variety of efforts. During her time as wing commander, membership grew by 15.4%.

Hunt has completed extensive training in emergency services and is qualified to serve in a wide range of roles, including incident commander, air operations branch director. finance and administration, operations, and planning section chief, and flight release officer.

She holds master ratings in the command and finance specialty tracks and a technician rating in cadet programs. She has completed the CAP Inspector General College and the Region Commander course.

Hunt has received numerous awards, including the Gill Robb Wilson Award, Distinguished Service Award, Exceptional Service Award with two clasps, Meritorious Service Award with three clasps, Commander’s Commendation with two clasps, achievement award, find ribbon, disaster relief ribbon with V device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Wisconsin Wing Staff Member of the Year, and Wisconsin Wing Senior Member of the Year.