My CAP promotion is official!

Well, it's official now. I successfully completed Level 4 in the Civil Air Patrol's professional development program and have received a duty performance promotion to lieutenant colonel.

There are so many people to thank for helping me along the way. I've got to thank my old Maryland Wing supper club -- Lt Col Joe Winter, Maj Brenda Reed, Lt Col Chris Ready and Lt Col Bill Parris -- for all their mentoring, as well as  Col Larry Trick, Col Kay Walling, Col Jerry Weiss and Col John Knowles.

Also, thank you to all the National Cadet Special Activity directors who were friendly with me over the years; especially Lt Col Steve DePalo, Lt Christina Stoddard, Lt Col Winter, Col Walling, Col Knowles, Capt Stephanie Hudgins and Capt Bob Wray. 

A big thank you goes to the staff of the 2013 Southwest Region Staff College, whose patience with me knew no bounds. Lt Col Heather Muehleisen is a saint.

And a special thanks goes to Lt Col Phil Zedonek, the Florida Wing Vice Commander, for taking a special interest in shepherding my promotion paperwork through the system. I'd still be a major if he hadn't...