Annual Maryland Wing Conference

With Brenda Reed, the MDWG chief of staff.

I was able to attend the annual conference of the Maryland Wing of the Civil Air Patrol earlier this month. It was held at the lovely Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland and I presented a public affairs workshop during one of the training periods. That evening the wing's annual banquet was a time to see old friends and make some new ones over a wonderful meal.

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...