Biographies

Luis Garcia

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:11:27 GMT

Chief of Staff, Florida Wing, CAP
(Since 10-Feb-2012)

LtCol Luis Garcia is the Florida Wing chief of staff. The chief of staff is the commander’s principal assistant for directing, coordinating, supervising, and training the staff, except in areas the commander reserves. Staff members inform the chief of staff of any recommendations or information they pass directly to the commander, and of instructions they receive directly from the commander.

He has been active in Civil Air Patrol for 20 years in operations and emergency services. Among his previous assignments are stints as deputy commander of a cadet squadron, at group level as cadet programs officer and transportation officer, and at wing level as the Standardardization/Evaluation Officer, Director of Emergency Services and Director of Operations. Garcia has completed Level IV in professional development. He is currently serving as an officer in the US Army Reserve.

Garcia is an active CAP pilot and involved in emergency services. He holds ratings as an Incident Commander, SAR/DR Mission Pilot, Mission Observer, Check Pilot and Mission Check Pilot, Cadet and AFROTC orientation pilot, and liaison officer.

LtCol Garcia’s military awards and badges include, but not limited to, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf clusters, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, Parachutist, and Combat Action Badge. His CAP awards and badges include the Meritorious Service Award, Commander’s Commendation Award, Lifesaving Award and Senior Pilot.

[Last Updated: August 2012]

Christian Moersch

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:56:35 GMT

Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(Feb. 2, 2008-April 16, 2011)

Col. Christian Moersch has more than 25 years of CAP experience in operations, emergency services and cadet programs, both as a cadet and senior member.

As a cadet in Pennsylvania Wing, he served as a Cadet Advisory Council chairman and drill team commander, and participated in International Air Cadet Exchange. He is a graduate and former staff member of Hawk Mountain Ranger School.

As an officer, he served on the Ohio Wing staff as the air operations and standardization/evaluation officer, as well as chief check pilot.

He is a graduate of the National Search and Rescue School, Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College, and has completed Level V in Professional Development.

Before his assignment as the Florida Wing commander, he was commander of Group 2 in north Florida, and was the wing's director of operations. In addition to his command assignment, he serves as a chief check pilot and mission check pilot.

Moersch holds a bachelor of science degree in political science from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., and a master of science degree in aeronautical science with highest honors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

He is a Boeing 737 captain for United Airlines, previously Continental Airlines, where he also served as an assistant chief pilot and manager of domestic flight operations.

[Last Updated: March 2011]

Phil Zedonek

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:55:06 GMT

Vice Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(Since March 6, 2011)

Lt. Col. Phil Zedonek has been Florida Wing’s Vice Commander since March 2011. He also serves as the Wing Government Relations Officer He is second-in-command of Civil Air Patrol's largest wing, with more than 4,100 members and 29 aircraft.

For more than a year, he was the deputy commander of Florida Wing Group 3, a 21-squadron group of about 1,000 members -- bigger than some CAP wings -- that stretches across most of west-central Florida. He has also been a unit aerospace education officer, safety officer, deputy commander and served on numerous IG Inspection Teams

Zedonek is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, where he spent more than 21 years in the Signal Corps. His assignments included numerous command positions, ranging from platoon leader to battalion commander of a 650-member tactical signal unit which deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His major staff assignments include serving as adjutant for a signal brigade; a staff officer at the White House Communications Agency which supported the president, vice president and staff in Washington, D.C., and while traveling worldwide; and as the Fort Gordon Signal Center/Augusta, Ga. Post Inspector General.

Zedonek’s military awards and decorations include, but not limited to, the Presidential Service Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Desert Shield/Desert Storm Campaign Medal and the Liberation of Kuwait Medal. His CAP awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Award, Commander’s Commendation Award with two bronze clasps,AchievementAward, Gen. Chuck Yeager Award, Amelia Earhart Award, Disaster Relief Ribbon with "V” device, Rescue "Find” Ribbon, Orientation Pilot Ribbon, National Commander Unit Citation, Unit Citation Award, Community Service Ribbon, Encampment Ribbon and Recruiter Ribbon. He has completed Level V of the professional development program and earned the Gill Robb Wilson Award. He is also a rated CAP pilot and has attended the Senior Inspector General Course, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center Search and Rescue Management Course, the National Safety Officer College, the Southeast Region Staff College and the National Staff College.He earned a Master Ratingin Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs, a Senior Rating in Inspector General and holds other Technician Ratings.

He is active in CAP emergency services and holds current ratings in urban direction finding, mission scanner, mission observer, transport mission pilot, cadet and AFROTC orientation pilot, Critical Incident Stress Management, mission staff assistant, liaison officer, mission safety officer and is an Air Operations Branch Director. Zedonek is actively pursuing completion of ground team member 3 and mission pilot, with the goal of becoming an incident commander 3.

Zedonek earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism/public relations from the University of Florida, a Master of Arts in psychological counseling from Ball State University and a master of science in communications, research and theory from Florida State University. His military schools include the Signal Corps Advance Course, the Command and General Staff College and the Army Inspector General Institute. Zedonek also possesses an active Florida real estate broker’s license.

A Lakeland resident, Zedonek is married with three grown sons. He also volunteers with local organizations and has traveled on five international mission trips as a dental assistant or construction worker. He is a Guardian ad Litem for the 10th Judicial Circuit Court and serves on the Board of Directors for "First Step", a non profit organization with the Department of Corrections assisting new parolees.

[Last Updated: April 2013]

Michael N. Cook

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:50:25 GMT

Commander
Florida Wing, CAP

(Since April 16, 2011)

Col. Michael Cook assumed command of Florida Wing in April 2011. He was the wing's vice commander, a position he served in since February 2008 under Col. Chris Moersch.

He has been active in Civil Air Patrol for nearly 15 years in operations and emergency services. Among his previous assignments are stints as Florida Wing's deputy director of operations and deputy director of emergency services, and as Group 2's operations officer. He was also the commander at Jacksonville Composite Squadron.

Cook is a graduate of the Search Management Course and Southeast Region Staff College and has completed Level IV in professional development. He is a mission pilot and incident commander.

Cook has worked in private industry since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1984. Outside CAP, he is a senior estimator with BAE Systems in Jacksonville.

Updated April 19, 2011

Joseph J. Martin

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:40:34 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(Aug. 21, 2004-Nov. 5, 2005)

Col. Joseph M. Martin, the director of information technology for Florida Wing, served as commander of Florida Wing in 2004-05. He has served in numerous duty assignments at every echelon of Civil Air Patrol, including a tour of duty as the vice commander of Southeast Region. He has been a CAP member since 1979.

He was born in Miami on April 11, 1966, and graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1984. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Finance in 1991 from the University of Florida. He is also a graduate of Level 1 Senior Training School, Squadron Leadership School, Encampment Cadet Command and Staff School, Air Force Water Survival Training School, the Corporate Learning Course, Squadron Officer’s School, National Staff College, and the Region & Wing Commander’s Course.

Col. Martin went through the cadet program, earning the grade of cadet colonel after receiving the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award. In 1987, he became a senior member, and has held the positions of administration officer, personnel officer, finance officer, recruiting officer, testing officer, leadership officer, logistics officer, deputy squadron commander, group information technology officer, deputy group commander, group commander, Florida Wing vice commander, Florida Wing commander, Southeast Region vice commander and advisor to the national commander for information technology. He has also served as the senior advisor to the National Cadet Advisory Council, seminar advisor at National Staff College, and as project officer for the Florida Wing Cadet Competition and Florida Wing Special Activities Selection Board.

The colonel’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Award, National Commanders’ Commendation Award, Commander's Commendation Award, Unit Citation Award with two silver and two bronze clasps, Gill Robb Wilson Award, Paul E. Garber Award with bronze star, Grover Loening Aerospace Award, Leadership Award with two bronze stars, Membership Award, Gen. Chuck Yeager Award, Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, Command Service Award with a silver star, Red Service Ribbon with a 20-year pin, Rescue "Find” Ribbon, Disaster Relief Ribbon with the "V” device, National Cadet Competition Ribbon, National Color Guard Competition Ribbon with a bronze star, Encampment Ribbon with three bronze clasps, and the Senior Recruiting Ribbon. Col. Martin is also vested with solo wings as well as ground team member, cadet programs and communications badges.

In his private profession, Col. Martin is a realty services officer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He is married to the former Linda Leali, and has a daughter named Violet Marie. [Last Updated: June 2009]

JHowardCollins

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:54:08 GMT

Maj J. Howard Collins is the Florida Wing Director of Aerospace Education.He is a graduate of the Aerospace Education Officers School and holds a Master Rating in the Aerospace Education Specialty Track and previously served as the Aerospace Education Officer of the Lake Composite Squadron (SER-FL-021). He has earned the Scott Crossfield and Charles E. "Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Awards, has completed Level III in the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development program and been awarded the Grover Loening Award. Maj Collins served six years in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of World War II, having served in the South West Pacific assigned to the 7^th Air Force.

Maj Collins has 30 years of experience in teaching and administration with the Florida Public School System, ending his career as a supervisor of vocational and technical education for Broward County Schools, the fifth largest accredited school system in the entire nation. His teaching experience includes teaching both industrial and agricultural education and supervising curriculum development. Additionally during that time, he supervised the General Motors and Ford Southeast Educational Centers. Maj Collins served three years on the staff of the Florida Attorney General and is currently a member of the US Congressional Vetereans Advisory Committee. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion. He has also been one of those unsung workers who made it possible for The Collings Foundation Wings Of Freedom Tour to be a great success.

A long-time Florida resident, Maj Collins currently resides in Leesburg with his wife Bonnie (nee MacDonald) and has three grown children.

GRANT W. MEADOWS, JR., Major, CAP

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:06:01 GMT

Deputy Chief of Staff, Florida Wing

Major Meadows joined Sarasota Cadet Squadron as a cadet in September 1966 achieving the rank of C/TSgt (Goddard Award). Upon graduation from high school, he attended the USAF Academy from June 1969 to August 1971. He returned to Sarasota as a Senior Member Warrant Officer and was qualified as a ground team member.

Major Meadows enlisted in the USAF in March 1972 and completed technical training as a missile guidance and control specialist (AFSC 31631L) at Lowry AFB in October 1972. While still in technical school, he volunteered for service in Southeast Asia and completed the USAF Missile-Guidance and Control TAC-SEA course in December 1972. He served with the 408^th MMS at Ubon RTAFB from January 1973 to January 1974, the 355 Munitions Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Montham AFB, AZ from January 1974 to December 1975, the 400^th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (Theatre) at Kadena AB , Okinawa, from December 1975 to June 1977, and the 56^thEquipment Maintenance Squadron at MacDill AFB, FL from June 1977 until leaving the Air Force in June 1978. While in the Air Force, Major Meadows was selected as the missile maintenance mechanic of the month for May and June 1973; received the Commandant’s Award upon graduating from NCO Leadership School at luke AFB, AZ in 1974; was named the 355^thTFW NCO of the Year for 1975 and nominated for Outstanding NCO of the Air Force; supported flight tests of the BQM 34 Firebee drone mounted with a 500 pound bomb and an AGM 65 missile at Langley AFB, VA in one of the earliest attempts to arm unmanned aerial vehicles in 1975; supervised the first-ever AGM 65 preload operation conducted at Kadena, supported the AGM 65 Special Projects Office survey at Osan AB, in Korea, and was the NCO in Charge of a crew from Kadena supporting Operation Paul Bunyan at Kunsan AB, Korea after two US Army officers were killed by the North Koreans at Panmunjon. He earned his associate in Applied Science Degree in General Electronics Technology from the Community College of the Air Force iin 1978..

After leaving the Air Force, Major Meadows joined the Naval Reserve as an aviation antisubmarine warfare technician and attended the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Natural Sciences in March 1980. He began working for RCA Service Company at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center on Andros Island in the Bahams as a Fleet Operational Readiness Accuracy Check Site (FORACS) engineer in April 1980 and obtained his private pilot license in January 1982. In September 1982 he began working for Bell Technical Operations at Eglin AFB as a range instrumentation engineer.

He rejoined CAP as a member of Eglin Composite Squadron in Setptember 1982 and was qualified as a Civil Air Patrol pilot. Upon relocating to Merritt Island in March 1983, he joined the Merritt Island Composite Squadron and served as the Aerospace Education Officer and was qualified as a mission and cadet orientation pilot after having obtained an instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate. There he also completed the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members and was awarded the Yeager Award in November 1983.

In January 1985 he moved to Woodland Hills, California and began working as field engineer for Litton Guidance and Control Systems. While on an assignment at Ft Sill, Oklahoma, Major Meadows obtained a flight instructor certificate in August 1985 and while on an assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, joined the APG Flying Club instructing in the club's aircraft. He instructed and gave sight seeing rides at Churchville Airport just outside of Aberdeen. In addtition he served as an Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee from 1984 to 1990.

In January 1988, Major Meadows began work as a Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer at Kennedy Space Center for McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company and worked on the Space Station Program. He transitioned to become the KSC Space Station Electrical Power System expert and represented KSC at space station power system design reviews and was the KSC representative on the NASA Level II Headquarters Space Station Resource Allocation and Functional Partitioning Panel. While working at KSC. he obtained an instrument rating on his flight instructor certificate in 1989 and was awarded several Manned Flight Awareness Team Awards.

He worked for Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach developing avionics courses for their Alitalia Airlines Ab Initio pilot training program from Arpil 1993 to October 1993 when he became the administrator for a private non-profit trade school in Melbourne. In May 1995 Major Meadows moved to north central Florida and worked as a pilot flying sky divers at Suwannee County Airport in Live Oak. He also joined the O'Brien Volunteer Fire Department in 1996, became the assistant fire chief in 1997 and the chief in 2000. He began teaching mathematics courses as an adjunct at Lake City Community College in January 1996 and in March 1998, Major Meadows earned a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree with a specialization in aviation and aerospace education technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2003 he began teaching undergraduate aerodynamics and aviation safety courses for Embry-Riddle at its Tallahassee Teaching Site at Tallahassee Community College as an adjunct instructor, communting from Live Oak to Tallahassee.

In July 2006, he helped establish the Suwannee Valley Composite Squadron in Live Oak and was named the squadron’s first commander. He served as the commander until July 2007 when he became the Deputy Commander for Seniors. He assumed command of the squadron again in October of 2008 and remained the commander until Septemebr 2010. He also served as the Wing Public Affairs Officer from September through December 2009.

In October 2006, he began working as the Senior Instructor for TIMCO Aviation Services in Lake City and managed the training department for the Part 145 Repair Station which perfoirmed maintenance on commercial and government aircraft. He got married for the first time in June 2007, moved to Orange Park in March 2009, and began teaching for DeVry University in Jacksonville in June 2009.

In October 2010 Major Meadows was named the Florida Group 2 Safety Officer and remained in that position until assuming his current position as the Florida Wing Deputy Chief of Staff in December 2012. Major Meadows has completed all five phases of the CAP Professional Development Program, earning the Gill Robb Wilson Award in February 2012.

In July 2011, Major Meadows returned to engineering and is currently working as an electronics engineer for the US Navy at the Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast, NAS Jacksonville where he has worked on the EP-3E Fleet Support Team and at the P8A Integrated Training Center. He is currently assigned to work at the Radar Compact Range. He has completed the Navy Primary Professional Military Education (Officer) course, the Basic Unmanned Aircraft Systems Level I and II Qualifications (BUQ 1 and II) Course, and has earned Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level II certification as a Systems Engineer, Systems Program Engineer, and Facilities Engineer. He also holds DAWIA Level I certification in Science and Technology Management and Test and Evaluation. He is still teaching as an adjucnt professor for DeVry University, Embry-Riddle, and St Johns River State College.

He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He served as the AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer at Suwannee County Airport. He is a volunteer FAA Safety Team Representative and has made presentations on the physics of stalls and spins at the FAA Annual Stall/Spin Safety Seminars from 2006 through 2009, and 2011.

DATE OF RANK: 12 July 2009

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members, 18 Nov 1983

Foundations Course, 2 Jul 2006

CAP Unit Commanders Course, 8 Jun 2008

USAF ECI 13 CAP Officers Course, 31 July 2008

CAP Squadron Leadership School, 21 Sep 2008

Corporate Learning Course, 10 May 2009

USAF Squadron Officers School, 20 Sep 2011

USAF Air Command and Staff College, 27 Jul 2011

Navy Professional Military Education (Officer) Course, 4 Feb 2013.

SPECIALTY TRACKS

Aerospace Education – Master -18 Oct 2009

Safety – Master - 1 Apr 2010

Information Technology – Senior – 18 Oct 2009

DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs, SER-FL-001 (Florida Wing), 2 Dec 2012 - Present

Safety Officer – SER-FL-025 (Florida Group 2), 1 Oct 2010 – 18 Jan 2013

Squadron Commander – SER-FL-455, 30 Oct 2008 – 24 Sep 2010

Public Affairs Officer – SER-FL-001 (Florida Wing), 23 Sep 2009 – 30 Dec 2009

Deputy Commander for Seniors –SER-FL-455, 26 July 2006 - 30 Oct 2008

Squadron Commander – SER-FL-455, 12 July 2006 - 26 July 2007

Aerospace Education Officer – Merritt Island Composite Squadron, 1983-1984

ENCAMPMENTS

Camp Blanding, 4 July 2009 – Encampment Safety Officer

Camp Blanding, 5 July 2008 – Encampment Safety Officer

CAP AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

2 Commanders Commendations, National Commander Unit Citation, 3 Unit Citations, Gill Robb Wilson Award w/Silver Star , Paul E. Garber Award w/ Bronze Star, Grover Loening Award, Benjamin O. Davis Certificate, Scott A. Crossfield Award, Gen Charles E Chuck Yeager Award, Leadership Ribbon w 2 Sliver Stars and 1 Bronze Star, Membership Ribbon, Cadet Orientation Pilot, Find Ribbon, Red Service Ribbon (25 Years), 2 Encampment Awards, Florida Wing Safety Officer of the Year for 2011 and 2012.

USAF AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ V, Navy Meritorious Unit Citation, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Viet Nam Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Award w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Ribbon w/ Service Star, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal.

Dale McMindes

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 07:54:52 GMT

Deputy Director of Communications
Florida Wing, CAP

(Since May 15, 2012)
Lt. Col. Dale McMindes has been active in CAP since he joined May 1982 in Toccoa, Ga. He held several staff positions in Toccoa and North Georgia until his transfer to the Congressional Squadron in Washington, DC. In 1995 he transferred to the Maxwell Senior Squadron in Montgomery, Al. as squadron training officer. In 2005 he transferred to the Highlands County Senior Squadron where he has served in Administrative, Communications, Emergency Services, Finance, Information Technologies, Personnel, Professional Development, Public Affairs and Flight Release Officer. He is a graduate of Southeast Region Staff College, National Staff College and has completed his Level V, Wilson #2607 Dec. 2008.

He has earned his Master of Communications, Aerospace, Administration, Finance, Information Technology and Personnel ratings plus Senior ratings in Public Affairs, Professional Development and Emergency Services.

McMindes holds an Amateur Radio License and a General Class Radio Telephone License. He taught radio broadcasting in the School of Communication for 5 years at Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, GA and has a B.S in Communications in that field. He also served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer Specialist with the Voice of America (15 years). As a Transmitter Plant Supervisor, he taught classes covering subjects related to HF, VHF, AM, FM and Satellite communications (low power through megawatt levels). He has designed and built several complete radio stations in the U.S. (low power to 100KW.).

Before joining CAP, McMindes spent 11 years overseas teaching at a mission school, operating large radio transmitters 250-500 KW, constructing school buildings and serving as Chaplain at a U.S. Navy Facility.

[Updated May 2012]

Alvin J. Bedgood

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:49:08 GMT

Past Interim Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(Sep. 28, 2007-Feb. 2, 2008)

Col. Alvin J. Bedgood was the interim commander of Florida Wing from September 28, 2007 through February 2, 2008. Col. Bedgood currently serves as Commander, Southeast Region.

He is the senior commander responsible for successful execution of CAP policies, missions and objectives within the Southeast Region. As Region Commander, he exercises command authority over nearly ten thousand volunteer professionals operating in six wings, serving the citizens of; Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Col. Bedgood also serves on the CAP Senior Advisory Group and the CAP Command Council.

He joined Civil Air Patrol in 1985 as a charter member of the Ramstein Cadet Squadron in Germany. Over the past 27 years he served in a variety of duty assignments at all levels, to include leadership roles in Europe, Arizona, and Florida. Col. Bedgood has served as a deputy squadron commander; deputy commander for cadets, a group commander, and as a wing staff member (professional development director, strategic programs director and special advisor for Florida Wing). He has also served as Southeast Region vice chief of staff and Southeast Region chief of staff. At the national level, he has served on the Board of Directors, National Executive Committee, National Finance Committee, Professional Development Committee and the Information Technology Committee, as well as the Organizational Excellence and Commanders Handbook development teams.

Col. Bedgood has earned his observer wings, senior ground team badge, and ratings in eleven senior member specialty tracks. He holds master-level ratings in eight specialty tracks, including; communications, cadet programs, aerospace education, administration, personnel, professional development, plans and programs and drug demand reduction. He is also one of the first five CAP officers to receive the Executive Designation in the CAP Organizational Excellence Program.

Col. Bedgood is a retired U.S. Army officer, a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, and a former E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) mission commander.

(NOTE: Col Bedgood was promoted to the temporary grade of Colonel on 2 February 2008. The grade became permanent upon the successful competition of his assignment as Vice Region Commander on 23 May 2011.)

PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

1981 U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course
1982 U.S. Army Tactical Electronic Warfare and Cryptologic Operations Officer Course
1982 U.S. Army Signal Security Officer Course
1982 National Communications Security Familiarization Course
1983 U.S. Army Motor Officers Course
1984 NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Officer Course
1884 Unit/Organizational Supply Procedures Course
1986 U.S. Army Tactical Intelligence Officer Course
1986 U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course
1986 U.S. Army Collection Management Course
1988 U.S. Army Combined Arms and Services Staff School
1988 U.S. Army Basic Instructor Training Course
1989 U.S. Army Systems Approach to Training Course
1992 NATO Joint Service Advanced Electronic Warfare Officer Course
1993 NATO Joint Service Course for Electronic Warfare Planning and Analysis in Exercises
1993 U.K. Joint Warfare Staff Course
1997 U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officers Course
1997 Systems Operators Course, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS)
1997 Mission Commanders Course, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS)
2006 U.S. Air Force Instructor Certification Program Course

CIVIL AIR PATROL PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

1986 Mission Observer Qualification Course
1986 Squadron Leadership School
1988 Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members
1988 Corporate Learning Course
1990 National Staff College
2003 Unit Commanders Course
2009 Region Staff College
2009 Wing/Region Commanders Course
2010 Senior Inspector General Course
2011 CAP Organizational Excellence Program

EDUCATION

1979 Associate in Science (AS), General Studies, Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, Mass.
1981 Bachelor of Arts(BA), History, Loyola University, New Orleans, La.
1985 Master of Science (MS), International Relations, Troy University, Troy, Ala.
1993 Education Specialist (EdS), Leadership in Curriculum and Teaching, National-Louis University, Chicago, Ill.

CIVIL AIR PATROL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

2003 – 2004 Drug Demand Reduction Administrator, Florida Wing
2003 – 2005 Chairman, Wing Promotions Board, Florida Wing
2003 – 2005 Chairman, Wing Awards Review Board, Florida Wing
2004 Acting Director, Personnel, Florida Wing
2004 – 2005 Deputy Director, Personnel, Florida Wing
2003 – 2005 Director, Professional Development, Florida Wing
2005 – 2006 Commander, Group VIII, Florida Wing
2006 Critical Incident Stress Management Officer, Florida Wing
2006 Special Advisor/Director, Strategic Plans and Programs, Florida Wing
2006 Vice Chief of Staff, Southeast Region
2006 – 2007 Chief of Staff, Southeast Region
2007 – 2008 Interim Commander, Florida Wing
2007 – 2008 National Board of Directors
2008 – 2011 Vice Commander, Southeast Region
2011 – 2012 National Board of Directors
2011 – 2012 National Executive Committee
2012 – Present CAP Command Council
2012 – Present CAP Senior Advisory Group
2011 – Present Commander, Southeast Region

CIVIL AIR PATROL SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

2003 Director and Instructor, Unit Commanders Course, Florida Wing
2004 Director and Instructor, Spring Professional Development Weekend, Florida Wing
2004 Instructor, Squadron Leadership School (Jacksonville - Oct 2004), Florida Wing
2004 Southeast Region Member, National Professional Development Committee
2005 Southeast Region Member, National Professional Development Committee
2005 Director and Instructor, Spring Professional Development Weekend, Florida Wing
2005 Director and Instructor, Winter Professional Development Weekend, Florida Wing
2005 Director, Training and Curriculum Development, Southeast Region Staff College
2006 Director, Training and Curriculum Development, Southeast Region Staff College
2006 Deputy Director, Southeast Region Staff College
2006 Southeast Region Member, National Professional Development Committee
2006 Member, National Information Technology Working Group
2007 – 2009 Director, Training and Curriculum Development, Southeast Region Staff College
2010 Special Advisor, Southeast Region Staff College
2007 – 2010 Deputy Director, Southeast Region Staff College
2009 – 2010 Organizational Excellence Program Team
2010 – 2011 Commanders Handbook Development Team
2011 – 2012 National Finance Committee

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal (third award)
Army Commendation Medal (fifth award)
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal (second award)
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (second award)
Army Superior Unit Award
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal (with three bronze campaign stars)
Korean Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal (with one bronze star)
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Army Noncommissioned Professional Development Ribbon (with "2” device)
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with "5” device)
NATO Service Medal (with "Former Yugoslavia” bar)
Saudi Arabian Liberation of Kuwait Medal (with "palm and swords” device)
Kuwaiti Liberation of Kuwait Medal

CIVIL AIR PATROL AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Exceptional Service Award (eleventh award)
Meritorious Service Award (third award)
National Commanders Commendation Award
Region Commanders Commendation Award
Commanders Commendation Award (seventh award)
CAP Achievement Award
National Commanders Unit Citation Award
Outstanding Unit Citation Award (eighth award))
Gil Robb Wilson Award (with silver star)
Paul E Garber Award (with bronze star)
Grover C. Loening Aerospace Award
Leadership Award (with three silver stars)
Membership Award
Brig. Gen. Charles E. "Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Award
A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Master Educator Award
Command Service Ribbon (with gold star)
Red Service Ribbon (with "25” longevity device)
Rescue "Find” Ribbon (with bronze clasps)
Air Search and Rescue Ribbon (with bronze clasps)
Disaster Relief Ribbon (with "V” device and two bronze clasps)
Encampment Ribbon (with silver clasp)
Senior Recruiting Ribbon (with bronze clasp)

MILITARY SKILL AND QUALIFICATION BADGES

Army Aviation Badge
Army Drivers and Mechanics Badge (with "Operator-S” and "Driver-W” bars)
Army Expert Marksman Badge (with "Rifle”, "Pistol” and "Grenade” bars)
Army Expert Marksman Badge (with "Small Bore Rifle” and "Small Bore Pistol” bars)
German Federal Armed Forces Badge for Military Efficiency in Bronze
German Federal Armed Forces Expert Marksman’s Lanyard in Silver

ARMY COMBAT SERVICE IDENTIFICATION BADGES

U.S. Central Command
U.S. Army Central (Third U.S. Army)

CIVIL AIR PATROL SKILL AND SPECIALTY QUALIFICATION BADGES

Basic Observer Wings
Senior Ground Team Badge
Master Personnel Badge
Master Communicator Badge
Master Administration Badge
Master Cadet Programs Badge
Master Plans and Programs Badge
Master Aerospace Education Badge
Master Drug Demand Reduction Badge
Master Professional Development Badge
Senior Historian Badge
Senior Emergency Services Badge
Basic Safety Badge

CIVIL AIR PATROL IDENTIFICATION BADGES

National Board Identification Badge
National Executive Committee Identification Badge
CAP Senior Advisory Group Identification Badge

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

ITIL Expert
Certified Business Manager (CBM)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
ISO/IEC 20000 Consultant Manager
Certified ISO/IEC 20000 Consultant
Certified in Homeland Security (CHS-V)
Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)
ISO/IEC 27000 Advanced Certification (ISMAS)
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Quality Management Systems Principal Auditor Certified (QMS-PR)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet (MCP+I)
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
State of Florida Notary Public
CIVIL AIR PATROL PROMOTION DATES

Colonel, 2 February 2008
Lieutenant Colonel, 1 March 1994
Major, 1989
Captain, 1986

[Last Updated: October 2012]

William Bass

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 08:14:16 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(15-MAR-1968 to 30-JUN-1970)

Colonel William Bass began his service with Civil Air Patrol in July 1949 when he joined the Sarasota-Bradenton Squadron as a cadet. He completed the cadet program, earning the Certificate of Proficiency with all options and was cadet commander until his transfer to Michigan wing. He was instrumental in organizing the Allegan Composite Squadron and served as cadet commander until his return to Florida in 1953. He joined the Bradenton Cadet Squadron as a senior member and assisted with the cadet program. In late 1955, 2Lt Bass returned to Michigan and resumed assisting Allegan Squadron.

A naval reservist for eight years, he volunteered for active duty in 1956 and served for three years, two of those aboard a guided missile cruiser. All the while, he maintained membership in CAP. Upon release from active duty, he returned to Florida, joined the Canaveral Composite Squadron and assumed responsibility for the cadet program. The program flourished, as did his activities on the job at Eastern Test Range (Cape Canaveral). He was a member of the range operations group, serving first as an Instrumentation Operations Coordinator and later as a Test Operations Controller. He worked his way through commercial and military operations to become a member of the elite six-man launch command team for the Apollo Program.

The Canaveral Squadron was recognized as one of the top performing units in Florida Wing and Major Bass was asked to become the Group Six Director of Cadets. This position he held until Col Hal DuPont , Florida Wing Commander, requested him to become Deputy for Cadets , Florida Wing. At the time, the wing’s cadet membership was well over 3,000 and the wing was headed for #1 in the nation (#2 was not an option for Col DuPont). The cadet program became a testing ground for many of Jack Sorensen’s ideas and he became a regular visitor to the wing. As the program evolved, LtCol Bass had the privilege of developing the wing’s first Cadet Command and Staff School and serving as its commander. He also mentored some of the nation’s first Spaatz cadets while simultaneously earning the Senior Certificate of Proficiency, the highest senior training award at the time.

Along the way, he served as a Senior Escort Officer for three national special activities; Jet Orientation Course at Perrin Air Force Base (’65), the FAA Orientation Course in Oklahoma City (’66), and the Space Age Orientation Course at Chanute Air Force Base (’67). He was also responsible for hosting three International Air Cadet Exchanges, and several groups from other wings, including the Middle East Region Girls Exchange. Throw in encampments, special activities, promotions and awards for these dynamic young people and one can easily wonder where/when there was time for a paying job.

As Florida Wing achieved the goal of #1 and Col DuPont went on to become Chairman of the National Board, the wing and its programs continued. B/Gen DuPont re-assumed command of the wing about a year later and requested that LtCol Bass prepare to assume command of the wing. Following a stint as Commander, Sector B (seven groups), LtCol Bass was appointed Vice Commander and served in that position until his appointment as Commander, Florida Wing , 15 March 1968. For the next two and a half years, Col Bass led Florida Wing back to its #1 place in the national rankings. At peak, the wing had over 4,000 members serving in 120+ squadrons, 20+ groups and four sectors. At the time of this update, Col Bass is in his 63rd year of service to CAP and currently serves as the very active Vice Commander, Alabama Wing. In addition to plaques and other awards, he has earned 23 ribbon awards, with numerous bronze and silver clasps. Among them is the Distinguished Service Medal, Exceptional Service, Meritorious Service (3), National Commander’s Citation (2), Unit Citation (16+), Commander’s Commendation (3), Gill Robb Wilson (highest academic award), Command Service, Search and Rescue, Find (as aircrew), Counterdrug (w 3 SCs) , Cadet Certificate of Proficiency (w 3 BCs), Encampment (5) and 10 others. He is a former aircraft owner (Mooney) and CAP pilot, holds a private pilot’s license, current medical, mission scanner, mission observer , is a level 2 Incident Commander and holds a Master rating in Plans and Programs. He is a graduate of National Staff College and has served as a Seminar Advisor on the staff of NSC. He is also a graduate of the AFRCC Mission Management Course and a graduate of the National Search and Rescue School. He holds a BS in Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Col Bass is a 50 year member of CAP, member of AOPA, Life Member of The American Radio Relay League (W4LFC) , a Certified Instructor (five disciplines) and Benefactor Life Member of NRA.

[Last Updated: 12 June 2012]

Wright "Ike" Vermilya, Jr.

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:07:07 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(01-DEC-1941 to 05-APR-1943 and 31-MAR-1946 to 31-MAY-1947)

Colonel Wright "Ike” Vermilya, Jr. was a poineering figure in Palm Beach County aviation and the first commander of Florida Wing. He was a veteran pilot of 60 years with 35 years. His interest in aviation began early when at age 14 he soloed a glider he had built from instructions in a magazine. He held transport license number 35. He learned to flyin the Army Air Force during World War I and participatedin acceptance and test workwith the famous Sopwith Camel. He was mustered out of the Army as a sergeant first class in 1919 and in 1920 became active in Reserve Corps Flying. He flew the first Reserve ship to Cincinati In 1926 he went to Arkansas where he became an instructor in the National Guard with the rank of first lieutenant. As a lieutenant in the Arkansas National Guard in the late 1920’s, he and Captain Murray B. Hall flew a 300 mile mission of mercy through fog to bring serum to fight a rare form of gangrene a man had contracted. they set a record of 7 hours, 25 minutes in bringing the serum from Staint Louis to Little Rock.

He continued to be active in promoting aviation and in 1938 he was elected president and general manager of Palm Beach Aero Corp. headquartered at Morrison Field. that same year he was appointed Florida governor of National Aeronautics Association by the national NAA president. He was a charter memberof the Florida Alligators, a group of early pilots who flew around the state for fun and money.

Zack Mosley, creator of the "Smillin’ Jack” comic strip, was a close friend of Vermilya and used him as the basis of a character in the strip in 1941.

In June of that year the Florida Home Guard Air Squadron was formed and was headed by Vermilya. It was headquartered at Morrison Field. In January of 1942, West Palm Beach was named as the Headquarters for the Florida wing of the Civil Air Patrol and Major Vermilya was named Wing Commander. In 1946 he became a full colonel.

In 1948 he received the Air Medal "for meritorious service achievement while participating in antisubmarine patrol missions during World War II. the accomplishment of these missions in light aircraft despite the hazards of unfavorable weather conditions reflects the highest credit upon this valient member of the Civil Air Patrol” reads the citation signed by President Harry S. Truman.

He also received the "Exceptional Civilian Service Medal” and citation signed by Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson.

An aviation consultant in his latter years, his last enterprise was Wright Vermilya and Son, Inc., an aeronautical advisory firm which he set up in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 1971.

For more on Colonel Vermilya and the early days of Florida Wing visit =>Florida Wing the Early Days

Also check out =>Florida Wing History

[Last Updated: September 1965]

Richard Leighton

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:05:41 GMT

Past Commander
Florida Wing, CAP
(June 24, 1986-May 30, 1990)

Ralph T. Gwinn

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:02:30 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(29 JAN 1966 to 29 AUG 1967)

Colonel Ralph T. Gwinn assumed command of the Florida Wing on Janurary 21, 1966. Colonel Gwinn was recruited into the Civil Air Patrol Hastings Squadron, Michigan Wing, as a cadet by the squadron commander's presentation at his high school in December 1949. Colonel Gwinn re-recruited his Boy Scout Master, James W. Jensen, who was a member of Civil Air Patrol in 1941. Under Jim Jenses, Colonel Gwinn earned his Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts and his Crtificate of Proficiency in the Civil Air Patrol. Jim served as best man at Colonel Gwinn's wedding when he married Nancy Klose, another long time member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Colonel Gwinn soloed in his Funk Model B in June 1951 and received his private pilot's certificate in August 1951. In Michigan Wing he attended an encampment at Sampson AFB New York. He flew the C-47 to that encampment under the supervision of the Air Force Reserve Pilot. While in Michigan Wing he helped ferry the Army owned L-16 and L-4 aircraft to Michigan squadrons. He also became a radio operator and had his own fixed base, mobile and air stations.

Colonel Gwinn worked at Hastings Airport and for Lear (which later became LearJet) while in college. After graduating from Albion College in Michigan with a Bachelor in Arts degree in Economics, mathematics and physics he went to the University of Michigan for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with an instrumentation endorsement. In 1958 he was hired by the Army Ballistic Missle Agency at Cape Canaveral, Florida under Werner Von Braun and Dr. Kurt Debus, the first Center Director of NASA. Colonel Gwinn's first launch was Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958. His responsibility for that launch was the instrumentation. He later transferred to NASA retiring on June 30, 1989. He was also with the Navy from August 1972 to May of 1980. His job included processing torpedoes into the submarine fleet, both at Cape Canaveral and Newport, Rhode Island.

In 1958 he flew his Funk to Florida and based it at Merritt Island and transferred to the Canaveral Composite Squadron. He held at one time or another almost all the squadron positions including unit commander. The squadron grew to more than 150 members so he was instrumental in chartering North Brevard (Ti-Co), Central Brevard and South Brevard squadrons. Those three and Patrick Composite Squadron (then known as Canaveral Composite Squadron) are still active today.

Colonel Gwinn was asked to take over the Florida Wing as Wing Commander in August 1965 and was acting commander until the official appointment in January 1966. He was Wing Commander until August 1967. Colonel Gwinn then served as Chief of Staff under Colonel William Bass. He later served on South East Region staff.

In October 1974 he transferred to Rhode Island Wing and became the Wing Inspector for five and a half years. His inspection format was used there and brought back to Florida Wing in May of 1980 and were used for many years by the Florida Wing inspectors.

In May of 1980 he came back to Florida Wing and NASA at the Kennedy Space Center. He then served as Group 12 Commander, now called Group 4, until he retired from NASA and stepped down as Group Commander to travel, in June 1989. He stayed active as the Group 7 Deputy Commander until he transferred to Central Brevard Senior Squadron and became Finance and Communications Officer. In June 2006 he transferred to Ti-Co Composite Squadron as Finance and Communications Officer.

Colonel Gwinn has always been active in the emergency services mission. He has over 100 finds as an aircrew and ground team participant. He was a mission pilot, scanner and observer, ground team leader, mission coordinator (the early 1960's until he became an incident commander). His paperwork on missions was legendary in detail.

During his Civil Air Patrol career, Col Gwinn has earned the Cadet Certificate of Proficiency with clasps, the Senior Recruiter Ribbon with clasp, Unit Citation with clasps, Encampment Ribbon with clasps, Search and Rescue Ribbon with Aircrew clasp and a clasp earned on ground team, Disaster Relief Ribbon with clasp, Meritorious Service Ribbon with clasp, Exceptional Service Ribbon, Distinguished Service Ribbon with clasp, Commander's Commendationwith clasp, Membership Ribbon, Leadership Ribbon with silver clasp, Aerospace Ribbon with clasp, Gil Robb Wilson Ribbon (Number 32 early edition) with bronze and silver clasp, Garber Ribbin with bronze and silver clasps, Commander's Ribbon with silver clasp, Find Ribbon with Aircrew and gold clasp, Cadre Ribbon with clasp, and the ECI Ribbon with clasp. Colonel Gwinn has also earned the Master Ground Team Badge, Master Communications Badge, and Master Emergency Services Badge.

As of this writing, June 8, 2012, Colonel Gwinn is still active as Finance Officer and Communications Officer (Florida CAP 92 call sign) at the Ti-Co Composite Squadron. He is mission qualified as UDF and Communicator and on call. He has thus far served for 63.5 years, and still counting.

[Last Updated: June 2012] - Compiled by Lt Col Nancy K. Gwinn, CAP.

Donald Cunningham

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:01:02 GMT

Past Commander
Florida Wing, CAP
(12 MAY 1990 to 9 AUG 1996)

Zack Mosley

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 20:59:06 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(17-FEB-1944 to 30-MAR-1946)

Colonel Zack Mosley took command of Florida Wing on February 17, 1944.

From GatorCAPers

The following is an article written by Colonel Mosley for the September 1986 issue of Florida Wing's GatorCAPers:

While in West Palm Beach, Florida in late January 1941, I learned from Ike Vermillya and other pilot friends that they had formed a Florida Civil Air Defense Squadron.

Later in 1941, Jim Starr, Syd Nesbitt, and I got a bunch of pilots together at Roosevelt Field, and told them about Florida’s squadron. Some pilots said that a number of states were doing likewise, so we organized a New York squadron of civilian pilots and planes. We selected Commander Beckwith Havens, a Navy pilot from WW I as our leader. Later, a group of civilian pilot leaders and members from numerous states met at La Guardia Airport, and we decided to try to combine all state squadrons into a national organization. New York City Mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, a World War I pilot, was one of the many sparkplugs behind this movement.

On December 1, 1941, President Roosevelt created the National Civil Air Patrol as an official organization of the new Civil Defense Department, just six days before Pearl Harbor!

My chief assistant artist, Boody Rogers joined the Army. In February, 1942, my other assistant, Andy Sprague, Marie and I headed for Florida. Nazi subs were sinking tankers and freighters off the coast in the Gulf Stream and on both sides of it in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Halifax, and also in the Gulf of Mexico.

My Florida friends wanted me to join their West Palm Beach CAP squadron, pool my plane with theirs, and train with them. We were sure we would be called to active duty on anti-sub patrol any day. America was caught short, and not many military planes were available for coastal patrol. All new CAP squadrons included foot marching drills in their training programs. I couldn’t hack that marching stuff because of broken arches, but I could fly civilian planes.

Major General John F. Curry, USAAF, was the first national commander of the Civil Air Patrol, and Gill Robb Wilson was its first national executive officer. Meanwhile, Captain Earl L. Johnson, USAAF, replaced Wilson as executive officer, enabling Wilson to devote his time to the organization of the CAP coastal patrol antisub program.

Besides coastal patrol, the CAP did target-towing, courier service between defense plants, border and forest patrol, to mention a few duties. These volunteer CAP pilots flew over 24 million miles on coastal anti-sub patrol, and spotted 173 Nazi subs during the first 18 months of WW II. Ninety CAP aircraft were lost, and 26 CAP pilots or observers were killed, and seven seriously injured.

In the early days of patrol duty, we volunteers had to pay all expenses involving engines, gasoline, radios, etc. Our survival equipment at that time consisted of a green canvas bag tied to a large inner tube. It was called a "barracuda bucket,” the same thing that the flying bootleggers had used during prohibition when they were smuggling booze from the Bahama Islands into Florida.

After 18 months of anti-sub Civil Air Patrol, the military had enough planes built to take over all anti-submarine operations. CAP pi)ot5 who had flown over 300 hours on ocean coastal patrol were eventually awarded U.S. Army Air Force medals. We were very proud of this.

In 1944, I was made the third CAP wing commander of Florida, and later promoted to full Colonel. The first Florida Wing com mander was Ike Vermillya, and the second was Judge Robbins! While I was the Wing commanding officer, we flew to a different town in Florida each month to work out problems with all units. After about a year and a half, I couldn’t stand the pressure, plus writing and drawing "Smilin’ Jack,” so I resigned, but to this day, I am still semiactive with CAP national headquarters public relations.

From The AOPA's "Pilot"

The following is Colonel Zack Mosley's account of his experiences in aviation as published in the December 1964 issue of The AOPA's "Pilot":

Recently my long-time friend Max Karaiet asked me, "What effect have your flying experiences had on the success of "Smilin’ Jack?” I replied that the question could he answered very briefly in two or three thousand words. Max said, "Okay. Give it a full throttle answer."

It all started this way. The funny looking contraption that was on a rail road flatcar at Roff, Oklahoma., one day in 1913 had every kid, cowpoke and farmer in the county fascinated. A few men unloaded the flatcar and put all the wires, fabric, many pieces of wood, an engine, etc., in the main street. The next day, when all the pieces were tied and glued together, the populace was informed that it was a pusher aeroplane and that the daring little man with the big helmet would actually fly it.

After many hours of propeller pulling amid much mechanical adjusting, the engine finally started. The brave aviator kicked up a whopper of a sand storm as his roaring, rickety bird rumbled down Main Street. A number of startled horses overturned a few wagons as the bird became airborne. The awe-stricken westerners watched the aeroplane circle the water tower. It headed back for the street, but the aviator overshot and crash-landed in a nearby cornfield. Everyone rushed over to view the twisted mass of wire, wood and rags. The aviator crawled out, bloody and covered with mud, but said there was nothing to worry about. The landing he made was considered more or less normal. I had decided, a few hours before, that my life’s career would be that of a daring aviator; now I wasn't so sure. I was seven years old at the time. In my mind, aeroplanes were suddenly placed in the same category with rattlesnakes. I was affraid of both, but there was some strange fascination about them.

In 1917 our county was given the thrill of being visited by another aeroplane, but it was not a planned visit. The Army’s Jenny from Kelly Field, Texas, was cruising along low over our little cowtown of Hickory, Oklahoma. Suddenly the OX-5 engine began coughing and quit running. The nearest open spot was a rocky pasture in which the pilot crash landed. Everyone in town rushed out to view the grusome sight. The landing gear gear was broken and the wooden propeller was splintered. To everyone’s surprise—and to the disappointment of some, I’m sure—the plane was upright and the pilot was walking around unscratched. Landings certainly had improved since that fateful day in the neighboring toovn of Roff back in 1913.

The ol’ Jenny had to remain in the pasture for several days while the pilot waited for new parts to he shipped in. We kids took turns sitting in the cockpit, playing with the controls and pretending we were daring pilots shooting down Fokkers and Baron von Richthofen over Germany.

For a couple of years, I had been copying pictures of the Katzenjammer Kids, Happy Hooligan and Mutt and Jeff from "the funny papers,” as cartoons were referred to then. This artistic talent was now put to a new use. Before the injured Jenny was repaired I made several crude sketches of the aeroplane. My grandfather said time drawings were great, and whatever that grand old patriarch said was not to be disputed. Later it was learned that "Pappy” was a master at telling white lies.

That Jenny and those crude sketches made a permanent impact on an eleven year-old boy’s life. I would now start drawing something every day, time permitting, but with milkin’ the cows, sloppin’ the hogs, shuckin’ corn, helpin’ round up steers, pickin’ cotton, workin’ at the cotten gin and goin’ to school, we kids didn't have much spare time. Nevertheless, my main career was planned. Someday I would fly airplanes and draw "funny papers" about them. There was a "long row to hoe” before this dream was to become a reality.

While going to high school in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I worked in a lumberyard, jerked sodas in drugstores, and ran ice cream and soda pop stands at "Chautauquas” (traveling cultural tent shows), fairs and holiday events. I still found time, however, to complete a correspondence course in cartooning and build model airplanes. Mrs. Marjorie Dodge Tapp, my art instructor in high school, advised me to work a year after graduation, save up some money and go to the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. A year as a drug clerk in Liggett’s Drug Store in Oklahoma City was partially the answer to Mrs. Tapp’s advice.

In Septemlier 1026 I arrived in Chicago with just enough cash for four months’ tuition. Previous correspondence with school officials had indicated they would find jobs for students needing work.

Before I let go of my life’s savings I wanted to be assured of a job. While eyeing that $500 worth of 10’s and 20’s in my hand, the school director made some phone calls. I was in luck—there was a choice of jobs. Harding Restaurants needed a nighttime and weekend "greeter and seater” at $15 a week. Bainban and Katz theaters would pay an usher $18 a week. The decision was easy. I knew I couldn’t eat those theater cushions.

While "greetin’ and seatin’" at Harding’s, my arches broke down on the tile floors so the kind management gave me a "sittin’ job," which financed another year of life and anatomy classes at the Chicago Art Institute and some private cartoon instruction from Carey Orr, famous editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribue.

Not long after the big stork—market crash, aviation came back into my life with a bang. The John Dille Syndicate was about to launch a fantastic strip called "Buck Rogers” and an aviation strip called "Skyroads.” The syndicate needed two associate artists. Russell Keaton and I were lucky enough to get the jobs. A World War I pilot was chief cartoonist. Keaton’s childhood dreams had been similar to mine. We were finally drawing aeroplanes but we had never mustered the courage to ride in one, much less to become pilots.

We began to feel like hypocrites, drawing daring aviators and rocket pilots but too scared to fly ourselves. One day after a local air show, a pilot was taking passengers up in one of the first huge Curtiss Condors. Keaton and I threw caution to the winds and got into the thing. I fully expected it to make a "normal” crash-landing like the pusher and the Jenny had done years before. To our happy amazement, the pilot set that monster down like a feather in a breeze. Now, I thought, I'm really brave. I saved up enough money to ride a bus to St. Louis and fly from there in a T.A.T. Ford Tri-Motor to Oklahoma City. "Gotta show all the relatives and friends. Country boy makes good—conquering hero returns, etc.”

Just out of Springfield, Missouri, we encountered a "norther”—now called a cold front. We were somewhere over the Ozark mountains. Instroment flying wasn’t perferted then and the pilot started winding around in valleys. The Tri-Motor was bucking like it was going to come apart at the seams.

Most of the other passengers were wealthy oil men but it was also their first trip in a transport. As we caught glimpses of the sides of mountains, front page pictures of planes splattered all over the landscape flashed into our minds. That was a common occurance in those days. we were positive we would be headlines in a minute.

In spite of rain, wind and bad visibility the pilot spotted a farm field on top of a hill and by some miracle he landed in the muddy furrows. We were all ready to get out and walk to anywhere. The copilot tried to calm us down. He had no idea where we were, but thought we were in Arkansas. After the storm calmed down a bit the pilot blasted the Tri-Motor around and took off down the muddy furrows, clipping a few treetops as he became airborne. He finally found Tulsa, with its big, beautiful grass airport. He almost turned the Tin Goose over on landing. I guess the reaction had set in.

In unison we all got out and said we would continue by train. The "conquering hero” had made a definite decision. I would never fly again!

In early 1933 I visited my friend Chet Gould, another Oklahoman, who had launched "Dick Tracy” a year or two before. He said, "You should create your own strip. You know a lot about aviation.” I agreed, but replied that I was afraid to fly. Chet said, "That’s great! Capt. Joe Patterson, my boss and founder of the New York Daily News, is learning to fly. He’s only cracked up a couple of planes. I think he’s a bit afraid, too, but he’s determined to become a licensed pilot. Start taking flying lessons yourself and draw a strip about scared pilots. The Captain just might like it.”

At the old Chicago Municipal Airport, I started taking flying lessons and froze at the controls only once. By midsummer I had finished a number of "scared pilot" strips, called "On the Wing." I drove to New York in a Model A Ford to show the feature to Capt. Patterson, and learned that he was going to enlarge the News from eight pages of Sunday comics to 16. That was wonderful news. The only trouble was that over 100 other comics had been submitted and were on display. The "scared pilot” angle must have touched the late Captain’s heart, however. "On the Wing” was one of eight strips selected.

"On the Wing" appeared in the New York Sunday News and the Chicago Sunday Tribune in October 1933. After the first week's appearence a telegram arrived from Capt. Patterson: "Change the name of 'On the Wing' to 'Smilin' Jack'." I wired back: "The name of the main character is Mack, not Jack." Two hours later the Captain wired again, "Change the name to 'Smilin' Jack!!'" No one was ever able to find out why.

The next week I moved to New York City. The Captain said, "Continue taking flying lessons and go on assignments with Duke Krantz, chief pilot of our aerial photo planes. We want 'Smilin' Jack' to be a true-to-life aviation figure."

I finally got my private pilot license on a Friday the Thirteenth in 1935. Since then "Smilin' Jack" has taken me almost arounf the world in a continuing effort to maintain the strip's authenticity. Here's a sampling which will be elaborated on in a book I am writing:

Flying trips to the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico in 1940; to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Muertos (Coffin) Island in 1952; and to Panama and the South American jungles in 1953 have served as the basis for several "Smilin’ Jack” series. I have flown with the Texas Flying Rangers, with flying forest rangers and firefighters, with the Arctic Air Rescue Service over Alaska and the Arctic Ice Pack, and with hurricanehunter crews and Tropical Air Rescue Service planes to gain authenticity for various adventures carried in the strip.

For a story about aviation cadet training, I interviewed instructors and cadets and participated in military flights before World War II. During the war I flew for 18 months with the Civil Air Patrol as a submarine patrol pilot, and I still serve with the CAP on the public relations advisory staff. My aviation cadet training knowledge was updated to keep "Smilin’ Jack" in step with the times when I visited every type of air cadet training school in the country in 1950 and flew in every kind of aircraft in the USAF Air Training Command, including helicopters.

To do a cartoon strip about carrier flying, I spent some time aboard a Navy aircraft carrier. An episode about seaplanes recently took me to the bottom of the Atlantic in a two—man submarine. I’ve also spent time at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Eduards Air Force Base, California, where my brother, Major Robert Mosley, is an experimental test pilot; at Cape Kennedy (Canaveral); and at downrange guided-missile tracking stations in the Bahamas to obtain authentic back ground material for "Smilin’ Jack” adventures.

In 1955, along with CAP Commander Major General Lucas V. Beau and his staff, I flew to seven European countries to help set up the International Air Youth Exchange Program for that year. That trip has served as the source for several strips.

My assistant, Ward Albertson, and I average about seven hours a day, six days a week, drawing "Smilin’ Jack.” We also work many extra nights when getting ahead of schedule to take time off in order to go on flying research trips.

This October 1964 marked the 31st anniversary of "Smilin’ Jack.” During his life I’ve flown about 1,500,000 miles in commercial, military, and private aircraft. I have owned nine different planes over those years and still keep my pilot license current. And, as long as I can keep pushing a drawing pen, I hope to keep manipulating airplane controls too.

[Last Updated: September 1986 and December 1964]

George O. Pringle

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 20:58:19 GMT

Past Commander
Florida Wing, CAP
(May 28, 1994-Aug. 9, 1996)

Joseph F. Moody

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 20:56:18 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(08-OCT-1949 to 06-MAR-1963)

Colonel Joseph F. Moody was one of the original members of the Florida Wing. He began as a CAP pilot in 1941 then he became Commander of the Orlando Squadron. On 30 Sept 1949 he became Commander of the Florida Wing. His tenure of more than thirteen years earned him the title of "Dean of Wing Commanders”.

He received many awards and decorations during his long career of service, including the Blue Service Ribbon with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Distinguished Service Award, the Wartime Active DUty Service Ribbon, and the Twenty Year Ribbon. He also served on many National Board Committees.

Under his leadership, this Wing grew tremendously, not only in size but also in quality. He started the policy of selecting the best possible wing staff officers, regardless of their location, and of giving them the responsibility and authority they needed to carry out their work. Other Wing Commanders who had originally frowned on this method came around to doing the same thing in their own wings.

On the seventh of March 1963, Colonel Joseph F. Moody retired as Commander of Florida Wing. At that time he was offered his choice of several National Board positions. Also, he had just taken over full responsibility of operating his hotel in Orlando, Florida. The press of business did not permit spending the long hours required of a Wing of the size of Florida.

The entire membership of Florida Wing, Civil Air Patrol, recognizes the debt to Colonel Moody that they can never repay. We all find words are inadequate to express our love and devotion to a dedicated CAPer, a wonderful man, and a fine gentleman, Colonel Joseph F. Moody.

[Last Updated: April 1963]

Col Joseph F. Moody is standing sixth from the right and Col Eric Ravndal is standing third from the left.
[Photograph courtesy of Reverend Eric Ravndal, III]

Eric Ravndal

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 20:53:46 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(30-MAR-1948 to 07-OCT-1949)

Colonel Eric Ravndal was born in Norway Aug. 2, 1904, Col Ravndal was the son of an American Consul General. He grew up in France, Syria and Turkey, where his father served as deputy high commissioner during World War I. He spent part of his high school years in Wisconsin and graduated magna cum laude from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

He met his wife, Florence Ida Tiedtke, in Minnesota. They moved to Orlando in 1934, where he became a citrus grower. He owned groves in Clarcona, Ocoee, Apopka and Fort Pierce.

Long active in civic affairs, Ravndal headed the Sister City Committee when newly built Brasilia became Orlando's sister city. He was an early president of the Country Club of Orlando, a founding member of the Committee of One Hundred of Orange County, a member of the former Florida Symphony Board of Directors, president of the Optimist Club and a former member of the University Club.

After World War II, Col Ravndal also was Wing Commander of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol and its intelligence officer during the war.

An Episcopalian, he was a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando and also attended the Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka, where his son, Eric Ravndal III of Longwood, is rector.

[Last Updated: April 1995]

Colonel Zack Mosley shaking hands with Colonel Eric Ravndal .
[Photograph courtesy of Reverend Eric Ravndal, III]

Col Joseph F. Moody is standing sixth from the right and Col Eric Ravndal is standing third from the left.
[Photograph courtesy of Reverend Eric Ravndal, III]

Harold W. Ashley

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:54:33 GMT

Past Interim Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(05 MAR 1948 to 29 MAR 1948)

Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Ashley was born on June 30, 1910 in Warren, Kentucky. He married Jewett Gwin Ashley in 1933 and moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1936 where their daughter Martha Ann Ashley was borne. He was a successful businessman who owned an appliance sales business. He was active in his community.

Lt Col Ashley appointed commander of the Florida Wing in March 1948. He also served as the commander for the Civil Air Patrol group in the Jacksonville area. He was active in Civil Air Patrol emergency services and civil defense.

Lt Col Ashley passed away on October 3, 1996 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Samuel G. Spieker, Jr.

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 23:15:59 GMT

Past Commander, Florida Wing, CAP
(01-SEP-1984 to 23-JUN-1986)

Colonel Samuel G. Spieker, Jr. took command of Florida Wing on September 1, 1985. During his term, Col. Spieker promoted the cadet program through attendence at various wing sponsored cadet events. Col. Spieker also challenged the wing to exceed in accomplishment of both the aerospace education and emergency services missions.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORK HISTORY:

EASTERN AIRLINES INC. - September 1963 — 1984

Present Captain — June 1977 — 1984
First Officer — September 1963 — May 1977
Logged in excess of 15,000 hours
Type ratings in L—188 Electra, DC—9 and B—727

He was responsible, as a senior management representative, for the safe operation of flights, crew coordination and awareness, passenger comfort and satisfaction, maintenance of schedule, and economic operation.

He attended management recurrent training every six months to maintain proficiency and skills.

C0MMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY - State Trooper - January 1959 - September 1963

Responsibilities included serving on Governor Bert Combs’ staff as Aide—De—Camp and bodyguard.
Personally commissioned as Kentucky Colonel by Governor Combs.

KENTUCKY FLYING SERVICE - Louisville, Kentucky - September 1956 — January 1959

Aircraft service and maintenance with progression to Charter Pilot and Flight Instructor.

He continued these duties on part—time basis while employed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was one of eight troopers chosen to start the State Police Aviation Section.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

He was married for 25 years; two children.
He also was a member in good standing at First Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
MILITARY - U.S. Army — 1954—1956:

Honorable Discharge as Specialist 3rd Class.
Received Good Conduct Medal.
Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

CIVIL AIR PATROL - March 1967 - 1984:

Staff/Task Assignments:

S.E.R. Director of Emergency Services, 1984
S.E.R. Director of Senior Programs, 1984
S.E.R. S.A.R. Comp. Project Officer, 1984
S.E.R. Staff College Project Officer, 1984
S.E.R. Staff College Admin. Officer, 1983

Florida Wing:

Assistant Director Emergency Services
N.C. Update Course Project Officer
Search and Rescue (SAR) Competition Team Member, SER SAR Competition, 1983
Quad Region SAR Competition Project Officer, 1983

Florida Wing, Sector A:

Deputy Commander
Flight Clinic Project Officer
Sector A Conference Project Officer

Florida Wing, Groups 9 and 15:

Deputy Commander
Standardization and Evaluation Officer
Operations Officer
Finance Officer
Aerospace Education Officer
Chairperson — Membership Board
Chairperson — Promotion Board
Member — Awards Review Board — Senior and Cadet
Member — Executive Review Board

Florida Wing — Squadron Level:

Commander — Cadet Squadron
Testing Officer
Aerospace Education Officer — Senior and Cadet
Standardization and Evaluation Officer
Operations Officer

Other Duties:

Mission Coordinator
Check Pilot — Current
Oreatation Pilot — Current

CAP COURSES COMPLETED (Other than those required to achieve Level Five):

Aerospace Education Program, Senior Members
National S.A.R. School, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Squadron Officer’s School, ECI 21
Corporate Learning Course
Squadron Management Course
Florida Wing Staff School
Federal Emergency Management Staff College
Mission Coordinator’s Update Courses

CAP AWARDS:

Gill Robb Wilson
Commander’s Commendation
Aerospace Education Achievement
Certificates of Participation — S.E.R. S.A.R. Competiton
Certificate of Participation — Quad Region S.A.R. Competition
Command Pilot Wings
Certificate of Accomplishment — Project Launch, 1980
Promoted to Major — Nov. 1980
Master Award — Standards and Evaluation
Senior Award — Operations
Air Search and Rescue
Senior Recruiter

CAP CONFERENCES:

N.E.C. — St. Louis, Philadelphia, Louisville, New Orleans,
Las Vegas.
Wing (1974 to 1984)
SER (1980 to 1984)

[Last Updated: 1984]