Change of Command for Civil Air Patrol's Connecticut Wing

DANBURY, Conn. - July 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol, welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held July 28 at Danbury Municipal Airport.

Colonel Cassandra Huchko, Connecticut Wing Commander since 2006, relinquished command to Colonel Ken Chapman during the ceremony which was attended by distinguished guests, Civil Air Patrol members and community members. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton congratulated Colonel Chapman and said, “On behalf of a grateful city, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done throughout the last year and I certainly look forward to working with you in the future.”

Colonel Ken Chapman began his Civil Air Patrol career as a cadet in 1983, progressing through the cadet program for 5 years and earning the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point followed by 8 years of active service as an officer in the US Army.

Colonel Chapman has made significant contributions to Connecticut Wing since his return to Civil Air Patrol in 2007 as a senior member in the 399th Danbury Composite Squadron. Serving as Deputy Commander of Cadets (DCC), Col. Chapman led the squadron to earn the 2009 Connecticut Wing Squadron of Merit for the top cadet program in the wing that year.

Colonel Chapman was also instrumental in advocating and founding the 801st Cadet Squadron in the New Fairfield Public School District, the first school-based cadet program in Connecticut Wing. As commander of the 801st Cadet Squadron, Col. Chapman led the unit to win numerous awards including the Quality Cadet Unit award three years in a row, 1st Place in the Connecticut Wing Color Guard competition and the National Cadet of the Year. Chapman also led the 801st Cadet Squadron in support of the New Fairfield Emergency Shelter during Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Winter Storm Alfred. In 2013, Col. Chapman founded the 802nd Cadet Squadron, the second school-based squadron in state.

In addition to being a squadron commander, Chapman was simultaneously the Connecticut Wing Director of Cadet Programs (DCP) from 2011 to the present.  As the DCP, Col. Chapman made numerous strides to improve the cadet program across the wing.  Most notably, the wing cadet membership surpassed 400 cadets for the first time in over 10 years and Connecticut Wing exceeded the national average for many of the key criteria established for the Quality Cadet Unit Award.  Chapman was awarded the Connecticut Wing Cadet Programs Officer of the Year in 2012 and the National Cadet Programs Officer of the Year in 2013.

As commander of Connecticut Wing, Colonel Chapman will oversee 14 active squadrons with 760 members across the state. Northeast Region Commander, Colonel Christopher Hayden, officiating over the change of command, said “Colonel Chapman has great plans for you ahead. I think you have a lot to look forward to. I know the Wing is in good hands and thank you sir for stepping forward to take command.”

Addressing the audience, Colonel Chapman said, “I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the members of Civil Air Patrol as the next and 19th Connecticut Wing Commander. I am always impressed with the quality of senior members and cadets in the wing.  I know that Connecticut Wing will continue to do great things.” In summary Col. Chapman stated, “I look forward to working with the members of Connecticut Wing, our partner Wings, Northeast Region and National as we turn a new page in the history of Connecticut Wing.”