2006 Connecticut Wing Conference


Col Jensen accepts command during Change of Command Ceremony	Col Palmer receives Distinguished Service Award and transformation from temporary grade of Colonel to full grade of Colonel

MIDDLETOWN, CT -- The Connecticut Civil Air Patrol held its annual wing conference during the weekend of April 29th at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut, celebrating the community service missions and educational opportunities experienced during the past year.

The conference was attended by over 100 delegates, representing all twelve state squadrons. It was a great place to make new friends and renew old acquaintances with a common bond.

Activities during this year’s conference included exciting and educational seminars, numerous cadet competitions, and an evening awards banquet. The seminars contained an abundance of beneficial information, covering subjects ranging from emergency services to the history of the Titan II Missile Program.

Distinguished guests included CAP Northeast Region Vice Commander Col. James Linker, Northeast Liaison Region Commander Lt. Col. John O’Connell, and Connecticut Wing Commander Col. Peter Jensen.

During his opening remarks, Colonel Jensen expressed his pride in the wing’s positive development saying, “Connecticut has always shown the nation that large size is not necessary to be a great state. The Connecticut Wing is rejuvenated and on the move.”

In the course of the opening session, the following members were recognized with awards:

Commander Commendations:

1^st Lt. Juliet Bailey, Wing Administration Officer

Lt. Col. Nicholas Brignola, Wing Logistics

Lt. Col. Cassandra Huchko, Chief of Staff

Lt. Col. Carlton Stidsen, Wing Director of Safety

Col. Lloyd Sturges, Wing Director of Operations

Meritorious Service Medal:

Lt. Col. Tim Olmstead

Chuck Yeager Aerospace Achievement Award:

SM Andre Bourassa

SM Stephen Rocketto

1^st Lt. Robert Cartier

Capt. Deborah Foss

Capt. Kevin “Killer” Shea

Lt. Col. Anthony Chichocki Jr.

Hervey Award:

Cadet Tomas Marquez, Royal Charter Composite Squadron

Senior Member of the Year Award:

2^nd Lt. Kathleen Patenaude, 169^th Composite Squadron

Staff officer awards were also presented during the opening session. The following were recognized for superior service in their respective positions.

Administration:

Lt. Col. Scott Varrick, 169^th Composite Squadron

Personnel:

2^nd Lt. Kathleen Patenaude, 169^th Composite Squadron

Cadet Programs:

1^st Lt. Ryan Bomaster, 169^th Composite Squadron

Communications:

1^st Lt. Robert Cartier, Royal Charter Composite Squadron

Emergency Services:

Capt. Judson Graves, Silver City Cadet Squadron

Finance:

Capt. Joseph Mihalak, Silver City Cadet Squadron

Safety:

Capt. John Kelling, 169^th Composite Squadron

Supply:

2^nd Lt. Leticia Baker, 169^th Composite Squadron

The highlight of the Connecticut Wing Conference was the Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday night. The banquet provided another occasion to socialize and to honor the special achievements of the membership. The keynote speaker was Col. Richard A. Greenhut, National Director of Homeland Security for the Civil Air Patrol. He expressed his appreciation towards Connecticut’s role in Search & Rescue and Homeland Security and offered his congratulations to the members for their hard work and service throughout the past year.
Colonel Linker presided over the formal change of wing command from Colonel James Palmer to Colonel Peter Jensen. Colonel Palmer was then awarded one of CAP's highest decorations - the Distinguished Service Medal - for his years of command service to the Connecticut Wing.

CTWG Conference 2007

Colonel Peter K. Jensen, CTWG Commander, has announced that the 2007 CTWG Conference will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007.

Please mark your calendars and reserve the date.