Civil Air Patrol member inducted into Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Oct. 13, 2025) – Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Bud” Oakey, of Roanoke, resident of Midlothian, and a member of Civil Air Patrol’s Virginia Wing, was inducted into the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society’s Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame during a special ceremony over the weekend.
Lt. Col. Oakey, presently serving as the Mid-Atlantic Region’s government relations advisor, was recognized for his leadership in Virginia’s aviation community. Through his roles of chairman and founder of Advantus Strategies, L.L.C. and president of the Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA), Lt. Col. Oakey regularly advocates for legislation and programs that strengthen general aviation and airport development across the Commonwealth, such as support to the Virginia General Assembly’s Aviation and Aerospace Caucus, as well as the state’s sales tax exemption for aircraft maintenance that was recently extended until 2030. Annually, the VABA hosts an aviation, aerospace, and advanced air mobility legislative reception which brings much attention to Virginia aviation. Lt. Col. Oakey regularly works with both educators and lawmakers ensuring aerospace education occurs in the classroom to inspire students and ready Virginia’s workforce for the growing demand in aerospace.
In Civil Air Patrol, Lt. Col. Oakey served as the Virginia Wing’s Legislative Squadron commander, in which all Virginia delegates and senators hold a membership. He coordinates orientation flights for legislators and visits to the local squadrons to connect legislators with their constituents and recognize CAP’s cadet and adult volunteers. He created an internship program for cadets to gain hands-on experience with legislators and the legislative process. Yearly, Virginia Wing members visit while the legislature is in session and the activity is entirely planned and coordinated by the cadet interns.
“Lt. Col. Oakey's unwavering dedication to aviation and aerospace education have had an immeasurable impact on both Civil Air Patrol and the Commonwealth. His leadership inspires all of us, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to his passion, commitment, and the lasting legacy he continues to build in aviation,” commented Virginia Wing Commander, Colonel Patrick Fulgham.
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About Virginia Wing
Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing is home to 21 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,250 members, 12 light aircraft, 6 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and 28 multi-mission vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug missions. For more information on Virginia Wing, visit the wing’s website at https://vawg.cap.gov.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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For More Information:
VAWG Public Affairs pa @ vawg.cap.gov
