Winchester Civil Air Patrol Changes Leadership
WINCHESTER, Va. (Feb. 27, 2026) – Civil Air Patrol’s Winchester Composite Squadron held a formal change of command ceremony last month, marking the transition of leadership from Lt. Col. Jacob Bixler to a new commander. Change of command ceremonies are among the most significant traditions in Civil Air Patrol, symbolizing continuity of leadership, responsibility, and mission. The ceremonial passing of the unit flag formally transfers that trust from one commander to the next in the presence of the squadron’s members.
During his tenure starting in January 2022, Lt. Col. Bixler led a period of extraordinary growth and stabilization for the squadron. Under his leadership, the unit experienced a 700 percent increase in membership while maintaining strong retention across both cadet and adult programs. Virginia Wing’s Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Todd Parsons, highlighted that “growth alone does not define success. Sustained engagement, clear administrative systems, strengthened programming, and a culture of belonging were hallmarks of Bixler’s command. Members advanced, cadets developed, and senior members deepened their commitment to service.”
In recognition of his outstanding performance of duty, Lt. Col. Bixler was awarded the Civil Air Patrol Meritorious Service Award for this period. In addition to his service with CAP, he continues to serve the nation as an officer in the West Virginia Air National Guard.
The new commander brings extensive operational and leadership experience from a distinguished military career, including successful battalion command and decades of progressive responsibility. Like his predecessor, he began his leadership journey as a Civil Air Patrol cadet, demonstrating a continued commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders.
The Winchester Composite Squadron, known as the Black Sheep Squadron, has built a strong identity rooted in professionalism and service to community. Lt. Col. Parsons also emphasized that the squadron’s growth was not the work of one individual, but the collective effort of members who showed up consistently, upheld standards, and created an environment where others wanted to remain engaged.
Those interested in volunteering with Civil Air Patrol should check out the squadron’s website, https://vawg.cap.gov/locations/winchester
Additional Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3c8tEaaKHqHim2Zc9
About Virginia Wing
Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing is home to 21 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,500 members, 13 Cessna 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:
First Lieutenant Ingrid Sorza, ingrid.sorza @ vawg.cap.gov
