News

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.  

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 18, 2026) - Earlier this month, approximately 50 Virginia Wing members laced up their shoes, buttoned their blazers, and fastened their covers for State Legislative Day and the 2026 Aviation, Aerospace, and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception.

WINCHESTER, Va. (Nov 30, 2025) – Civil Air Patrol’s Winchester Composite Squadron is leading the National Wreaths Across America (WAA) Day again this year at the Winchester National Cemetery on December 13. Anyone interested in participating in this free community event is invited to arrive at 11:00 am to lay wreaths. A ceremony will begin at 12:00 noon to honor those who gave their lives in service for our country. Any remaining wreaths will be laid after the ceremony.

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. 

WINCHESTER, Va. (Aug. 17, 2025) – Civil Air Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Dean “Norm” Anderson, of Winchester, has been selected as Civil Air Patrol’s 2025 Order of Daedalians Exceptional Instructor Pilot of the Year.

Congratulations to all members of Virginia Wing for being recognized by National Headquarters with TWO CAP Mission Awards for our work in 2024:

- Cadet Programs
- Homeland Security/Defense

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Aug 16, 2025) – Nearly one hundred Civil Air Patrol members flew on a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft courtesy of the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard on Wednesday.

WINCHESTER, Va. (June 28, 2025) – Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Virginia Wing held a Mountain Search and Rescue Flight Training Course, known as “Mountain Fury,” at Winchester Regional Airport.

WINCHESTER, Va. (April 20, 2025) – Civil Air Patrol Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Alekzander “Zander” Rogers, of Winchester, has been selected to receive a Civil Air Patrol scholarship from its Virginia Wing. This scholarship is an all-expenses-paid opportunity for Rogers to train and complete his solo flight and related training towards his private pilot certificate. He serves as the character development noncommissioned officer in charge with the Winchester Composite Squadron.

WINCHESTER, Va. (Mar 12, 2025) – Lieutenant Colonel Steven Ritter, of Stephens City, was recognized for serving in Civil Air Patrol for 50 years. Brigadier General David V. Cochran, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard, presented Lt. Col. Ritter with a plaque at the Winchester Composite Squadron’s annual banquet at Historic Rosemont Springs earlier this month.