Commander's Corner
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JAN 20, 2012
Ladies and Gentlemen of IL Wing,
As I write this last letter for the commander’s page, I am saddened with its posting. As with all good things, there comes a time to step aside and allow others to move on and excel in their new tasking. When I took command back in April 2008, I did not know what was in store for me. I retrospect, whoa! During these pass 4yrs, you all have allowed me the opportunity to represent you and the wing as your commander, and this service has been one of the highlights of my military career. I spent 28 years in the military, either on active duty, Air National Guard duty or USAF Reserve duty. During this service I fought in two wars, participated in the evacuation of Phenom Penn and Saigon in 1975 and had lots of strange but exciting posting to include starting the first air refueling contract between NATO and the Air National Guard Bureau. I took general and admiral candidates into China on an exchange program. There was one trip where my crew brought the pet snake (Pete the Python all 17 ft. and 300 pounds) from U-Tapao AB Thailand to Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. There are many more memories then I can list. In fact, I cannot believe it’s been almost 14 years since I joined CAP. As I look back, I realize it’s the wonderful people whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with that have been the corner stone to my participation in CAP. From Major General Carr and past CAP commander Major General Courter down to the newest IL cadet, I have had the most outstanding opportunity to associate with the finest volunteers, in the finest volunteer organization in the nation.
If I start naming people who have had impact on my career, I would take up more room then I am allowed on this web site. Also, I would probably forget someone and that would be my error and I would not want someone to think I did not appreciate their contribution. So, for those who got me into this, "(you know who you are so enter your name here) have I told you how much I hate you today?" These gentlemen, I would never say this to a lady, know who they are and how much they mean to me and CAP.
As a reservist working with the folks of summer encampment at Volk Field, WI. I had my first introduction to CAP and their outstanding volunteers. To this day I really enjoy participating in the encampments in whatever function is needed. I have been told there are pictures of someone looking like me, wearing a flower apron and goofy hat, while serving food to the encampment. I can in good conscious say "I pled the Fifth Amendment, I can't remember!" To the poor cadet who was being questioned by Major Robinson as the cadet stood in the chow line, "Do you know who the Wing Commander of Illinois is and do you know where he is?" The poor cadet said "Col Larson" and then in a trembling voice, "I think he's behind me!" Participation with the cadets has been enlightening and very, very rewarding. I made a promise to myself to make a unit visit to each and every one. I am proud to state, I was successful and really have learned a lot from my time moving around the state. From presenting awards and promoting our own World War II CAP participants, to pinning on 2nd Lieutenant rank to new cadet officers, what a thrill for me to participate. Several of you cadets took your questioning very well when I pinned on your new rank. Remember, I did this to re-enforce the achievement you successfully mastered any why it was important. To all the cadets I have met, I wish you well in your future endeavors. Your participation in CAP marks you ahead of your peers and shows you have the ability to accomplish what you put your mind and will towards.
I will close with a quick, but very sincere THANK YOU to each and every one of you. I pass the baton to Col Oeth and his staff and wish them well as they assume command. I could not have done it without them and you!
I want to thank each and everyone of you for your service to the nation, our state, our communities and the Wing.
GORDON A. LARSON, Colonel, CAP
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Overnight Parking at Wing HQ
- The DuPage Airport policy on vehicles within the secutiry gates states that the vehicles must display a sticker issued by the DuPage Airport Authority.
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We have been generally lax about this requirement because of the amount of equipment some members need to transfer between the vehicle and the building. Members will continue to be allowed short term (a couple of hours) parking when working at Wing Headquarters.
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It is a fire and safety hazard to leave vehicles parked next to the facility with no owner or keys available to move the vehicle should the need arise.
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No member is authorized to park their vehicle, personal or corporate, overnight or for extended periods of time within the security fence area.
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Vehicles parked within the security gate overnight or for extended periods will be towed and stored by the towing company at the member’s personal expense.
Policy Letter Update
Attention all commanders,
MGen Courter has written another policy letter that supercedes the 15 Jun letter. Please read it because it takes some of the requirements off the cadets attending summer encampment as students. I have read your letters concerning the requirements being placed on the sq cc and I agree that streamlining is the only way to go.
Gordon Larson
Donations to Subordinate Units must be sent to Wing
Changes made to both CAPR 173-1 and CAPR173-4 now require that when your unit receives a "Donation", that donation is to be sent to Wing for processing, we will make the deposit into the bank for you, produce the "Donation Letter", and send it to the Donor.
Please send full contact information for the Donor, you must send in the check, and any correspondence that arrived with the Donation.
If you have any questions, please contact Wing FM, Maj Brad Rederer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or feel free to call me at 1-847-895-4782.
