Cadet Change Of Command At Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron

The Chattanooga Cadet Squadron Civil Air Patrol held a change of command ceremony on Tuesday at Wilson Air Center.

During the change of Command ceremony, Cadet Major Kira Michelle Vassilev relinquished command of the squadron to Cadet First Lieutenant Jonathan Alexander Colston. 

“I have enjoyed working with you and growing my professional leadership skills,” Cadet/Maj. Vassilev said in her exit speech. “I have learned many things about myself.” She ended with an encouraging list of advice, including, “Remember that you get out of the program what you put into it.”

Cadet/Maj. Vassilev currently attends Chattanooga State University for her business degree. She works as well and has many other hobbies that she is interested in. Cadet/Maj. Vassilev has been a member of the squadron since February 2017. She accepted command on June 28, 2022. 

Cadet First Lieutenant Colston said that he has enjoyed working under Cadet/Maj. Vassilev and that he has learned much from her. “I am Looking forward to working with all of the cadets and leading you all,” he said.  “Senior Members, I look forward to working with you all as well and continuing to grow the squadron for future cadets.” Cadet 1st Lt. Colston has served the squadron since March of 2018. 

Squadron Commander First Lieutenant David J. Breedlove said he has enjoyed working with both cadets this past year. “Both cadets have been outstanding leaders and inspiration for the squadron,” he said.  He congratulated Cadet 1st Lt. Colston on his new role and assured him that the senior members are here to help support them in any way they can.

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.

Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Before ending the night C/1st Lt. David Zachariah Frank Breedlove who served as the master of ceremonies, congratulated both cadets on their hard work and achievements. He also thanked their special guest, Tennessee Group II Commander Maj. Robert E. Lawson, Jr., for his support and help in securing a meeting place to make the change of command special, and to Wilson Air Center for allowing them the opportunity to use the lobby.  

If you would like to learn more about Chattanooga Cadet Squadron, you may visit the webpage at tn187.cap.gov or you can find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CAPTN187.