Winchester Civil Air Patrol Holds Cadet Change of Command

WINCHESTER, Va. (Feb 6, 2025) - Civil Air Patrol’s Winchester Composite Squadron recently held a cadet change of command ceremony in January at their weekly meeting, during which Cadet Major Madeline Marcelle relinquished her command of the cadets to Cadet Major Matthew Simpson. The squadron currently has 123 cadets on its roster from the surrounding area, inlcuding homeschooled, private schooled, and public schooled youth, from the ages of 12 through 21.
 
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored ceremony designed to mark the occasion when the responsibility of command is passed to the incoming commander. It signifies the end of one era and the beginning of the next. Winchester Composite Squadron’s change of command also marks the beginning of the new January-June 2025 cadet staff term, in which cadets serve and lead in various support and operational roles.
 
The outgoing cadet commander, Cadet Major Madeline Marcelle, stated that “It has been a great honor and a joy to serve as the cadet commander for this outstanding squadron. I have great trust in Cadet Major Simpson, and that he will lead you all to new heights.”
 
The incoming cadet commander, Cadet Major Matthew Simpson, said to the squadron, “I’m honored to serve you as cadet commander, and I look forward to seeing all of your accomplishments and growth this term.”
 
The Winchester Composite Squadron is excited for this new term under Cadet Major Simpson’s leadership, building upon the excellence and dedication of its cadets and senior members.
 
The squadron will be hosting an open house on March 11th for youth and adults interested in membership. Please RSVP to va040@vawg.cap.gov if you are interested in joining us as we serve our community, state, and nation.
______________________________________________________________________
 
About Virginia Wing
The Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, with 22 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth has approximately 1,800 members, 12 light aircraft, and 29 multi-purpose vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state, and local governments, 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 the Virginia Wing, visit the wing’s website at https://vawg.cap.gov/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/vawgcap
 
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.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube