http://www.cap.news/great-lakes-regions-phelka-named-next-natl-vice-commander/
Col Ed Phelka was appointed the new CAP Vice Commander, effective 2 Sep 2017.
Congratulations Colonel (soon to be BG) Phelka
GLR's loss will be to the significant gain of the organization as a whole, just as with Col Smith,
his resume reads like a template for a CAP national staffer in regards to experience and
past duties.
My money is on his getting a second star after Col Smith.
Both Smith and Phelka seem to have great bios. I don't know either of them well, and don't really know about their work. But they seem like really sharp guys, both of them. A great move for all of us!
I've known Col Phelka personally for going on 20 years now, and consider him not only a mentor but a close and personal friend.
Ten years ago, shortly after he made wing commander out in Colorado, an envelope showed up in my mailbox containing his Lt Col epaulets and a personal note. A month ago, I gave them back to him so he could "Pin" them on for me.
I may be biased, but there are few leaders in CAP that I trust, respect, and admire the way I do Col Phelka.
Quote from: Slim on August 10, 2017, 09:41:59 AM
I've known Col Phelka personally for going on 20 years now, and consider him not only a mentor but a close and personal friend.
Ten years ago, shortly after he made wing commander out in Colorado, an envelope showed up in my mailbox containing his Lt Col epaulets and a personal note. A month ago, I gave them back to him so he could "Pin" them on for me.
I may be biased, but there are few leaders in CAP that I trust, respect, and admire the way I do Col Phelka.
He was the one that approved my Lt Col (he personally called me to congratulate me) and handed them to my daughter's to pin on me. My most cherished coin is the one he presented me.
Full bias here as well, but he will be a great leader for our national organization.
Quote from: Eclipse on August 10, 2017, 12:21:50 AM
GLR's loss will be to the significant gain of the organization as a whole, just as with Col Smith,
his resume reads like a template for a CAP national staffer in regards to experience and
past duties.
My money is on his getting a second star after Col Smith.
+1
If you ever get him cornered, ask him to tell the Blue Angels takeoff story.
Quote from: ♠SARKID♠ on August 15, 2017, 07:59:14 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 10, 2017, 12:21:50 AM
GLR's loss will be to the significant gain of the organization as a whole, just as with Col Smith,
his resume reads like a template for a CAP national staffer in regards to experience and
past duties.
My money is on his getting a second star after Col Smith.
+1
If you ever get him cornered, ask him to tell the Blue Angels takeoff story.
The famous Cessna high performance takeoff!
He loves telling that story. I was the one who told him, I was flying right seat in the CAP Cessna behind the blue jet.
Quote from: Slim on August 16, 2017, 09:49:42 AM
Quote from: ♠SARKID♠ on August 15, 2017, 07:59:14 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 10, 2017, 12:21:50 AM
GLR's loss will be to the significant gain of the organization as a whole, just as with Col Smith,
his resume reads like a template for a CAP national staffer in regards to experience and
past duties.
My money is on his getting a second star after Col Smith.
+1
If you ever get him cornered, ask him to tell the Blue Angels takeoff story.
The famous Cessna high performance takeoff!
He loves telling that story. I was the one who told him, I was flying right seat in the CAP Cessna behind the blue jet.
You are legendary.
Sarkid....
I may never meet Col Phelka personally. Can you share the story?
Quote from: SouthernCross on August 16, 2017, 03:35:06 PM
Sarkid....
I may never meet Col Phelka personally. Can you share the story?
Text cannot do it near enough justice. Slim, you are hereby tasked to get him to tell it at his pinning on and record it for posterity.
Man, I remember attending my first COWG wing conference as a young C/SSgt and just being awe-inspired by our then WG/CC Col Phelka. I have great hopes for the future of our organization with him behind the reins(Or, behind the person behind the reins, rather).
I was quite sad when he went off to Michigan(I think it was), but I'm glad to hear that he's doing positive things.
Quote from: SouthernCross on August 16, 2017, 03:35:06 PM
Sarkid....
I may never meet Col Phelka personally. Can you share the story?
Chances are very good you will get the opportunity.
Well... since I'll be going to SA, I may have to find him and corner him to get the story out....lol
Hit him up about Col. Burke and heavy jet time. Or even better, ask Col. Burke.
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That's best to ask when they are together.
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Quote from: NIN on August 18, 2017, 03:14:11 AM
That's best to ask when they are together.
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You have a point there.
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I met Col Phelka at a Squadron meeting I dropped in on during a brief trip to MI. He made an immediate and very positive impression on me. They made a good choice.
Outstanding choice for Civil Air Patrol.
Congratulations, Col. Phelka!
Should be BG (select) Phelka
Quote from: MSG Mac on August 19, 2017, 03:51:42 PM
Should be BG (select) Phelka
... if CAP had such a program. And it would be Brig Gen (Sel).
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Quote from: MSG Mac on August 19, 2017, 03:51:42 PM
Should be BG (select) Phelka
It would be if this were Civil
Army Patrol, but it's not and CAP does try to follow Air Force traditions and practices.
Grunts usually abbreviate it to COL (P) for a promotable Brig Gen (or BG as the Green Machine abbreviates it).
And we're done here. Measuring contest complete. :(