New Iowa Wing commander Announced

[TDHenderson]

Shock, total shock.  My day just went in the crapper.

[lordmonar]

Oh gods....Mr Hayden is just going to be beside himself now!

[ColonelJack]

I just got word that the NCR commander has changed his mind and Nick is not getting the command. Lt. Col. Ron Scheitzach has now been selected to take the helm.

Any word as to a reason for the switch?

Jack

[SDF_Specialist]

Ok, this is Bravo Sierra. Why would anyone think that Col. Critelli is any less qualified than the new choice? I think having the good Colonel would have been a wise decision for IAWG.

[Johnny Yuma]

Here's a copy of the email I got (redacted):

From: [Redacted - MIKE]
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:17:50 EST
Subject: Iowa
To: (DELETED by J. YUMA)


Wing Commanders and NCR Staff,

    After some serious deliberation, I have decided to name Lt. Col. Ron Scheitzach as the incoming Wing Commander for the Iowa Wing.  I ask that everyone welcome Ron in his new position.

Colonel Sean Fagan
Commander
North Central Region



+++++++++++++++++++++

Okay IAWG, WTH's going on?

[CadetProgramGuy]

I am in class, I will return for my thesis and suspension of memberhsip.

[RogueLeader]

I do know that Col Schietzach has been a Squadron Commander for at least 4 years, all totaled.  During his command, his Squadron received at least two Unit Citations, and developed a thriving cadet program.

[RogueLeader]

Ok, this is Bravo Sierra. Why would anyone think that Col. Critelli is any less qualified than the new choice? I think having the good Colonel would have been a wise decision for IAWG.

And what do you know personally of either?  Before you call the Bravo Sierra card, you had better know the people involved, not just what you have heard.

[pixelwonk]

Take it easy. 
It's natural for this community to react with some degree of shock having read this kind of news.  Especially in light of the fact that Nick Critelli is a respected individual around these parts.

[Major Carrales]

Can assume that the reasons for these turns of events are sound.   So be it.

[ZigZag911]

Can assume that the reasons for these turns of events are sound.   So be it.

Sparky, if you're saying as professionals we need to accept the reality of the situation and continue to support CAP's missions (which implies supporting those in command), you are, of course, correct.

However, you have absolutely no basis for assuming that sound reasoning underlies this decision. That is simply blind faith, loyalty for the sake of loyalty.

You're signature tag (not sure you still have it) spoke of us having the power to change CAP.....an excellent philosophy; it is possible to be loyal to the organization and its commanders even while questioning processes, procedures, and decisions.

Of course if we stopped to have a discussion before each simple decision, we'd grind to a halt....but this was not a simple decision, this was the appointment of a wing commander, and further the endorsement and support of a vision that has implications for CAP's future. I have observed elements of the Iowa Wing method begin to be adopted and adapted in some wings in NER, and, wherever it has happened, it has borne positive results.

Withdrawing the appointment of Nick Critelli as Iowa Wing CC will have repercussions for CAP in Iowa's state government, National Guard, and among the members of the wing itself. It may also have broader repercussions within CAP nationally, further discouraging those who want to fulfill CAP's missions and minimize the political wrangling.

I don't know Gen. Courter or Col. Fagan personally. I would not think of questioning their integrity. I do, however, question the wisdom of reaching a decision of this nature, based on second and third hand observations and complaints, without ever seeking the response of the individual whose suitability was being questioned.

Lt. Col. Critelli was never asked about any of these concerns, but simply informed of the ultimate decision.

The commanders involved are within their rights, but it still seems like a poor way to do business....and it very much resembles "CAP business as usual".

An unfortunate, even disappointing turn of events; up until this point, Gen. Courter's command has been characterized by reason, transparency and fairness.

[SDF_Specialist]

I respect what the NCR Commander has done, and I feel that he is only doing what's best for CAP. But like Tedda said, Nick Critelli is a very respected individual both in and out of his Wing. I don't see where it is fair to make an announcement that one day this person is the commander, then the next someone else. I am not questioning the NCR/CC. I would never question anyone unless I felt that there was an issue of ethics involved. But this is not fair for Nick and his family to have them prepare for something of this importance, then say that it's not gonna happen. I apologize if my initial post came off harsh, but I feel bad for Nick and the members of Iowa Wing who was looking forward to his being in command.

[CAPrider]

Senior Officer Course Vol 4. 1-1.600 - Leadership is defined as "the art of influencing and directing people in a way that will win their obedience, confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation in achieving a common objective."

"...if your leadership in not directed completely toward the mission, your leadership has failed."

What is the Civil Air Patrol's Mission? Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.

It is PEOPLE who accomplish missions, not organizations. I will support wholeheartedly anyone who focuses on the mission, who puts their energy into the goal and purpose that so many people spend so much time, passion, and yes, money, to achieve. Anyone who does not care to do this is not only betraying the people who they are supposed to lead and serve, but they betray the mission and the organization. An organization betrayed is an organization in decay. It IS people who make the organization. I challenge whoever the next Wing Commander is to remember that, and to behave accordingly.

Who is Lt. Col. Scheitzach? In two years of involvement with Iowa Wing CAP, multiple missions, multiple exercises, I do not remember having met this person.  It is confusing that a person would want to 'lead' a group of people and "win their obedience, confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation in achieving a common objective" when they have not been visible to those that they claim to want to 'lead'.  And from what I understand, Lt. Col. Scheitzach is not even an active member.  Why on earth would they want to be Wing Commander when they haven't cared enough to be involved or active?

I am confused as to why there was one announcement that Lt. Col. Critelli was chosen as commander, then another that 'oh, we changed our mind, let's have Lt. Col. Scheitzsach'. IF there were doubts, ask the people who would be impacted, the people who are busy, ACTIVE in the Iowa Wing, the clients who rely on us to fulfill the Civil Air Patrol MISSIONS. For goodness sakes, avoid the appearance of unprofessionalism that THIS definitely gives.

[Major Carrales]

Can as Sparky, if you're saying as professionals we need to accept the reality of the situation and continue to support CAP's missions (which implies supporting those in command), you are, of course, correct.

I am inclined to accept your above comment.  The reality of the situation is unalterable by the majority of users here at CAPTALK.  I will also add that we know little of those reasons and I will alter my statement to reflect a "hope" for some sound reasoning.

This is nothing more than my usual call for "cooler heads" and "temperance" as we see what unfolds here.  As more facts are made clear, we can make our own judgements.  The speculation should not overrule the facts.

[ZigZag911]

This is nothing more than my usual call for "cooler heads" and "temperance" as we see what unfolds here.  As more facts are made clear, we can make our own judgements.  The speculation should not overrule the facts.

Well put, as always, words we should all heed!

[CadetProgramGuy]

You can cram all of the leadership material into a discussion that you want, but in this situation this is MASSICE Bravo Sierra.

Nick Critelli is an honorable man, he was the best man at my wedding for goodness sake.

He was selected by the Region Commander, confirmed by the National Commander and was in the middle of his transition.

Not even a phone call from the person that makes the decision.  That is INSULTING.

I talked to Nick today on the phone.

He feels insulted.  He feels as if someone just slapped him on the face.

He also told me that he is now Mr Critelli.  No longer Lt Col.  Resigned Membership.

All because of backdoor politics.  Good Ol' boy club.

Oh yeah on a personal note.

I resign Director of Cadet Programs Immediately.  I will not serve under someone that has been inactive in CAP for 2 years and now in the New Wing CC.

Hey Skip, report this.......

[lordmonar]

Okay...what's the intell say?   Why the sudden change? 

James thinks it is Good O'Boy Politics....but then Nick should be shoe in.  Was it presure from above?  But supposedly the national commander approved it already?

Was it pressure from inside the wing?

This one is just baffeling......

Nick....are you out there?  WTF...over.

BTW....Ray E-mailed me to gloat 

[SDF_Specialist]

He also told me that he is now Mr Critelli.  No longer Lt Col.  Resigned Membership.

You see, that's a shame. CAP could use a great man such as Nick.

He feels insulted.  He feels as if someone just slapped him on the face.

I can understand why. I've never been a commander, but that's because there is a policy in effect in my Wing that states Commanders or Deputy Commanders must be at least 25 years of age. I've never had to expirience something like that. But to receive the chance to lead an entire Wing of some great people, then have it ripped away is true Bravo Sierra.

Nick, if you are out there, there's always a place within Ohio Wing. We may not be the best Wing, but at least we beat Michigan Wing with Yeager Awards

[isuhawkeye]

Nick will not be posting on this or any other CAP site in the immediate future.  Those of us in the know are holding our breath. 

[ddelaney103]

My second time through tech school, I had an Airman infected with "Fairness Disease."  Certain events were met with the cry of, "but that's not fair!"

My the end of the course, I got her to stop that with a look.  She would then repeat the mantra:

"Life isn't fair, and the Air Force is less fair than life."

I don't have a dog in this fight, but these things happen.  You just have to suck it up and drive on.

However, if your response to being passed over for Wing King at five years service is resigning, maybe CAP isn't for you.