They are back! I guess they won't go back to the months they missed.

February 3, 2026

Col. Kenneth E. Chapman
Northeast Region
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Kenneth Edward Chapman, 58, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Born on April 18, 1967, in Milledgeville, GA, Ken was the son of Johnnie Lanham Cannon and Teddie Chapman.

Ken grew up in Jonesboro, GA. Following graduation from West Point, Ken served in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg and the 6th ID in Alaska before leaving active duty in 1998. Ken earned his MBA from Columbia University and worked in finance and digital assets during his civilian career.

Ken is survived by his wife, Susan Chapman and their three children: Blake Chapman, Ryan Chapman and Grace Chapman. He is also survived by his brother, Christopher Chapman (Melissa) and his father, Teddie Chapman and mother, Johnnie Cannon.

Ken was an enthusiastic supporter of the Civil Air Patrol. He served as CT Wing Commander for the Northeast Region. Ken and his family were passionate about raising seeing eye dogs.

February 3, 2026

Lt. Col. Leonard S. Schindler
Northeast Region
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Lt Col Leonard Stephen Schindler, CAP  -  03 December 1949 – January 2026

The New York Wing mourns the passing of Lt Col Leonard Stephen Schindler, a devoted Civil Air Patrol member of 31 years whose service and leadership left a lasting impact across the Northeast Region. Lt Col Schindler joined CAP in 1994 with the Connecticut Wing and later commanded the Stratford Eagles Composite Squadron. He transferred to the New York Wing in 2006, serving with New York City Group and Phoenix Composite Squadron. In 2011, he was appointed Inspector General for NYWG, a role he held for many years, and later served at the region level and as Inspector General for the Rhode Island Wing. An accomplished aviator, he held FAA Commercial Pilot, Instrument, and Advanced Ground Instructor ratings, along with five Master Specialty Track ratings in CAP. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow members. His legacy of service will not be forgotten.

February 3, 2026

Col. Richard A. Probst
Vermont Wing
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Richard Allen Probst passed away peacefully in his home January 18th, 2026, at the age of 87 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Although he didn't quite make it to the age of 100, (as he wanted) he lived a long and fruitful life forever remembered for his kindness, compassion, and dedication to his family and career. He was born on December 14th, 1938 in Lock Haven, PA, the son of Forney Probst and Dorothy Allen.

Richard (Dick) Probst graduated Lock Haven High School in 1956 before quickly joining the Navy. There he first attended aviation preparatory school in Norfolk, Virginia to fulfil an early dream of becoming a pilot. His plans later changed to specializing in weather observation and forecasting in naval operations. He served from 1956-1959 before receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. He came to Vermont with the prospect of working in the marble industry, but teaching was always something that intrigued him and he had a knack for it. He received his Bachelor of Science, education from Castleton State College in 1971 and then his masters of arts and education in 1975. He taught at the high school level first at Fair Haven Union High before landing a job at Mill River Union teaching social science/studies and becoming the department chair. Sports were always important to him and he coached various soccer and golf teams for Mill River students. He also taught drivers education for many years. After his retirement, he would often be found back at school as a substitute teacher, remembered for his colorful choice in attire or the many different ties he wore. Outside of school, he was heavily involved with the Vermont Civil Air Patrol, joining in 1984 and working his way to the rank of Colonel. He served in the highest role as Vermont Wing Commander for three years (1996-1999) and later acted in the role of Inspector General.

He met the love of his life and married Penny Billings in 1983. His dedication and love for her was unmatched in life and extended after her unfortunate passing in July 2014. They had two children, Doug and Dan and devoted their lives to them showing by example that patience and compassion is everything and kindness is what matters in life. He enjoyed travel, golf, and hanging out with his friends from his teaching days. In his later years, he started a small company called Vermont Fire Rocks with his friend Heather and enjoyed the challenges of making the product as well as setting up at various markets to sell. Traveling was something he enjoyed immensely and was afforded the opportunity through his military days as well as working on various projects through Civil Air Patrol. Out of all 50 states, Montana was his favorite to visit but Vermont was always his home.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his lovely wife Penny (Billings) Probst, his two brothers Forney II, and Donald Probst of Lock Haven, PA . Survivors include son Doug (Andy) Probst, his partner Cole Michael of Rutland, son Daniel (Allen) Probst and his wife Angelica, and granddaughter Penny Sue. Brother Robert Probst and his wife Carol of Lock Haven, PA, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

February 3, 2026

1st Lt. Leta L. Piper
Michigan Wing
Thunder Bay Cadet Squadron

Leta Louise (Kannegieter) Piper, born February 15, 1970, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, lived a life full of passion, determination, and deep love for her family. She was known for her strong personality, her unmistakable laugh, and her willingness to engage fully with life, never doing anything halfway. She was the daughter of Mary Theresa Magnusson and Thomas Ben Kannegieter, Jr. She was named after Tom's grandmother, Leta Bach. Some of Leta's happiest childhood memories were made during summers spent at Round Lake, surrounded by her grandparents, Tom and Gladys Kannegieter, and her extended family. Those summers were filled with laughter, togetherness, and a sense of belonging that stayed with her throughout her life. Leta was the mother of three children and, through her marriage to Jerry, also embraced four additional children as part of her family. She was a proud grandmother to six grandsons and also loved and welcomed four step-grandchildren, bringing her joy as a grandmother to ten grandchildren in all. Leta loved her children and grandchildren deeply and remained invested in their lives, always wanting the best for them and holding them close in her heart. In 2019, Leta reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Jerry Piper, and the two married in August 2020 during a private beach ceremony in Ludington, Michigan. Their reunion was a joyful and meaningful chapter built on shared history, affection, and companionship. Together, they dreamed of a quieter life ahead and found happiness in one another. Leta loved music and going to concerts and she deeply respected the military and those who serve. She was highly motivated and always had something underway, whether learning a new skill, taking on a leadership role, or planning her next project.
A breast cancer survivor, she carried strength and resolve into every part of her life. She enjoyed sewing, staying busy, and continuing her education, beginning studies in Health & Wellness in 2024. In 2023, she proudly served as Deputy Commander of Seniors with the Thunder Bay Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol. Most recently, Leta and Jerry moved into a home along the river in Alpena, Michigan, a place she loved and looked forward to enjoying in the years ahead. It represented peace, stability, and the future she was excited to build. Leta passed away on January 6, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 55, following a long and courageous medical journey in the aftermath of a heart attack. Leta is survived by her mother, Mary Oakley; her husband, Jerry Piper; her children, Carmen Carmichael (Anthony), Jessica Arnold, and Trevor Arnold; and her siblings, Thomas Kannegieter III and Theresa Kannegieter. She was a proud grandmother to Rian, Jacoby, Waylon, Gabriel, Lucien, and Laikyn. She is also survived by her stepchildren through marriage, whom she cared for as part of her extended family: Brenna Piper, with her children Blake and Noah; McKenzie Smith (Joshua), with their children Asher and Addisyn; Gage Manning; and Alexis. Leta is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her and will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Kannegieter, Jr.

February 3. 2026

Brig. Gen. Larry F. Myrick
National Headquarters
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Larry Floyd Myrick was born in Inglewood, California and lost his battle with Parkinson's disease at the age of 75 in San Luis Obispo on January 9. In spite of growing up with severe asthma and the speech impediment of stuttering, he became an incredibly successful adult. While attending El Camino Junior College he discovered that he had a knack for and a love of math. After transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo he graduated with a degree in Engineering Technology.

While in SLO, Larry met and married JoAnn Brooks Burson, adopting JoAnn's daughter, Becky. Larry raised both Becky and her older brother Donn as his own.

After graduating and working at Lockheed in the San Jose area, he was hired by Gurries & Okamoto in Cupertino. In 1977, he was given an opportunity to open a branch office in his beloved San Luis Obispo. After running that branch until 1989, he and his business partner Keith Brummel, formed the firm Brummel, Myrick and Associates. He and Keith ran BMA until they retired and sold the firm.

Following retirement, he and his second wife, Peggy Wilkinson Myrick, opened their own commissioning business, Integrated Commissioning and Energy. Larry was deeply committed to mentoring emerging professionals. He taught at Cal Poly approximately five years, at the same time he was at BMA and volunteering with Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the auxiliary of the United States Air Force. He also was serving a term as president of the Executives Association of San Luis Obispo, a business networking group.

Larry's involvement with Civil Air Patrol began when his daughter Becky joined the organization. As a supportive and curious father, he attended meetings with her, sparking a passion that would shape the rest of his life. Larry and Becky, and then later Peggy, spent the next several years deeply involved in CAP, including Search and Rescue operations.

Larry and Peggy were both pilots, owning their own aircraft and flying on a wide range of CAP missions. These included search and rescue, Homeland Security flights along the California-Mexican border, and disaster response efforts such as assisting after the Northridge earthquake. Larry led a group of Central Coast CAP members who went to Los Angeles to assist after the Northridge earthquake. On September 11, 2001 Larry, serving as the California CAP commander, was responsible for directing CAP members and aircraft on taskings.

Both were deeply involved with CAP's youth oriented cadet program, IACE (Civil Air Patrol's International Air Cadet Exchange program). Annually CAP participates in IACE with fifteen other countries. For many years they welcomed incoming cadets from Asia as they arrived in San Francisco. In 2012 Larry escorted 10 U.S. cadets as they toured Japan. In addition to the IACE program, Larry and Peggy were active mentoring CAP cadets and helping them experience flight in small aircraft.

Eventually Peggy became very ill with a rare form of cancer, and Larry was devoted to her care. Still, they continued to embrace life together. They went on several cruises as well as travels to Europe. They were inseparable and devoted to each other.

His daughter Becky's proudest moment was watching her dad, Brigadier General Larry Myrick, become Civil Air Patrol's National Vice Commander, second in command in the United States. He held that position for four years after which he and Peggy continued with IACE thru 2019.

After Peggy's passing in July 2021, Larry did his best to move on, but was dealt a terrible blow in late 2023 when he was diagnosed with advanced Parkinson's disease.

When visiting the San Luis Obispo airport, consider that Larry is still influencing the flying he so loved, as he designed the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and provided commissioning services. His influence is all over California, where he designed HVAC for many buildings.

Larry is survived by his daughter Becky (Rick) Sawyer; grandchildren Timothy Sawyer and Erinn (Conner) Downs; his sister Carol Holdsworth (Roger); and nephews Tim (Jennifer) and Scott (Sabrina) Holdsworth; as well as Donn Burson (Lee Ann); Katie Burson; and many of Peggy's loving relatives who remained an important part of his life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Sunrise Terrace RCFE, to Larry's devoted previous in-home caregivers, and to Dr. Steven Sainsbury as well as Central Coast Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

His best friend, wife and soulmate Peggy, preceded him in death as did his parents Victor and Kathryn Myrick. He will forever be remembered for his integrity, service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to family, profession, friends, work colleagues and his Civil Air Patrol family worldwide.

Social media is so widespread today with multiple niche groups and fan pages alike. There's so much connectivity at everyone's fingertips, and I imagine that there are more people chatting in various Facebook groups, Discord channels, and other easy access apps than on their PC/web browser.

As someone with 2,500 posts/comments on CAP Talk over the years, I don't see it being a viable or even credible source of information.

Let's be honest...most of us check in for scuttlebutt and entertainment, not for deep knowledge or learning opportunities.

If CAP Talk went away tomorrow, very few people are affected. That said, I'll continue to check in and read. But I'm looking for a little more engagement than what's on here lately; and there are more obituaries being posted than there are new topics; and I'm not really interested in reading death notices as my source of CAP intel.

Seemed that the site went down for a few days there... Are we back now? 


That brief scare made me wonder: what's in store for CAPTalk's future?

Many folks obviously seem fine with Reddit as an alternative, but I'm personally feeling pretty done with that platform. I follow r/civilairpatrol via RSS now and only log in if there's something specific I want to share or comment on. Too many ads and garbage for casual browsing. Same goes for Facebook; I log in once a year just to see if it's as bad as I remember (spoiler, it is).

Outside of the CAP space, though, I've actually noticed that some online forums seem to be gaining new users and becoming more active recently, so I don't think I'm alone in looking to create some distance between myself and mainstream social media. I could see the potential for a CAPTalk revival in the next couple of years.

That said, to those in the know, what does the official future of Captalk.net look like? 

In addition to the recent outage, the site's SSL cert is missing or invalid (or just never existed), and the e-mail service seems broken, too (possibly due to missing dmarc records?).
Are there plans to fix things and keep them going, or should we be looking for alternative ways forward?


Thanks for all the years, so far.

Quote from: GroundHawg on January 22, 2026, 04:06:33 PMAny update to when the proposed new blue utility uniform will clear the house and move to the senate?

Only gouge I've heard is "Soon."

Marketing & Communications has been in the process of rolling out a new and updated cap.news site for the last 60 days or so. I think that in the process of preparing for that big migration, they just put a lot of other updates and content changes on hold.

I do know they plan to move that over to the new cap.news