Nebraska Wing Welcomes Interim Commander: Colonel David E. Plum
Colonel David E. Plum has been appointed as the interim commander of the Nebraska Wing (NEWG), Civil Air Patrol (CAP). He brings extensive experience and dedication to the role. In a Change of Command ceremony held on July 6, 2024, North Central Region (NCR) Commander Colonel Thomas B. Theis passed the Nebraska Wing flag to Colonel Plum, officially transferring command on behalf of outgoing commander Colonel Dale Wuster. This ceremony marked the conclusion of one leadership era and the beginning of a new interim period that aims to renew and strengthen the Nebraska Wing.
Colonel Plum’s journey with CAP began in 2002 as a founding member of the Pony Express Composite Squadron in St. Joseph, Missouri. His service includes a previous term as Nebraska Wing Commander from March 2010 to March 2014. After his successful leadership of the Nebraska Wing, he served as the North Central Region Director of Safety and later as the North Central Region Director of Standards and Evaluations, eventually joining the NCR Command Team. In May 2016, Colonel Plum was appointed Chief of Staff for NCR, following his service as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations beginning in March 2015. His professional qualifications extend beyond CAP, where he serves as an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, reinforcing his dedication to aviation safety and standards. Additional details on Colonel Plum can be found on the Wing Commander webpage of the NEWG website.
As Colonel Plum's first order of business, he swiftly appointed new staff, choosing Lieutenant Colonel Roxanne "Rocky" Richards as Vice Commander and Major Jason Ferguson as Chief of Staff. During an all-member Commander's Call in August, Plum outlined his goals to grow wing membership, revitalize programs, and keep operations focused on CAP's mission—all while ensuring members have fun along the way. He spoke of fostering respect by being present and engaging in serious conversations. Requested from members that when addressing issues, explain why they are problematic and offer improvement solutions. He instills the need to prioritize clear communication and transparency to recognize that everyone is busy and to maintain a perspective throughout.
The Nebraska Wing is fortunate to have Colonel Plum as interim commander. His extensive experience, dedication to safety, and commitment to education make him an outstanding leader, poised to uphold the high standards of excellence for CAP operations in Nebraska.
For More Information:
Major Wilma Gerena
Public Affairs Officer
155th Composite Squadron