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Orange County Comp Squadron Holds Change-in-Command Ceremony

Capt Pete Wehr (left), the outgoing Commander, and Lt Ron Watkins (right) the new Commander of the Orange County Comp Squadron at the February 5, 2015 Change-in-Command ceremony.
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Capt Pete Wehr (left), the outgoing Commander, and Lt Ron Watkins (right) the new Commander of the Orange County Comp Squadron at the February 5, 2015 Change-in-Command ceremony. Photo Credit: SM Lynne Albert, PAO, MER-NC-150 (click image to view full size)
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Squadron Commander Steps Down and New Squadron Commander Steps Up

By C/SMSgt Abigail Ham, CAP
Cadet PAO, Orange County Comp Squadron (MER-NC-150)

2/5/2015–HILLSBOROUGH, NC– The Orange County Composite Squadron conducted a Change-in-Command ceremony on February 5, 2015.  Current squadron Commander, Capt Peter Wehr, stepped down from his four year position of leading the squadron and Lt Ronald Watkins stepped up to the plate to accept his place as the new squadron Commander.

 
The honored guest, Col Toby Wall (Group 2 Commander of CAP), performed the Change-in-Command ceremony for the squadron.  At the beginning of the ceremony, every cadet and senior member fell into formation, followed by the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.  
 
Prior to the passing of the squadron flag, Col Wall gave a moving speech thanking  Capt Wehr for his years of service to CAP and the squadron and listed some of Capt Wehr’s many accomplishments.  The squadron guidon was then passed from Capt Wehr to Lt Watkins.  Col Wall presented Capt Wehr with a Certificate of Appreciation and a card signed by the entire squadron.  The new commander, Lt Watkins, expressed his gratitude to everyone and spoke about his vision for the future of the squadron. 
 
Cadets were called up thereafter to receive promotions and awards from their new Commander.  C/1st Lt Eric Colquhoun received the 2014 Squadron Cadet of the Year Award and C/2nd Lt David Ham received the Dec. 2014 Squadron Cadet of the Quarter Award.  After all awards were given and promotions were made, the squadron was commanded to fall out of formation.   Cadets, senior members and guests alike then mingled, talked and shared desserts. 
 
When asked how he felt about conducting the ceremony, Col Wall stated:
 
"It is an honor to perform the Change in Command ceremony this evening.  This ceremony is a combination of sadness and gladness when one leader steps out and a new leader steps in.  This practice is in keeping with the long tradition of the U.S. Air Force.  I expect great things from the Orange County Composite Squadron in the years ahead.  And I know the squadron's great success under Capt Wehr will continue under the new leadership of Lt Watkins.”
 
Following the ceremony and desserts, the cadets had a few more classes and then the meeting was dismissed. The cadets felt the bittersweetness of their former commander stepping down but also the exhilarating feeling for the great things ahead of them with their new commander.