Wing Commander
Col. Michael L. Willis, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Georgia Wing, is responsible for more than 1,900 members of Georgia Wing and the missions they provide. As director of the Civil Air Patrol National Mentoring Program, he also oversees all aspects of the program, including the 40 members of the national staff and more than 500 members involved in the program.
Willis joined CAP in 1987 in the Shorty Powers Squadron (GLR-IL-189) and achieved the grade of Cadet Master Sgt. prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1990. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, he maintained multiple electronic systems on the B-1B and B-2 Bombers and joined the first Air Force B-2 maintenance flight of the 393rd Bomb Squadron. One year later, he was accepted as a Military Training Instructor at Lackland Air Force Base, where he served until he separated in 1995.
During his service, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal (retroactively).
After honorably serving on active duty, he returned to CAP in 1996 as an adult member in the McLean County Composite Squadron (GLR-IL-240). He has held the positions of deputy commander, squadron commander, group commander, and many diverse staff positions at many levels in the organization. He is employed as a technology manager with a large insurance company in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Willis has focused his CAP career on the support, development, and education of all members in the organization. His personal leadership philosophy is summed up as: “Make people your first focus and your missions will excel.” He has completed all five CAP training levels and earned the highest CAP education award, the Gill Robb Wilson Award (#3,579). His exceptional commitment to CAP is highlighted by a string of awards, including the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, CAP Exceptional Service Award, CAP Meritorious Service Award, Commander’s Commendation Award (with one bronze clasp), and CAP Achievement Award (with three bronze clasps). He also was named the 2021 Southeast Region and Georgia Wing senior member of the year.
Additionally, he is a Volunteer University instructor, endorsed to instruct all CAP courses. He has led multiple Level V cohorts and has taught virtual courses in all CAP regions and overseas. Willis holds master ratings in the Administration, Command, Cadet Programs, Professional Development, Personnel, and Safety specialty tracks.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University and an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Community College of the U.S. Air Force.
Willis lives in the Columbus, Georgia, area and is married to Sherry, his wife of 23 years. They have four children: Daniel, Mitzi, Evalynn, and Elizabeth, all of whom have been CAP cadets. They also have five grandchildren and several pets that keep them going in multiple directions.
Willis lives in the Columbus, Georgia area and is married to Sherry, his wife of 23 years. They have four children: Daniel, Mitzi, Evalynn and Elizabeth, all of whom have been CAP cadets. They also have five grandchildren and several pets that keep them going in multiple directions.
Bio current as of July 25, 2024
