Born in New York City in 1949, Lt Col Ronald Padavan joined CAP as a Cadet in 1964.  In 1966 he joined the United States Army and was soon shipped off to Vietnam.  Padavan distinguished himself in combat, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" and three Purple Hearts, as well as the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Padavan continued his military service in the Army and United States Air Force with tours of duty in Panama and Korea.

While still serving in the Air Force as a security police officer, Padavan re-joined Civil Air Patrol as a Senior in 1981.  In the past twenty years, he has served in command positions at the squadron and group level, as well as filling numerous Wing Staff positions including Encampment Commander (1991) and Chief of Staff (1997 to 2001).  He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1992.

One of the highlights of Lt Col Padavan's CAP career took place in 1994 when he led Michigan Wing's South Oakland Cadet Squadron to National Squadron of Distinction honors.  Then-National Commander Brig Gen Richard L. Anderson presented Padavan with the F. Ward Reilly Leadership Award.

Padavan has completed Level 5 of the Senior Program, earning the Gil Rob Wilson Award (the senior member equivalent of the Spaatz Award).  His Civil Air Patrol  decorations include four unit citations, three commander's commendations, and four meritorious service awards.  He is currently serving as the commander of Michigan Wing's Oakland-Macomb Group VI

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