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Lt Col Edward Phelka was born in Michigan in 1972 and
joined Civil Air Patrol as a Cadet in 1987. During his time as a
Cadet, Phelka served as the Cadet Commander of three different units in
Michigan Wing. In June of 1993, he earned the coveted General Carl
A. Spaatz Award (#1172) and was promoted to Cadet Colonel.
Upon transition to Senior Membership, Phelka was
promoted to Captain by virtue of the Spaatz Award. He has served
in numerous command and staff positions including nearly three years as
Squadron Commander of the Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron in
Michigan.
Ed has also served in several different special
assignment positions including IACE Staff in Washigton, D.C. (1994),
Wing Conference Project Officer (1999), Director of the Michigan Wing Band and
Chorus (1993-1995), and representative at the National Legislative Day
in Washigton, D.C.(1996-Present). He is also currently on staff
for the National Cadet Officer School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Lt
Col Phelka served three years as Director of the Great Lakes Region
Cadet Leadership School. Prior to his appointment as director,
Phelka has held nearly every position at the school, including Cadet TAC
Officer, Instructor, Cheif TAC Officer, and Deputy Director.
During Encampment 2002, Lt Col Phelka will serve as Encampment Vice
Commander, and teach a some of the classes at CLS. His
decorations include the Senior Recruiter Ribbon, Encampment Ribbon with
two silver clasps, NCSA Ribbon, IACE Ribbon, Find Ribbon, Red Service Ribbon with two
clasps, Command Service Ribbon, the General Yeager Award, The Paul
Garber Award, Unit Citation Award with two clasps, Lifesaving Award with
silver star, Commander's Commendation with two clasps, Meritorious
Service Award with two clasps, Exceptional Servce Award with two clasps,
and the National Defense Service
Medal. Lt Col Phelka was also named the 1999 Great Lakes Region
Senior Member of the Year. Phelka is rated a CAP Pilot with
over 200 flying hours. He is currently the Director of Cadet
Programs for Michigan Wing, a position he has held since January of
1999. Ed also writes a column for CadetStuff.org. Email
Lt Col Phelka |
