LTC David Bearce |
The Tex Hill
Composite Squadron was founded in 1998 by LTC
David Bearce and his wife, 1LT Valerie Bearce.
LTC Bearce, a longtime CAP member, had been a
squadron commander in Arizona before moving to
Texas. The Bearces negotiated the use of two
WW II-vintage buildings for the squadron, and
developed relationships within the local
community of San Marcos.
In 2000, LTC Bearce relinquished command of the
squadron and assumed command of Group
8, Texas Wing. The squadron struggled for a year or
so, but continued to provide services to the
community, State and Nation.
In June 2002, 1LT Thomas Adams assumed command
of the squadron. 1LT Adams, along with his
leadership team, began planning to revive and
expand the squadron. Working with 1LT Roland
Coyote, 1LT Bruce White and CPT Leroy
Friesenhahn, a strategic plan was put in place
and money earned to tackle the plan's
objectives. In the fall of 2002, the squadron
implemented a concerted recruiting drive that
resulted in the establishments of two new
flights. From an active membership of four
senior members and four cadets in June 2002, the
squadron grew to an active membership of over
100 members.
In August 2004, upon the retirement
of LTC Pal Scully, CPT Dave Badal assumed
command of the squadron and has embarked on a
reorganization, strengthening, and expansion plan to ensure
the Squadron's ability to render continued support of the Civil Air Patrol's
mission. To date, the Squadron has approximately 16 senior members and 12 active cadets.
Commanders
-
LTC David Bearce,
1998 - 2000
-
CPT Mark Sandel,
2000 - 2002
-
CPT Thomas
Adams, 2002
-
CPT Bruce White,
2003
-
LTC Pal Scully,
2003 - 2004
-
MAJ Dave Badal,
2004 - 2008
- CPT Leroy Friesenhahn - 2008 to Present
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