New Missouri Wing Commander Selected
Lt. Colonel Michael R. Toedebusch has been selected as the next commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Missouri Wing, succeeding Col. Jennifer Smith, wing commander since March 2023. A change of command ceremony will be held at the combined wing/region conference in March.
Toedebusch, the wing’s chief of staff for missions since March 2022, previously served as the wing’s director of cadet programs from January 2018-May 2022. He also serves as a CAP Volunteer University instructor and most recently as the CAP National Cadet Advisory Council senior advisor since July 2024.
Toedebusch joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in 1987, and completed the CAP cadet program earning the General Carl A. Spaatz Award in 1993. Following transition to adult membership, he served terms as the Groups 1 and 2 cadet programs officer, Wentzville Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets and deputy commander for seniors, and a brief tenure as the St. Charles Composite Squadron commander.
"Lt. Col. Toedebusch has a well-established reputation as an effective mentor, manager, and leader at the wing, regional, and national levels”, said Col. Thomas Theis North Central Region commander. “Since joining CAP in 1987 as a cadet, I am excited to have Lt. Col. Toedebusch bring his 38 years of knowledge and experience to the role as the next Missouri Wing commander.”
While Theis oversaw the selection process, final approval came from Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, Civil Air Patrol national commander.
Toedebusch’s Civil Air Patrol awards include four Meritorious Service Awards, three Region Commander’s Commendation Awards, nine Wing Commander’s Commendation Awards, two CAP Achievement Awards, Crisis Service Award, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award. He completed CAP’s five-level professional development program, receiving the Gill Robb Wilson Award in 2019. He was also recognized as the 2018 Cadet Programs Officer of the Year from North Central Region. Lt. Colonel Toedebusch holds master ratings in Cadet Programs and Professional Development, a senior rating in Command, and technician ratings in Aerospace Education, Emergency Services, and Personnel.
Toedebusch was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a 1995 graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and has held multiple leadership positions in both the public and private sector. He is currently in small business solutions sales, lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, and has two daughters.
