Alamogordo High grad will be New Mexico Wing Civil Air Patrols' next commander

Lt. Col. Andrew Selph, a retired federal probation officer that graduated from Alamogordo High School, will be recognized by the New Mexico Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as the state Wing Commander.

“After all these amazing years of serving as a volunteer in CAP, I am grateful for the opportunity to become wing commander,” Selph said.

Selph is scheduled to be sworn in on July 22. His appointment is for three years, comes with the rank of colonel and is unpaid volunteer position.

Selph has been a volunteer with CAP for 45 years. When he takes command, he will replace Col. Annette Peters.

“Colonel Selph has seen a lot of history in the New Mexico Wing. I have confidence that the wing will grow under his leadership,” Peters said.

CAP is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It is a nonprofit that operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small, unmanned aircraft systems, according to a news release. It also takes a lead role in aerospace education.

Selph will command over 600 members in the state's CAP wing. Members are middle school students to retirees and veterans. CAP squadrons are scattered across New Mexico in cities like Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Clovis, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.

One of his priorities will be grow the membership base.

Selph first joined CAP as a cadet. He served in five different squadrons around the state, including Alamogordo.

“I joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in Alamogordo back in 1978 when my dad was finishing up his Air Force career assigned at Holloman,” Selph said.

Selph earned the Carl A. Spaatz award during his time as a cadet. The award recognizes cadets who demonstrate leadership, character and excellence in aerospace education, according to the Spaatz website.

Selph also earned the Gill Robb Wilson Award as an adult volunteer with the CAP. This award is given to members who express leadership and personal development dedication in the CAP.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead New Mexico Wing over the next three years,” Selph said.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Alamogordo's Andrew Selph to command New Mexico Wing Civil Air Patrol