02/24/2026
Congratulations Lt. Col Leslie Herr!
Pennsylvanian’s Life of Service Leads to Her Selection as Next Wing Commander
Lt. Col. Leslie G. Herr, the new commander-select of Civil Air Patrol’s Pennsylvania Wing, is a native of Pennsylvania whose life of service began early. She served overseas in the Peace Corps and later worked professionally in Austria before returning to the U.S. to pursue veterinary medicine.
During her career, she developed a strong interest in public health and ultimately concluded her professional service in 2024, managing data analysis for Philadelphia’s network of low-cost clinics. Herr’s career reflected a consistent dedication to service, community well-being, and thoughtful leadership that followed her to Civil Air Patrol and her latest selection as the next Pennsylvania Wing commander.
Herr will succeed Col. William A. Schlosser, who has commanded the wing since April 2023.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Col. Schlosser for his leadership and dedicated service as commander of the Pennsylvania Wing over the past three years. His tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments and steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission,” said Col. Jim Ridley, who commands CAP’s Northeast Region, which includes Pennsylvania and eight other wings.
A change of command ceremony will take place at the Pennsylvania Wing Conference May 16 at St. Josephs University in Loretto.
“It is my pleasure to congratulate Lt. Col. Herr on her selection as the next Pennsylvania Wing commander,” Ridley said. “She brings valuable command team experience to this role, having most recently served with distinction as the wing’s chief of staff under Col. Schlosser.”
He added, “I look forward to working closely with Lt. Col. Herr and am confident that her vision and leadership will ensure the wing’s continued growth and success in the years ahead. She will undoubtedly be a trusted and respected partner among her fellow wing commanders.”
Herr joined the Pennsylvania Wing’s Chester County Squadron in 2006 alongside her daughter, who was then a CAP cadet. Like so many committed members, she quickly assumed multiple leadership roles within her squadron, serving as personnel officer, deputy commander for seniors, deputy commander for cadets, and coach of the CyberPatriot team. She also became a valued member of the Cadet Training Schools staff, returning year after year to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders.
In 2011, Herr assumed command of her squadron, where she emphasized collaboration between cadets and senior members, encouraged innovation, and fostered a culture of teamwork and engagement. Her leadership philosophy centered on empowering members to think creatively, work together effectively, and take pride in their service.
Herr later served as Group 3 commander during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that critical period, she worked diligently to bridge gaps between squadrons, sustain morale, support community response efforts, and advance the development of virtual engagement tools that allowed operations and training to continue. Most recently, she has served as the wing chief of staff, reaching across the organization to strengthen dialogue, build cohesive teams, and empower members at every level.
Throughout her career in CAP, Herr has embodied the organization’s core values—integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. These principles have guided her leadership in volunteer service, professional life, and family life alike. She joins many members in expressing deep gratitude for the lessons and opportunities the organization provides, enabling volunteers to serve their communities, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the nation with distinction.
“Pennsylvania Wing is a vibrant community that has shown excellence in all three of CAP’s primary programs for years,” Herr said. “It is a privilege to serve my friends and colleagues as wing commander. We all aim to grow the wing while following the core values and taking care of one another. We do this by reaching beyond ourselves, sharing our ideas and concerns, and relying on our teammates.”
