Vice Commander

Illinois Wing Vice Commander
Major Michael C. Larson

About the Vice Commander

Major Michael Larson joined Civil Air Patrol in early 2011.  He served as his Squadron’s Aerospace Education Officer as well as the Finance Officer for the squadron and Illinois Wing's Group 2.  A move to Group 2 saw him hold positions of Assistant Deputy Commander, Deputy Commander and then Commander before coming to Headquarters Illinois Wing as first the Logistics Officer and then Chief of Staff before being appointed as Vice Commander.  He has earned the Garber Award as well as a Master rating in Aerospace Education.

He has held or currently holds Mission Pilot, Mission Check Pilot Examiner, Flight Release Officer, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Air Operations Branch Director, UDF and Mission Staff Assistant qualifications.  He has received multiple Find Ribbons, the Counterdrug Ribbon, the Crisis Service Award along with multiple Wing Commander Commendation Awards.

Major Larson grew up in Homewood, Illinois, and has earned two masters degrees from DePaul University and Governors State University.  He is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant and currently works with his own consulting firm.  He and his wife have two golden retrievers and enjoy being outside, hosting campfires and teaching the neighbors the art of roasting the perfect marshmallow.