Illinois Wing Commander
Colonel Andrew Loy

About the Commander

Colonel Loy's Civil Air Patrol service began in 1982 as a squadron emergency service officer.  After a break in service, which included time in the US Air Force Reserve, the Indiana Army National Guard, and the US Army Reserve, he became active in the Illinois Wing where he formerly served as the Group 5 Commander and Commander of the former Rockford, now Poplar Grove, Composite Squadron. He also served as a Deputy Group Commander in Indiana Wing for over a year.   

Colonel Loy has many hours flying as a Mission Observer, is a graduate of the National Emergency Services Academy's Advanced Observer Course, and has been an instructor in both the Basic and Advanced Aircrew Courses for the last 5 years.  He is qualified as an Operations Section Chief,  Planning Section Chief, and AOBD.  He has received CAP's Find Service Award multiple times, the Air Search and Rescue Service Award, and the Disaster Relief Award with V device.    Colonel Loy served as an aircraft mechanic and UH-1 Crew Chief in the Army.  His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Aircrew Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge.  

Colonel Loy grew up in Knightstown, Indiana, attended Purdue University to study Aeronautical Technology, and currently works in IT product support in Woodstock, Illinois.  He has five children and one grandchild.  Colonel Loy enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, golf and helping with aircraft restorations.