National Leadership

Col. Richard Winter

Inspector General, Civil Air Patrol

Col. Richard Winter serves as the Inspector General for Civil Air Patrol, providing independent oversight and guidance supporting CAP’s missions, programs, and organizational effectiveness.

As Inspector General, Winter oversees Civil Air Patrol’s inspection, complaint resolution, compliance, and investigative programs while helping ensure accountability and transparency throughout the organization.

The Inspector General program supports commanders and organizational leaders by identifying areas for improvement, evaluating compliance with regulations and policy, and helping strengthen operational excellence across Civil Air Patrol.

Winter’s Civil Air Patrol service includes leadership assignments at multiple levels of the organization, with experience in command, governance, inspections, and organizational oversight.

His work focuses on strengthening trust, improving organizational effectiveness, and ensuring CAP members have fair and professional processes for addressing concerns and resolving issues.

In addition to overseeing inspections and complaint programs, Winter supports continuous improvement initiatives that help Civil Air Patrol maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability, and mission readiness.

His leadership and experience contribute to Civil Air Patrol’s ability to effectively serve communities, support the U.S. Air Force, and carry out its emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education missions.