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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. For the first time in memory, a person in a wheelchair will become a South Dakota Civil Air Patrol squadron commander.
Second Lt. Travis Robinson, 43, assumes command of the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Alliance facility on Russell Street. The SFCS typically meets at their facility at the Sioux Falls Airport on the flight line. But because of COVID-19 restrictions, it is holding the change of command at The Alliance, which is in the former Badlands Pawn complex.
Robinson has been in a wheelchair since a car accident in high school in Akron, Iowa, the night of his spring prom.
“I look forward to leading the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron out of our current coronavirus restrictions, adding new members, and winning awards for our outstanding emergency services, cadet, and aerospace education programs,” Robinson said. “I will work hard to make sure all our members can learn as much as possible and be of service to our community, state, and nation.”
Robinson has been a member for nearly four years. He has been deputy commander of seniors, a communications officer, and a logistics officer during that time. Despite being in a wheelchair, Robinson is training to be a ground team member and an urban direction finding team member. He is also a drone pilot, having earned his Part 107 license from the FAA.
If you frequent the Sioux Falls Sam’s Club, you may have spotted Robinson tooling around the warehouse, helping customers, stocking shelves, or doing whatever needs to be done.
“Travis has an outstanding attitude about life,” said Lt. Col. Todd Epp, chief of staff for the South Dakota Wing and a past commander of SFCS. “His enthusiasm is infectious, his work ethic is second to none, and he is a great example of the servant leaders we develop within our membership. He will do a great job.”
For more information, contact SM Merrilee Schultz, squadron public affairs officer, at merrilee.schultz@sdwg.cap.gov or Lt. Col. Epp at todd.epp@sdwg.cap.gov or 605.351.5021.
