Squadron Commander
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JUDE G. POIRRIER, CAP
Lieutenant Colonel Jude Poirrier is the Squadron Commander at Lafayette Composite Squadron where he is responsible for insuring that the squadron stands ready to serve the Citizens of Acadiana with a strong cadet training program, Vigilant Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief response and a Robust Aerospace Education Program.
Col. Poirrier has served in Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for more than 30 years. He began his service as a cadet in Lafayette Composite Squadron in April 1986.
The Cadet
As a cadet he served in several leadership roles including Cadet Element Leader, Cadet Flight Sergeant, Cadet First Sergeant, and Cadet Flight Commander. He earned the General William (Billy) Mitchell Award and promotion to Cadet Flight Officer in July 1990. In 1991 the Cadet Flight Officer Poirrier, having enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, transferred to Langley Composite Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia and became a Senior (adult) member of CAP.
The Senior
While assigned to Langley Composite Squadron Col. Poirrier served as Leadership Officer and Deputy Commander For Cadets. He also served On the support staff of the Virginia Wing Cadet Competition (Vanguard) Team
In 1994 then Captain Poirrier returned to Louisiana Wing and Lafayette Composite Squadron where he served as Leadership Officer and Deputy Commander for Cadets. He also served on the support staff of the1995 Louisiana Wing Cadet Competition Team, which won 1st Place in the National Cadet Competition held at Maxwell AFB, AL. In 1998 the Lafayette Composite Squadron was re-designated Lafayette Cadet Squadron and Captain Poirrier assisted with the creation of Lafayette Senior Squadron, to which he transferred and became its first Deputy Commander. When Captain Mike Criddle left the service Captain Poirrier became its Second Squadron Commander.
In 2000 then Major Poirrier transferred to the Selfridge Cadet Squadron, Selfridge Joint Reserve Base, Michigan. There he served as the Emergency Services Officer.
In 2002 he transferred back to Lafayette Cadet Squadron serving as the Leadership Officer and Deputy Commander. In 2005 Major Poirrier assisted with the merger of Lafayette Cadet Squadron and Lafayette Senior Squadron back into Lafayette Composite Squadron, again serving as the Deputy Commander for Cadets. In 2007 he was appointed Squadron Commander until 2009 when he stepped down for a year. In 2010 Major Poirrier resumed command of the squadron and remains its commander to the present. Major Poirrier received his Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in July 2015.
Awards
Air Force
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ Star
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Training Ribbon
Small Arms Expert marksmanship Ribbon
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)
Civil Air Patrol
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Meritorious Service Award
Unit Citation Award w/ Bronze Clasp
Paul E. Garber Award
Grover Loening Aerospace Award
Leadership Award w/ Silver Star
Membership Award
General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Award
General William "Billy" Mitchell Award
Command Service Award
Crisis Service Ribbon
Red Service Award w/ 30 Year Pin
Rescue Find Ribbon
National Cadet Competition Award w/ Silver Star
Encampment Ribbon w/ Silver Clasp
Badges
Air Force
Munitions Maintenance Badge
Civil Air Patrol
Command Service Badge (Squadron)
Aircrew Wings (Basic)
Ground Team Badge (Leader)
Cadet Programs Badge (Master)
Current Additional Duties
Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Wing Training Academy
Instructor with the Civil Air Patrol Volunteer University.
Additional Service
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Department, 2004 - Present, Transportation Deputy, Current Rank Corporal
United States Air Force 1990 -1998, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, Squadron Support / Supply Specialist and Security Police Augmentee. Highest Grade E-4 Sergeant
