Former South Dakota Squadron Commander Passes
Sad news on the passing of Forrest Wixon, former commander of South Dakota Wing's Pierre Composite Squadron, on December 4th at the age of 88.
From the South Dakota Wing's "Skychaser Update: "Former Pierre Composite Squadron commander Forrest Wixon passed away on December 4th at the age of 88 years old in Pierre SD. Forrest first joined CAP in 1982 when his daughter was a cadet. He rejoined in 1998. During his time in CAP, Forrest served as mission pilot and instructor pilot and also as the Pierre Composite Squadron’s Operations Officer, and Deputy Commander. He served as Pierre Squadron Commander for a term ending in 2019. Forrest served as an FAA Safety Counselor for many years and was an FAA Safety Team member for the Pierre area. Forrest was inducted into the SD Aviation Hall of Fame in 2017. As a flight instructor, he taught over 130 South Dakotans to fly."
Excerpts from the South Dakota Pilots Association's Master Pilot listing (https://sdpilots.com/masters.php): "Forrest did pilot training in the U.S. Air Force in September 1956 in T-34, T-28A, and T-33 (jet) aircraft. He graduated on September 1957 on 'Friday the 13th'. From September 1957 to August 1968 Forrest flew T-33, F-94C, F-89D&J, TF/F-102A, C-47, and B-25 in the 175th FIS (Fighter-Interceptor Squadron), SD Air National Guard. ... From 1974 through August 1977 Forrest earned his private certificate and commercial and instrument ratings both with single and multiengine. ... From 1988 to 1990 he was an instructor pilot, stan-eval pilot, and check pilot for the SD Wing of the CAP Pierre Composite Squadron. From 1998 to present he was an instructor pilot, check pilot, and mission pilot for the SD CAP."
