Redbird Composite Squadron Commander

Lt Col Lionel Jenkins

Lt Col Jenkins is a former CAP Cadet from the Five Points Composite Squadron in Redford MI.  His cadet experiences include , Cadet Commander, successfully soloed at 19, in 1974, he was selected to participate in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program.  Along with 15 other IACE cadets, they were the guest of the Spanish Air Force for 2 weeks.   

He became a CAP senior member at 21.  In 1982, he was accepted into the US Navy's Aviation Officer Candidate school.  HIs career as a Navy Pilot, covered 29 years, active and reserve duty.  He retired as a Captain (O6), and flew over 5000 hours in 6 different aircraft.

Lt Col Jenkins flew for 24 years at UPS Airlines, both domestic and international flying.  Aircraft he flew for UPS, Boeing 727, 757, 767 and Douglas DC-8.  When he retired in 2019, he logged over 4500 hours with UPS.

In October, 2021 he joined Redbird Composite Squadron in Dallas TX, as the Aerospace Education Officer and Deputy Commander of Cadets.  May 2 2023, he assumed command of Redbird Composite Squadron.