The Burlington Senior Squadron VT-002, for volunteers 19 and up, of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), announced the promotion of Senior Member Anthony “Tony” Derderian to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Photo – Vermont Wing, CAP
“1st Lt Derderian’s promotion is a recognition of his commitment to the Civil Air Patrol since his teen years, valued service to our nation as well as an extensive career in military, commercial and general aviation,” said 1st Lt Vincent Gonillo, commander of the Burlington Senior Squadron. “1st Lt Derderian’s passion for aviation, service, and his ongoing career in CAP has already brought a great deal to the performance and ambition of our squadron, and the Wing.”
1st Lt Derderian joined CAP in 1976 as a middle school student, in the cadet program of the New Britain (CT) Cadet Squadron.
“After my first orientation flight, said Lt Derderian, “I was hooked on flying. After progressing through the cadet ranks and earning the Amelia Earhart award, I received a solo scholarship and went on to earn my private pilot’s license at 17. CAP continued to expose me to other aviation interests, including gliders and seaplanes which I continue to fly to this day.” All CAP cadets receive five orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, respectively.
Derderian continued: “After my enlistment in the USAF and several years as a crew member in the E3A AWACS, I used my GI Bill to finish college while I worked as a flight instructor, flew skydivers, towed banners, and charter flights. I was hired at Business Express, Delta Commuter and a few years later UPS, where I have been for over thirty years.”
1st Lt Derderian has accrued over 17,000 flight hours in numerous airframes, including the B-727, B-747, B-757, B-767, A-300 and currently the MD-11. He plans for his second CAP career include gaining certification as a CAP mission pilot, providing orientation flights for cadets, and conducting aerospace education programming for his fellow Vermonters and CAP colleagues. Lt Derderian currently serves Burlington Senior Squadron as an assistant aerospace education officer and assistant Wing Stan/Eval officer.
