South Dakota Wing Mourns Col. David Small Jr.
Former South Dakota Wing Commander Col. David Small Jr., of Piedmont, died December 2 , 2021 after hospitalization in Utah.
"Our program flourished under his leadership and enthusiasm," said CAP Lt. Col. Rodney "BUCK" DeWeese, commander of Lookout Mountain Composite Squadron, Spearfish. "I have never seen such patience and mentoring skills with all the cadets and Seniors. He was an icon in CAP and life in general."
Small served as South Dakota Wing Commander from June 2016 to May 2020. He had previously served as wing chief of staff, Lookout Mountain Composite Squadron commander, and multiple other wing and squadron staff positions. He held CAP's highest professional development award, the Gill Robb Wilson Award, and was an incident commander for CAP's operational missions.
He and his family had been in Utah for a Thanksgiving gathering. They held a private service there, and Small's body was cremated according to his wishes.
"CAP is planning to honor David in a way that will keep his memory alive," said Col. Michael Marek, South Dakota Wing commander. "But right now, our concern is for David's family in this very difficult time."
