LT Col Dennis M. Hunter - Commander, Southern New Mexico Group
Lt Col Hunter is the New Mexico Southern Group Commander and serves as the Assistant Safety Director for the NM Wing. He is a Class 3 Private Pilot and sUAS Ground Pilot. Current certifications include, sUAS Mission Pilot, Mission observer, Mission Scanner, Mission Safety Officer, and Flightline Supervisor.
Areas of focus are Command, Education and Training, and Mission Safety in support of New Mexico Wing Mission requirements. Holds a Master Level in Safety, Senior level in Logistics and Command, technician level in Inspector General, Administration and personnel.
EDUCATION
Professional Development Level I thru IV, 2008 - 2014
2014 Regional Safety Officer College
2020 National Safety College (VOLU)
2021 Group Commanders Course (VOLU)
2021 Squadron Commanders Course (VOLU)
2020 TLC -Training Leaders of cadets Course
2016 CERT- Community Emergency Response Team Course
2012 CLC- Corporate Learning Course
2010 UCC - Unit Commander Course
2008 SLS - Squadron Leader School
CIVIL AIR PATROL ASSIGNMENTS
NM Southern Group Commander 2020 -2021
Assistant Wing Safety Director 2018 – 2021
NM-084 Squadron Commander 2015-2020
Deputy Commanders for Seniors 2012 – 2015
Safety Officer 2009 – 2015
Logistic Officer 2009 – 2020
Administration and Personnel Officer 2016 -2020
Communication Officer 2018 – 2020
MAJOR CIVIL AIR PATROL AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
| Benjamin Davis Award | 2009 |
| Chuck Yeager Award | 2010 |
| Commander’s Commendation (Wing) | 2010 |
| Grover Loening Award | 2012 |
| Paul E. Garber Award | 2014 |
| Commanders Commendation (Wing) | 2017 |
| Air Force Organizational Excellence Award | 2018 |
| Commanders Commendation (Wing) | 2019 |
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
| SM | 24 July 2008 |
| 2d Lt | 12 November 2008 |
| 1st Lt | 12 November 2009 |
| Capt | 12 May 2011 |
| Major | 01 May 2014 |
| Lt Col | 01 May 2018 |
CIVILIAN OCCUPATION
(EOD) Explosive Ordnance Disposal, USAF (8 Years)
Associate Director, Safety, Security, Training Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, New Mexico Tech, (Retired) (45 years)
Assistance to the Director, Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, New Mexico Tech (Part time advisor and Equipment acquisition.) (5 years)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Provide assistance and serve on the Airport committee to the City of Socorro and the Airport Manager to operate and manage the Socorro Municipal Airport.
