Squadron Commanders

 Captain James C. Coleman is the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron Commander MI-031 of Civil Air Patrol, a   federally chartered nonprofit corporation and the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Civil Air Patrol   is headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
 

 

 James Coleman’s lifelong love of aviation is rooted in family. Aviation has been a part of the Coleman family for   generations. His grandfather was a pilot, and his father, a retired physician, was also a pilot, helping inspire James’   enduring passion for flight from an early age.
 
 

 

 Today, Coleman holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating and has accumulated more than   1,000 hours as a pilot. He has served as Commander of the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron since July 2025,   bringing his aviation experience, leadership, and enthusiasm for the Civil Air Patrol mission to the squadron.
 

 

Outside of Civil Air Patrol and aviation, Coleman serves as a Compliance Officer for First Community Bank, headquartered in Harbor Springs, Michigan. His professional experience in compliance, along with his commitment to detail and accountability, complements his leadership role within the squadron.
 
 
 

 

The Coleman family’s aviation tradition continues with James' own children, both of whom are current members of the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron. His son, Christopher Coleman, earned his pilot certificate at just 17 years old and is now pursuing a degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota. Christopher’s early achievement and continued pursuit of an aviation career reflect the family’s strong and enduring connection to flight.
 
 

 

James’ daughter, Caleigh Coleman, is also an active squadron member and is interested in pursuing veterinary medicine after high school, developing a career path of her own.
 

 

For Coleman, serving as squadron commander is about more than aviation. He values the opportunity to help young people develop leadership skills, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to service while encouraging them to discover and pursue their own interests and future careers.
 

 

Coleman is also deeply appreciative of the support the squadron receives from the local community. He extends his sincere thanks to Aster Brands in Harbor Springs for providing a wonderful meeting space for the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron. The support of local organizations like Aster Brands helps make it possible for the squadron to provide meaningful opportunities for its cadets and members.
 

 

With aviation woven into his family history, a personal passion for flight spanning more than 1,000 hours in the air, a career in banking compliance, and two children actively involved in the squadron, James Coleman is proud to carry on his family’s aviation tradition while serving the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron and helping prepare the next generation of leaders.
 
 

 Cadet 2^nd Lt. Graham S. Wertman is the Tip of the Mitt Composite Squadron Cadet Commander MI-031 of Civil   Air Patrol, a federally chartered nonprofit corporation and the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.   Civil Air Patrol is headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
 
 
 

 Lt. Wertman joined Civil Air Patrol in October of 2024 as a part of this squadron. Since than he has done various   activities with the program. Lt. Wertman has served as a flight sergeant and flight commander for The Tip Of The   Mitt Composite Squadron. He went to his basic year Encampment in 2025 and his flight, Foxtrot Flight, was   named Warrior flight for that year. Lt. Wertman obtained his Mitchell Award on July 6^th 2026 (80337). He has   also served as Charlie Flight Commander in the Michigan Wing 2026 Encampment. (The   picture to the left was   taken at the 2026 MI Wing Encampment).
 
 
 
 

Outside of Civil Air Patrol Lt. Wertman is apart of the St. Michael High School Cross Country, Track, and Basketball teams. He also represents the school on its Quiz Bowl Team where he has contributed to two regional championships. Lt. Wertman also enjoys skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in his spare time.