Thunder Squadron ILWG 317 Members
Capt. Mark T. Carroll
Capt. Carroll is a former Cadet, progressing through the program to become the Cadet Commander of his squadron as a Cadet Lt. Colonel. Capt. Carroll was the Squadron Commander of the Thunder Composite Squadron in the early 1990's, and currently is a Deputy Commander of Seniors and an Aerospace Education Officer.
Capt. Carroll is a meteorologist, working for WGN television and as a consultant in the nuclear and aviation industries. As a consultant at Bult Field, Capt. Carroll maintains the automated weather observation system at the airport and provides assistance with snow and ice control planning.
2nd Lt Michelle Haffner
2nd Lt Haffner was born in California and raised as the youngest of 13 children, 9 of whom were adopted. She attended UC Berkeley back in the late 80’s when it was really interesting. I think I learned more about protesting than academics at times. She moved to Minnesota for a job in 93 and that is where she met her husband. They moved to Georgia in 2005 and had 3 kids, 2 of whom are in the squadron and the youngest is thinking about joining. They moved to Orland Park last October, because moving cross country during a pandemic sounded like a great idea!
Her career has been a bit varied. She started out in education, but because she hates politics and likes eating, she moved over to technology which lead her to industrial engineering and process improvement. She ended her career in healthcare administration focusing on process improvement, regulatory compliance and patient safety. 2nd Lt Haffner retired in the spring of 2018.
She is very involved in her kids and their activities. That is how she came to join CAP. 2nd Lt Haffner believes in the organization and wants to give back as it is helping her children. Over the years, she has also been a track coach, baseball coach, PTO president, and a variety of other roles that were connected to the activities her kids enjoy.
SM Ryan Holmes
Ryan is a newer member of the Civil Air Patrol. He is an instrument rated pilot and ground instructor who enjoys using his training and experiences to help others be safer pilots. Ryan is married with a daughter in high school and one in college. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University Northwest. He has approximately 21 years working with law enforcement.