Los Alamos Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol LTC Hannah Morgan, left, is the new Deputy Commander for Cadets, pictured here with LTC Annette Peters, Vice Commander of the New Mexico Wing of the CAP and outgoing Deputy Commander for Cadets. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

CMSGT Bryce Gentile with his mother, Louise Foliot and Tim Duran following his promotion Monday evening at the Los Alamos Airport. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Civil Air Patrol Col. Annette Peters shed a few tears Monday evening after she handed over her leadership of the cadets to LTC Hannah Morgan. Peters has been involved with Civil Air Patrol in Los Alamos for 16 years and has been Deputy Commander for Cadets for several years. She is also Vice Commander of the New Mexico Wing.

“I feel lighter after doing this for 10 years,” Peters said. “It is bitter sweet for me because these cadets feel like my own children to me.”

Peters said she is excited for Morgan because she has seen her transition from a cadet to a senior member and knows that Morgan wants to make a difference in the squadron.

“She can relate to these cadets and she has fresh ideas,” Peters said.

Morgan was a cadet for two years and has been a senior member for two years. She holds a private balloon pilot license and is working on a degree in aviation management in the hopes of becoming an airport manager.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the cadets better. I want to identify their individual goals in Civil Air Patrol and help them to accomplish those goals. Some want to know more about the Air Force and some want to know more about flying and I want to help them to achieve that,” she said.

Col. Annette Peters, right, receives a bouquet from Jennifer Olsen at Monday evening’s Civil Air Patrol event at the Los Alamos Airport. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Scene from Monday evening’s Civil Air Patrol event at Los Alamos Airport. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Major Mark Peters and Col. Annette Peters at Monday’s Civil Air Patrol activities. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Civil Air Patrol cadets gather for a group photo with LTC Hannah Morgan and Col. Annette Peters. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Gathering for LTC Hannah Morgan’s appointment as Deputy Commander for Cadets are, back row from left, Doug Morgan, Silas Morgan, Keith Morgan and Bill Clements. Front row from left, Roena Morgan, LTC Morgan, Maggie Morgan and Jan Clements. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com