Squadron Commander
MAJOR ELENA L. MACDERMANT
Major Elena MacDermant is the commander of Civil Air Patrol's Putnam County Composite Squadron.
In this role she is responsible for the command and administration of squadron personnel and squadron assets.
MacDermant began her Civil Air Patrol career in 2000, serving in staff positions up to her current reappointment as squadron commander.
Under MacDermant's leadership the Putnam County Squadron has received multiple Civil Air Patrol Quality Cadet Squadron Awards for commendable cadet programs performance. Receiving the 2025 Quality Cadet Squadron Award marks the units award for 7 consecutive years.
MaDermant is a recipient of the 2025 Woman of Distinction Award, given by the United States House of Representatives, for 25 years of community service working with Putnam County youth. Congressman Mike Lawler (17th District NY) issued the proclamation on May 12, 2025, recognizes MacDermant for outstanding service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to her community and country.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Achievement Award, Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 8, 2021
Crisis Service Award, Mar. 2020
Achievement Award, Dec. 2020
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Mar. 2018
Davis Award, Jul. 2018
Loening Award, Jul. 2018
Yeager Award (Aerospace Education), Jul. 2018
CAP EDUCATION
Cadet Protection Program Training, Mar. 2001
Squadron Leadership School, Sep. 2006
Unit Commander’s Course, Apr. 2010
Corporate Learning Course, Jun. 2010.
Training Leaders of Cadets Course, Sep. 2010
CAP Officer Basic Course, Jul. 2018
Yeager (Aerospace Education Course), Jul. 2018
DUTY POSITIONS
Administrative Officer, Jul. 2014 – Oct. 2015
Commander, Dec. 2015 – present; Jan. 2004 – Dec. 2011
Finance Officer, Jan. 2008 – Dec. 2015
Logistics Officer, Dec. 2010 – Sep. 2011
Personnel Officer, Mar. 2015 – Jul. 2019
Professional Development Officer, Aug. 2010 – Mar. 2018
Public Affairs Officer, Jan. 2012 – Dec. 2018
Recruiting and Retention Officer – Jan. 2012 – Mar. 2018
Testing Officer, May 2015 – Jan. 2022
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Major, Aug. 2018
Captain, Jul. 2009
First Lieutenant, Mar. 2005
Second Lieutenant, Jun. 2003
(Current as of Jan. 2025)