11/18/2016
Dear Current and Former Squadron Members,
It is with a heavy heart that I relay news of the passing of Lt. Col. Stephen G. Barclay Jr. last night.
Col. Barclay served with distinction for 13 years in the Civil Air Patrol, serving in leadership capacities at the Squadron, Group and Texas Wing level. Over his CAP career, Col. Barclay held duty positions in Communications, Professional Development, Emergency Services, Command, Finance and Inspector General.
Col Barclay earned the Gill Robb Wilson Award (Level V), the highest level of professional career development in CAP on 23 January 2012, earning him the provisional rank of Lt Col. Successfully proving he was worth the promotion, his rank was made permanent on 02 June 2014. He held Master Ratings in Communications and Professional Development, Senior Ratings in Plans & Programs and Emergency Services, and Technician Ratings in Inspector General and Historian. There were very few programs in CAP that did not benefit from Col Barclay's participation. His passion for professional development spilled over in his love for the cadet programs and he worked tirelessly building and training the minds of our nations finest cadets.
Before serving in CAP, Col Barclay spent several years of active duty in the U.S. Army, later becoming a reservist in the 90th Aviation Battalion. A man dedicated to serving others, in 2011 he was honored by The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas in the RecognizeGood Foundation Awards as a Volunteer Legend for his 52 years of continuous service with the Blood Center. Last week he was honored by the staff for giving 48 gallons over the years as well as his service as a transportation volunteer.
No information yet about funeral arrangements, but will pass those along as soon as available. I do know that Col Barclay requested a CAP color guard at the service, so please keep this in mind as we await more information on the final arrangements.
Anyone who would like to take advantage of grief counseling available through CAP, please reach out to the Chaplaincy to help you through this sad time.
He will be greatly missed. Godspeed Col Barclay!