LET IT BEGIN HERE! – words from another great volunteer, Captain John Parker of the Massachusetts Militia of 1775 and echoed by Colonel William H. Meskill during his acceptance speech after becoming the 14^th Massachusetts Wing Commander to assume the post during a Change of Command ceremony held on Wednesday evening, October 14, 2009 at the Hanscom AFB Family Center.

Surrounded by family, friends and fellow CAP members, Colonel Meskill accepted command of the Wing from the outgoing Wing Commander Colonel David Belcher. Colonel Christopher Hayden, Northeast Region Commander officiated over the ceremony and the traditional promotion of the new Commander from Lt Colonel to Colonel.

 Colonel Meskill served Massachusetts Wing as Vice Commander since 1997 and in this capacity, he provided leadership to over 900 Senior Members and Cadets assigned to Massachusetts Wing. 

Colonel Meskill joined Civil Air Patrol in June 1985, assigned to the Wing as the USAF Reserve Assistance Coordinator.  While in the USAFR he served as a Squadron Liaison Officer, Wing Reserve Assistance Coordinator, and Acting Wing Liaison Officer.  A 26-year USAF officer Colonel Meskill served in North American Aerospace Defense Command, Tactical Air Command, Alaskan Air Command, and Air Force Systems Command.

He is a Gill Robb Wilson, Joint Service Commendation Medal, USAF Commendation Medal and USAF Meritorious Service Medal recipient. Colonel Meskill other accomplishments include Massachusetts Encampment Commander – Otis ANGB, 1996, 1997 and 1998 as well as numerous USAF assignments (1971 through 1984)

 Colonel Meskill has been married to the former Marianne Lembo for thirty-five years and has one son, Sean Michael.