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Managing Director and Founder of Cascade Partners, Rajesh U. Kothari, has been involved in Civil Air Patrol for more than 30 years and is currently the Michigan Wing Commander. He is passionate about the opportunity that CAP provided him with for

Civil Air Patrol is America’s premier public service organization for carrying out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. As the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP’s vigilant citizen volunteers are there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.

Colonel Rajesh Kothari is responsible for the overall management and execution of CAP’s missions in Michigan and working with its 1,400 members, located in 39 units around the state. As a Civil Air Patrol member for more than 35 years, Colonel Kothari has served across a variety of echelons and numerous roles, including beginning his CAP career as a cadet in 1981.

Prior to his appointment as Commander in September 2018, he served as the Commander for Group 705 in Southeast Michigan and as CAP’s Coordinator of National Cadet Special Activities providing oversight of CAP’s nearly 50 cadet special activities held around the country. During his career, Colonel Kothari has served as CAP’s National Executive Officer, Activity Director – Cadet Officer School, Wing Vice Commander, Wing Chief of Staff, Group Commander, and two terms as a Squadron Commander. He currently serves as the Chair of CAP’s Investment Committee and has served as the Chairman of the CAP Foundation.

In addition to his command leadership roles, Colonel Kothari has been an active participant in CAP’s emergency services operations as an Incident Commander and Ground Team Leader. He has served as an instructor at a number of local, state-wide and regional emergency services training programs. He has participated in over 60 Emergency Services search and rescue missions as Incident Commander or Ground Team Leader with nearly a dozen distress finds and 2 saves.

Kothari has earned numerous commendations for his service, including Commanders Commendations, Meritorious Service Awards, an Exceptional Service Award and two Distinguished Service Awards.