Shelley Gonzales Obituary, Death – It is with deep sadness that I must convey the news of the passing of Lt Col Shelley Gonzales. She peacefully departed this morning, surrounded by her family, following a sudden illness and diagnosis. Shelley has been an integral part of our Civil Air Patrol (CAP) family for a significant duration, known by many of us.
She served diligently within CAP, most recently as our CAP section leader in Emergency Management. Her dedication to our organization shone through as she participated across all levels, contributing to the successful execution of numerous events. A true servant leader, Shelley’s passion and commitment will be profoundly missed.
This news may take many by surprise, as it has for me, and adjusting to CAP without Shelley will undoubtedly be challenging. She held a special place within our ranks, especially in her interactions with our cadets. Shelley’s love for our future leaders was evident, and she worked tirelessly to ensure they received unwavering support at every step of their journey.
We will all carry cherished memories of Shelley that bring smiles to our faces, and I encourage you to share these memories with one another as we navigate the grieving process for our dear friend. In these trying times, let us remember to check on one another and be supportive wingmen.
This sad event serves as a poignant reminder of the value of our moments together and the importance of cherishing each opportunity we have to serve alongside passionate individuals like Shelley in this organization. Details regarding her service and arrangements are not available at this moment.
As we receive more information, we will share it with you. If you find the need to discuss or seek someone to talk to about this loss, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the command team, the wing chaplain, or a trusted wingman.
