Thomas Cyrus Casaday, Jr. was born in Birmingham, Alabama June 27, 1918. Graduated Auburn University in 1941. Served as B-24 pilot in Army Air Corps. Joined Civil Air Patrol in 1948. Served Alabama Wing in various leadership positions including Wing Commander. Was appointed southeast regional commander in 1973. In 1976 was elected to Civil Air Patrol's highest office and promoted to Brigadier General. Served as national commander until 1979. For his contributions, his leadership and dedication to aerospace education, was inducted into the Civil Air Patrol Hall of Fame in 1979.