Special Awards

CADET OF THE YEAR
C/Col Kate A. Whitacre
Indiana

Being chosen as the 2003 Cadet of the Year by the RiverCity Cadet Squadron (Evansville, Ind.) was only the beginning for Cadet Colonel Kate A. Whitacre. Since then, she has developed into the quintessential Civil Air Patrol cadet, with accomplishments ranging over a broad spectrum, including, aviation, academics, the arts, sports and community involvement. C/Col Whitacre joined CAP in 2001, steadily advancing in rank and winning awards, culminating with the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest for a CAP cadet. With equal relish, she went after her pilot¹s license, which she attained in 2008. In fact, in June of that year she became the only CAP cadet pilot in Indiana. Read more

JACK SORENSON CADET PROGRAM OFFICER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
Maj Joe Winter
Maryland

Winter joined CAP in 1993 as a cadet in New York Wing, where he rapidly rose through the cadet program and was named the New York Wing Cadet of the Year.  After college, he transferred to the Maryland Wing and joined the Wing cadet programs staff where he serves as Director of Cadet Programs.   In 2009 he was also named to national cadet programs staff where he serves as the director for national cadet special activities.  Read More

SQUADRON OF DISTINCTION
Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Maj Jim Weed, commander
Georgia

Its numerous activities and high level of participation propelled the Georgia Wing’s Gwinnett County Composite Squadron to this top squadron honor for 2008. With 55 cadets and 70 senior members, the squadron participated in major Civil Air Patrol missions, took CAP into the community and helped its members achieve personal goals. 
Read more 
Unit website.

CADET PROGRAMS MISSION AWARDS
This annual award recognizes the wing in each CAP region that has the most outstanding Cadet Program. The award is give to wings excelling in cadet recruitment and retention, encampment attendance, orientation flights, and in the earning of milestone awards.

SPECIAL AWARDS FOR CADETS

Cadet of the Year Award
An annual award for the most outstanding cadet at the squadron, group, wing, region, and national levels.  For details, see CAPR 39-3.

Air Force Association Award
to Outstanding CAP Cadets
An annual award for an outstanding cadet at the squadron level. AFA asks that awards be requested each January, for the preceding year.  For details, see the flyer.

Air Force Sergeants' Association
Cadet NCO of the Year Award
An annual award for the most outstanding cadet non-commissioned officer at the squadron level.  For details, see CAPR 39-3.

Veterans of Foreign Wars' 
Cadet of the Year Award
An annual award for an outstanding cadet at the squadron level.  For details, see CAPR 39-3.

The Congressional Award
A multi-faceted award program recognizing young people who excel in volunteerism, personal development, fitness, and exploration.  For details, see CAPP 52-5.

President's Active Lifestyle Award
Because the primary goal of the cadet physical fitness program, to develop a lifelong habit of exercising regularly, is closely aligned with the President's Challenge, cadets may qualify for President's Challenge Awards.  For details, see President's Challenge.

The Presidential Physical Fitness Award
Because the cadet physical fitness test is aligned with the PCPFS fitness test, cadets may be eligible for awards sponsored by the President's Council.  For more information, see CAPP 52-18, page 29. 

AWARD FOR CADET PROGRAMS OFFICERS

John V. "Jack" Sorenson  Cadet Programs
Officer of the Year Award
An annual award recognizing an outstanding senior member's leadership in the Cadet Program at the wing, region, and national levels.  For details, see CAPR 52-16


AWARDS FOR CADET UNITS

American Legion Award for
Outstanding CAP Squadrons
An annual award enabling each wing to recognize a top-performing squadron. For details, see CAPR 39-3.

Squadron of Merit
An annual award recognizing the top cadet or composite squadron in each wing. For details, see CAPR 39-3.

Squadron of Distinction
An annual award recognizing the top cadet or composite squadron at the region and national levels. For details, see CAPR 39-3.

Cadet Programs Mission Award
An annual award recognizing the wing with the most outstanding Cadet Program, as determined by the CAP region commander and CAP-USAF liaison region commander. For details, see CAPR 52-16.

Squadron Physical Fitness Award
A semi-annual award based on the overall scores of their cadets on the CPFT. For details, see CAPP 52-18.