April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Area Civil Air Patrol group to receive award
By From Sarah Wittekind-
In June of 2016, Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters certified that Shelbyville Composite Squadron cadet, Luke Grace, completed all requirements for the General Carl A. Spaatz Award. In recognition of this achievement, Indiana National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Air, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey W. Hauser will present the award at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Shelbyville on Dec. 1.
Completing all requirements for the Spaatz award isn't easy. All recipients are required to complete a rigorous four-part exam consisting of a challenging physical fitness test, an essay exam testing their moral reasoning, a comprehensive written exam on leadership, and a comprehensive written exam on aerospace education. As a result, on average, only 5 in every 1000 cadets earn this highest achievement in the cadet program. Grace's award was the 2,050th award to be certified since the achievement was created in 1964, and only the 49th issued in the Indiana Wing. Upon passing the Spaatz Award exams, the cadet is promoted to the grade of cadet colonel.
The award presentation coincides with the celebration of the Civil Air Patrol's 75th anniversary. Indiana Wing Commander, Col. Philip Argenti and Group V Commander, Maj. Jim Buist will be in attendance along with Shelbyville Mayor Thomas DeBaun.
Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol has a rich history of volunteer service that started in 1941 when Col. Walker Winslow was appointed the commander. Indiana Wing members participated in sub-hunting exercises off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and some also went on to become Women Air Service Pilots.
This event is open to the public. It will be held at 3556 N Michigan Road in Shelbyville at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1.[[In-content Ad]]
