General Carl A. Spaatz Award alumni
Earned as cadets. Serving for life.
We connect recipients of Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor, from across the decades, with patrons and sponsors who invest their experience in the next generation of leaders in CAP and beyond.
Start here
What brings you here?
Pick the line that fits you. Each one goes straight to the next step.
Cadets
Working toward the Spaatz
Current exam requirements, study resources, and advice from recipients who passed.
New Spaatzen
Just earned your diamonds
Your first year of membership is free if you activate within 365 days. Then plan your ceremony and thank a mentor.
Spaatzen & COP recipients
Already part of the family
Renew your membership, update your record, or get your @spaatz.org email.
Patrons & sponsors
Backing the next generation
Fund scholarships, grants and encampment support. Gifts to TSA are tax-deductible as the law allows.
2,668+
Spaatz Award recipients since 1965
As of September 2026
< 0.5%
of CAP cadets earn the award
Source: U.S. Air Force
$1,500
per Flight Scholarship, up to four each year
1994
First Gathering of Diamonds, New Orleans
Programs
Programs that move cadets forward
Every dollar here comes from members, patrons and sponsors. Every program is run by volunteers.
Applications open: Flight and Academic Scholarship applications are accepted October 1 through November 30 (11:59 p.m. Central). The next leadership grant deadline is November 30. How to apply →
FLIGHT
Flight “Solo” Scholarship
$1,500
Helps a cadet with the Mitchell Award train to first solo in a single-engine airplane.
EDUCATION
Academic Scholarship
$1,000 minimum
Post-secondary support for cadets studying for the aerospace industry or leadership.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership Grants
Up to $500
For individual, unit and special projects that build cadet leaders.
ENCAMPMENT
Col. Gregory “Evil” Watson Memorial Scholarship
Spaatz #1120
Supports cadets in leadership, aerospace and character development, with priority for the Louisiana Wing Summer Encampment.
Events
Midwinter Gala
Our formal gathering in the National Capital Region. Spaatzen from every decade, cadets, families, and the people who support them, in one room. The next date and registration will be posted here.
Membership & patronage
You’re already part of the family
Every Spaatz Award recipient is eligible. Your dues fund the programs above.
Your membership is tax-deductible. The Spaatz Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 63-1183842.
New Spaatzen
Free for your first year when you activate within 365 days of earning the award.
Freefirst year
Annual
Voting privileges, the member community, and discounts in the shop and on gala tickets.
$20per year
Life
One commitment, no renewals. Single payment or installments.
$400one time
Patrons Program
Stand behind the next generation
You don’t need diamonds to invest in cadets. Patrons and sponsors fund the scholarships, grants and recognition that Spaatzen run as volunteers.
- Direct your gift to a scholarship, a grant or The Spaatz Fund
- Named endowments begin at $50,000
- Employer matching gifts and securities accepted
The award and its namesake
Named for the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force
General Spaatz commanded the 1929 Question Mark endurance flight, led American air forces in Europe in World War II, and became the first chairman of Civil Air Patrol’s National Board. Since 1964, CAP’s highest cadet award has carried his name.
The Spaatz Award
History, requirements and the recipient list
Torch Award
New Spaatzen thank the mentors who got them there
Honorary Spaatzen
Rare recognition for sustained service to TSA
Fallen Diamonds
Remembering the recipients who have gone before us
Follow TSA
Event announcements, new Spaatzen and gala photos post here first.
The Question Mark
TSA’s newsletter, named for the 1929 refueling flight General Spaatz commanded. Member news, awards, elections and stories from Spaatzen.