In memoriam · Spaatz #1120
A life of service, leadership and mentorship
Colonel Gregory Watson, Spaatz #1120, was a master combat systems officer, Air Force reservist and weapons school graduate who spent most of his career at Barksdale Air Force Base, where he commanded the 343rd Bomb Squadron of the 307th Bomb Wing.
He began his Air Force career in 2001, supported numerous combat deployments, led at the command level, and mentored a generation of aviators and airmen who carry his influence forward. At the time of the TORCH11 B-52 accident at Edwards Air Force Base on June 15, 2026, he was serving as a weapon systems officer with Boeing while continuing his Reserve assignment to 10th Air Force. The Air Force promoted him to colonel posthumously.
From leading the 343rd Bomb Squadron to guiding our Airmen in numerous leadership roles across the Wing, he was a mentor, a leader and a true friend to so many of us.
307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base
Colonel Watson is survived by his wife, Michele, and his children Kaitlin, Amanda, Emily, Allison, Eric and Alex.
The scholarship
Established by the TSA Board of Directors, the scholarship supports Civil Air Patrol cadet participation in educational, leadership, aerospace and character-development activities. Priority consideration may go to the Louisiana Wing Summer Encampment. As funding permits, it may also support other cadet activities consistent with Colonel Watson’s legacy of service, leadership and aviation, and help immediate members of the Watson family take part in scholarship presentations and recognition events.
| Amount | Varies each year with available funding |
| Activities | CAP cadet activities approved by the TSA Scholarship Committee, with priority for the Louisiana Wing Summer Encampment |
| Eligibility | A Civil Air Patrol cadet demonstrating financial need |
| Preference | May go to applicants from Louisiana, or with a shared interest in bomber aviation, military service, or service in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard |
Essay prompt
Write an essay discussing the meaning of service and how you can live a life of service inspired by the legacy of Colonel Gregory “Evil” Watson, USAFR.
Essays must be the applicant’s original work. Submitted essays may be reviewed using available tools and methods to verify authenticity and originality.
To ask about applying, email the TSA Scholarship Committee at SecretaryTeam@Spaatz.Org.
Honor his legacy
Every contribution supports deserving Civil Air Patrol cadets with leadership, aerospace, character-development and training opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Through these young leaders, Colonel Watson’s commitment to serving others will keep shaping the future. Whether your gift is large or small, you can help turn remembrance into opportunity.
Your contribution is tax-deductible. The Spaatz Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 63-1183842.
Foundations and donors: please contact Major Julian “Cosmo” Gluck at Julian.Gluck@spaatz.org.