Center the presentation on the recipient’s achievement, the people who supported the journey, and the responsibility the triple diamonds represent.
TSA’s materials are flexible guidance. Coordinate the final plan with the recipient, family, unit commander, presenter and local Civil Air Patrol leadership, and confirm any official CAP requirements through the chain of command.
Start with the recipient
- Choose the setting. Pick a date and venue where family, mentors, unit members and guests can attend.
- Choose the presenter. Invite someone meaningful to the recipient, and confirm an emcee, a narrator, and any honor guard or unit members. Historically, CAP guidance called for a flag officer, governor, member of Congress, senator, or dignitary of similar stature to present the award.
- Tell the story. Use the family-endorsed citation, personal remarks and photographs to explain both the achievement and the journey.
Checklist
| Area | Confirm |
|---|---|
| People | Recipient, family, presenter, emcee, narrator, commander and guests |
| Award items | Certificate, ribbon, shoulder insignia, optional coin and case, and a Torch Award if the recipient wants one |
| Venue | Date, location, seating, flags, lectern, audio, accessibility and reception |
| Record | Photographer, public-affairs story, photo captions, and photos sent to TSA |
Suggested sequence
- Opening. Welcome guests, post or recognize the colors as appropriate, and explain why everyone is there.
- Award history and citation. Briefly introduce General Spaatz, the meaning of the award, and the recipient’s citation.
- Presentation. Present the certificate and ribbon, pin on the cadet colonel insignia when appropriate, and invite the presenter’s remarks.
- Recipient and mentor recognition. Invite the recipient to speak and, if they choose, present a Torch Award to a mentor.
- Closing and photos. Recognize family and mentors, close the ceremony, and take individual and group photos with full captions.
Materials
After the ceremony, please send photos and the story to SecretaryTeam@Spaatz.Org so we can share them in The Question Mark.