Our story
The Spaatz Association focuses the talent and experience of Spaatz Award recipients on strengthening the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and its alumni.
- 1964Civil Air Patrol establishes its capstone cadet award in honor of General Carl A. Spaatz.
- January 25, 1965Douglas C. Roach of Michigan receives Spaatz Award No. 1. He later flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
- 1994Seventy-four recipients gather at CAP’s National Board meeting in New Orleans, the first Gathering of Diamonds, and begin forming an association.
- 1995The Spaatz Association, Inc. is chartered as a nonprofit to serve recipients and support cadets.
- 2007TSA welcomes recipients of the Cadet Certificate of Proficiency, the cadet program’s earlier capstone, as members.
- 2024The Torch Award is introduced at the Winter Gala so new Spaatzen can recognize their mentors.
- TodayMembers fund scholarships and grants, run recognition programs, gather each year, and keep the award’s history.
Our purpose
The purpose of the Association is to serve as the alumni network for recipients of Civil Air Patrol’s General Carl A. Spaatz Award, serve Spaatzen, and produce the dynamic leaders the United States requires for future growth and success. Under our bylaws, that work includes:
- Strategic support to Civil Air Patrol and other organizations
- Recognition programs and networking events
- Advocacy for maintaining the prestige of the Spaatz Award
- Honoring our namesake’s legacy
- Leadership development
- Charitable assistance, namely through scholarships and grants
- Mentorship
Who runs TSA
TSA is staffed entirely by volunteers. Officers and directors work alongside committee members and project volunteers, and every committee welcomes new members.