Aye: CAP to Focus on Ownership in 2025

Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, Civil Air Patrol's national commander/CEO, invites CAP members and employees to the launch of her “Year of Ownership” initiative — a year-long journey dedicated to fostering a culture of ownership and accountability within the organization.

“We all have a role to play in Civil Air Patrol's success,” she said, encouraging everyone in CAP to lean into their individual leadership capabilities.

Aye's initiative is based on the principles explained in Extreme Ownership, written by two former Navy SEALs. The kickoff webinar for her initiative is set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time Jan. 9.

"Through self-leadership and a collective commitment to act with our core values, we can accomplish a culture of mutual understanding and lay the foundation for CAP’s future," she said.

Noteworthy Achievements in 2024

Civil Air Patrol achieved much in the past, recording many amazing accomplishments. The Marketing and Communications team put together this year-in-review video to celebrate some of the top CAP achievements of 2024.

Check out these related stories recently posted on CAP.news:

Hawaii Cadets Take Part in Pearl Harbor Commemoration

Hawaii Wing members turned out Dec. 7 to mark the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, with cadets from three squadrons participating in commemorative ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Cadet Capt. Noah Ettlich of the Hickam Composite Squadron and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Lilian Burrell of the Wheeler Composite Squadron (pictured) presented memorial wreaths alongside servicemembers and National Park rangers.

Georgia Wing Rockets to Success at National Launch

The Georgia Wing capped its 2024 rocketry program at the National Association of Rocketry’s National Sport Launch from Nov. 23–25 in Nashville, Georgia, with 46 cadets and 10 adult volunteers showcasing months of hard work in launching their rockets.

During the National Sport Launch the participants conducted 97 rocket launches across a variety of motor classes.

Twelve cadets and eight adult leaders achieved their Level 1 High-Power Rocketry Certification, and one adult leader earned a Level 2 Certification. Certifications underscore mastery of high-power rocketry and safe launch practices.

Spaatz Legacy Takes Center Stage at Museum Event

Civil Air Patrol cadets, their Junior ROTC counterparts, and students interested in aviation gained a new appreciation for CAP's storied early National Executive Board chairman, U.S. Air Force Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, as special guests Dec. 12 for a presentation at the Spaatz museum in Boyerstown, Pennsylvania.

The Spaatz Association — past and present CAP members awarded the organization’s highest cadet award, named in Spaatz’s honor — organized the gathering at Gen. Carl Spaatz National U.S. Army Air Forces Museum for the first stop of a tour publicly displaying the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a large bust of the World War II legend.

The award, known as “The Tooey,” recognizes Spaatz award recipients whose noteworthy and remarkable service have brought honor and prestige nationally and internationally. 

The Spaatz Association's Mid-Winter Gala and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 14 in conjunction with CAP's annual Legislative Day and Winter Command Council meeting in Washington, D.C.

Register now for the Friday evening event, to be held at the Crystal City Mariott in the nation's capital.

Maine, North Dakota Cadets Receive Spaatz Awards

Two Civil Air Patrol cadets recently received the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor. achieved by less than one-half of 1% of cadets nationwide:

• Cadet Col. Sean Haggerty of the Maine Wing’s Auburn-based 77th Composite Squadron.
• Cadet Col. Zachery M. Leath of the North Dakota Wing's 119th ANG Cadet Squadron in Fargo.

Haggerty, a new U.S. Marine Corps recruit, is the Maine Wing’s 17th cadet to receive the Spaatz award, while Leath remains active as a mentor to his squadron and holds the position of assistant representative to the National Cadet Advisory Council for the North Central Region.

NHQ News

You Can Save Lives and Shape Futures

Your year-end gift today can help Civil Air Patrol inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders. By donating, you equip teachers, launch cadet journeys, and fund critical scholarships that change lives.

Here’s what your support achieves:

• $50: Supports one cadet’s aerospace education experience.
• $125: Gives one hour of flight training to a cadet.
• $250: Shapes a cadet's future with summer leadership and aerospace training.
• $500: Brings aerospace education to an entire squadron.
• $1,000+: Funds academic or flight scholarships for aspiring cadets.

Make your gift today (before the end of 2024) to save a life, shape a future.

Take the CAP Cyber Team's New Year Challenge

The CAP Cyber team is issuing a New Year challenge for cadets and adult members to participate in the 2024 Cisco Networking Academy Cyber Challenge.

This free opportunity includes six courses and the Career Path Exam, to be completed by May 23.

Members completing the CAP Cisco Networking Academy Cyber Challenge would have a skill set that could lead to an entry-level job opportunity in the cybersecurity industry.

For more information, go to Operation Pulse Lift's webpage on GoCivilAirPatrol.com. There you will find the latest Blood Donation Center schedules, instructions on how to set up a BDC, and other mission information.