Donate
Former Massachusetts Cadet Honored with Spaatz Award
He's now an officer in the U.S. Air Force, but before he wrapped up his Civil Air Patrol cadet career as a Massachusetts Wing member 2nd Lt. Luke Pongratz achieved CAP’s top cadet honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award.
The former Hanscom Composite Squadron cadet commander received his Spaatz award from Brig. Gen. Virginia I. Gaglio, 
Massachusetts Air National Guard commander, at Hanscom Air Force Base.
Pongratz joined Civil Air Patrol in 2014. Recognized as the Northeast Region Cadet of the Year in 2020, he participated in the Northeast Region Honor Guard Academy, Northeast Region Glider Academy, and Hawk Mountain Ranger School.
Less than one-half of 1% of cadets achieve the Spaatz award. Cadets qualify for the honor after an average of four years progressing through the 16 achievements in the CAP cadet program.
The award goes to those who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education.
_____
Lt. Col. Keith Raymond
Public Affairs Officer
Massachusetts Wing