36112,
18
February
2022
|
09:27 AM
America/Chicago

Kansas Member Recognized with Soaring Award

500_kswing-696030Lt. Col. Doug DuttonLt. Col. Doug Dutton, the Kansas Wing’s director of operations, has been honored with the 2021 Kansas Soaring Association Governors Cup for his contributions to the sport of soaring in Kansas.

 Dutton was specifically recognized for bringing the Civil Air Patrol glider program and the North Central Region Glider Academy to the Sunflower Gliderport in Hutchinson, as well as for introducing hundreds to the sport by taking a CAP glider to multiple locations for fly-ins and other air shows, and providing CAP and Junior ROTC cadets with glider orientation rides. 

The Sunflower Gliderport is the former Naval Air Station Hutchinson, where U.S. Navy aviators were trained during and after World War II and, more recently, units of the Kansas Air National Guard. 

KSsoaringWith a 7,000-foot runway and nearby accommodations, the Gliderport is operated by the nonprofit Sunflower Soaring Foundation and is home to the Kansas Soaring Association – the state chapter of the national Soaring Society of America. 

The association also recognized Dutton’s contributions as Sunflower Gliderport's tow pilot of the year, including his willingness to tow gliders when needed and assist with maintenance of the facility and its equipment. 

“This is a classic example of CAP experience being leveraged to the benefit a community in a creative way,” said Col. Roger Eaton, Kansas Wing commander.

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Lt. Col. David A. Miller
Director of Public Affairs
North Central Region