Cadet Col. Ethan McPeek of the Florida Wing’s Pines-Miramar Composite Squadron has been awarded the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest achievement available in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.
McPeek received the award in a ceremony June 5 from Maj. Gen. Joseph Vazquez, CAP national commander from 2014-2017.
McPeek joined CAP on March 10, 2020, the week the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted normal operations across the nation. He adapted quickly to the challenging circumstances quickly, learning drill via Zoom and receiving his first promotion online. Over the next five years, he built a legacy of excellence, leadership, and service.
He served as Pines-Miramar cadet commander, held leadership roles at multiple encampments, twice instructed the Command Course at the Florida Leadership Academy, and earned Distinguished Graduate honors from CAP’s National Emergency Services Academy.
He also received the Peer Leadership Award at Cadet Officer School and led his squadron’s color guard to win the Florida Wing’s Ultimate Cadet Challenge Championship in the Florida Wing.
McPeek was recognized with two other major awards during the ceremony:
The President’s Volunteer Service Medal, citing his 336 hours of community service over the last 12 months.
The Air & Space Forces Association Outstanding Cadet Award for 2025, presented by Col. Virginia Montalvo, in recognition of his leadership, academic excellence, and aerospace achievement.
Outside CAP, McPeek continues to excel. He’s graduating in the top 5% of his class at Cooper City High School, has completed over 1,000 total hours of community service over his high school career, and served as captain of the school’s water polo team, demonstrating strength in academics, athletics, and service.
This fall he will attend the University of Florida, where he plans to study aerospace engineering and participate in Air Force ROTC, with the goal of becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot.
“Cadet Col. Ethan McPeek represents the very best of what Civil Air Patrol strives to instill in our cadets — leadership, service, and a passion for excellence,” said 1st Lt. Treicy Soto, Pines Miramar squadron commander. “His story is a powerful example of perseverance and purpose.”
Among those attending the ceremony were:
Col. Joseph Martin, Southeast Region deputy commander
Lt. Col. Laz Garcia, Florida Wing chief of staff
Lt. Col. Julio Pastoriza, Florida Wing South deputy commander
Lt. Col. Jose Herrera, Group 4 commander
Maj. Bruce Clarkson, Group 9 commander
Maj. Chris Dominguez, Group 7 commander
Maj. Shannon Fuentes, Group 2 commander
Maj. Amon Russell, Florida Wing assistant director of cadet programs
Less than one-half of 1% of cadets receive the Spaatz award. Doing so requires completing the CAP cadet program’s 16 achievements and then passing a rigorous cumulative battery consisting of a strenuous physical fitness exam, a written essay on a persistent moral issue, and two 60-question cumulative exams on aerospace and leadership.
