Over the past five years, Cadet Col. Catherine Eve Gardner has become one of the most recognizable and respected cadet leaders at Civil Air Patrol’s National Emergency Services Academy (NESA), held each summer at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
Her journey is a model of what dedication, professionalism, and perseverance can achieve within CAP’s cadet program and emergency services mission.
Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, Civil Air Patrol’s national commander and CEO, has noticed the cadet’s development as a leader, so much so that she named her the cadet Year of Ownership champion for CAP in 2026.
“Cadet Col. Gardner exemplifies CAP's core values through both her achievements and her service to others. She demonstrated excellence by earning Distinguished Graduate honors at Cadet Officer School and volunteer service through her work at National Blue Beret as well as NESA. By attending eight encampments in five states, she has also invested in mentoring the next generation of cadets and developed tremendous leadership skills. As a Year of Ownership champion, she consistently modeled accountability, professionalism, and commitment to others.”
Then-Cadet Lt. Col. Catherine Eve Gardner leads other CAP cadets on the Navigation Course during NESA 2025.
A Remarkable Cadet Journey
Gardner began her CAP career with the Curry Achievement in 2021, entering the program as a brand‑new cadet airman. In just a few short years, she advanced through every phase of the cadet program, ultimately earning the grade of cadet colonel, the highest rank a cadet can achieve, which occurs after a cadet earns CAP’s Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award.
This progression reflects not only academic and leadership excellence, but a deep commitment to service and personal growth. It is CAP’s highest cadet honor, achieved by less than one-half of 1% of those who have participated in the program.
Aye, a Spaatz recipient as a Kansas Wing cadet in 1992, flew to Indiana this summer to present Gardner with her Spaatz award.
“Cadet Col. Gardner represents the best of Civil Air Patrol, and I am proud of her accomplishments and the example she sets. It was a privilege to present her Spaatz award. … This was my first time presenting one in the field!”
This photo, taken in the pouring rain, shows Cadet Col. Catherine Eve Gardner at her Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award presentation with Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO, surrounded by Ground Search and Rescue School staff members who “played an important role in my time at NESA.”
Gardner said receiving her Spaatz award at NESA was “an incredible honor.”
“I first attended NESA as a recently joined cadet, fearful of an activity that would push me far beyond my comfort zone. I barely knew how to hold a compass,” she said. “Ultimately, that challenge is what brought me back year after year and encouraged me to pursue other National Cadet Special Activities [NCSAs].”
“To receive my final cadet promotion surrounded by NESA, wing, and national staff who have directly impacted my career, counseled me through challenges, and encouraged me along the way was the privilege of a lifetime. The Spaatz award represents far more than a change in rank; it is the lessons learned, challenges faced, and people met throughout my cadet career.”
Five Years of Impact at NESA
Gardner’s NESA career is a textbook example of steady progression, increasing responsibility, and exceptional performance:
2021 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue student (cadet airman)
Her first year at NESA, where she quickly distinguished herself through hard work and enthusiasm.2022 – Advanced Ground Search and Rescue student (cadet master sergeant)
Returning as an advanced student, she demonstrated strong field skills and leadership potential.2023 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue staff team leader, Week 1 (cadet chief master sergeant)
Her first year on staff, where she excelled in leading and mentoring new students.2023 – Advanced Ground Search and Rescue staff, Week 2 (cadet chief master sergeant)
Supporting both basic and advanced courses in the same season — a rare accomplishment.2024 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue staff team leader, Week 1 (cadet captain)
A trusted and experienced staff member, she led with confidence and professionalism.2024 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue assistant training officer, Week 2 (cadet captain)
Learned the ropes of this role in preparation for being the training officer in 2025.2025 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue training officer (cadet lieutenant colonel)
One of the most demanding cadet staff roles, responsible for training execution and student development.2026 – Basic Ground Search and Rescue training officer (cadet colonel)
Returning for a second year as training officer, now as a cadet colonel, she brings unmatched experience and continuity to the program.
Then-Cadet Capt. Catherine Eve Gardner poses for a photo with Cadet Lt. Col. Greyston Harper, the Advanced Ground Search and Rescue School training officer, and Capt. Joshua Gauthier, the Basic Ground Search and Rescue School executive officer, during NESA 2024. Throughout her cadet career, Gardner said now-Lt. Harper has played a pivotal role as a mentor and teacher.
Learning to Lead
What makes Gardner’s story so compelling is how closely her growth mirrors the structure of NESA itself. She began as a cadet airman student, learning the basics of ground search and rescue. Year after year, she returned to give back. Her rise from student to team leader, to staff, and ultimately to training officer reflects a deep commitment to the academy and its mission.
“First and foremost, NESA has made me a better search and rescue practitioner in every role I have filled,” she said. “The skills I learned there have extended far beyond Civil Air Patrol.”
Gardner’s leadership style is consistently described as steady, mature, and mission‑focused. She sets high standards, mentors younger cadets with patience and clarity, and brings a level of professionalism that elevates the entire staff.
“Beyond the technical knowledge, NESA gave me an environment in which to develop my leadership,” she said. “I owe much of my ability to communicate clearly, manage stressful situations with poise, and my desire to serve others to the Ground Search and Rescue School.
She added, “Each year challenged me with greater responsibility and taught me that effective leadership is ultimately about serving and fighting for the people around you.”
CAP leaders outside of NESA rave about her growth and leadership ability.
“As a servant leader, Cadet Col. Gardner understands that leadership is not about position or recognition, but about serving others, creating opportunities for those around us to succeed, and leaving things better than we found them.”
Cadet Col. Catherine Eve Gardner (center) received her Spaatz award at NESA this summer. Here, she is congratulated by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye (right), CAP’s national commander and CEO, and Maj. Elise Permann of the Ground Search and Rescue School.
Transitioning to Adult Membership
What words of encouragement did Aye and others at NESA pass on to her?
“Continue to serve,” said Gardner. “Although my cadet career is coming to an end, I have been encouraged not to let my service end.”
Gardner acknowledged the opportunities available as an adult CAP member are vast and provide countless ways to continue giving back to the organization that has given her so much.
“Although earning the Spaatz award is an incredible milestone, I hope it serves as a steppingstone rather than an ending. I look forward to carrying the lessons learned into new opportunities to serve.”
Her career plans for the future?
“I am currently a junior chemistry major at the University of Cincinnati on a pre-medicine track,” Gardner said. “I work in the Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and plan to pursue a medical degree after completing my undergraduate studies.”
Gardner said she has utilized skills and lessons learned at NESA in both EMT school and her work in the Emergency Department.
Within CAP, she hope to remain involved as an adult member “wherever I can be most useful, particularly by continuing to support encampments, NCSAs, and other summer activities.”
A Lasting Legacy
As she prepares to transition from cadet to senior member, Gardner leaves behind a legacy of excellence at NESA. She has trained hundreds of students, supported multiple course directors, and helped shape the culture of the Basis Ground Search and Rescue and Advanced Ground Search and Rescue programs. Her influence will continue through the cadets she has mentored and the high expectations she modeled.
For those who have worked with her, it has been a privilege to watch her grow from a brand‑new cadet airman in 2021 to a cadet colonel and two‑time Basic Ground Search and Rescue training officer. Her dedication, professionalism, and passion for service embody, as Aye, the national commander, said, “the very best of Civil Air Patrol.”
Be Like Cadet Col. Gardner
NESA is one of Civil Air Patrol's premier national summer activities providing hands-on instruction in ground search and rescue, mission aircrew operations, and incident command system management. Future cadets and adults interested in becoming part of an activity like this can learn more here.
It all starts at a squadron near you, and the best way to learn more about what the organization does is to stop by one. There is no obligation, and no experience required to start. Learn more about how to join here.
