Cadet Col. Sean Haggerty of the Maine Wing’s Auburn-based 77th Composite Squadron has 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.
Haggerty, a new U.S. Marine Corps recruit, is the Maine Wing’s 17th cadet to receive the Spaatz award, first presented in 1964.
Cadets qualify to undergo the rigorous four-part examination for the Spaatz Award after devoting an average of four to five years to progressing through the 16 achievements in the CAP cadet program. The exam includes a comprehensive leadership test, an essay on moral leadership, a challenging aerospace test, and a demanding physical fitness test based on the U.S. Air Force Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment. Unlike other CAP achievements, cadets may attempt the Spaatz examination only three times.
Haggerty passed his exam just before to reporting for Marines recruit training this fall.
“The knowledge I gained throughout my years in Civil Air Patrol was instrumental in my success on Parris Island,” Haggerty said. “Because of my time in CAP, I was promoted to private first class ahead of most new Marines.
“I want to thank the many members who helped me during my Civil Air Patrol cadet journey.”
“I first met Cadet Haggerty at the age of 12½ as a new cadet, when I was a new squadron commander myself,” said Col. Mark Hyland, wing commander. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a shy young man into a confident and effective leader.
“Sean has continually impressed me with his ability to lead by example and serve as a mentor and role model for other cadets.
“I could not be prouder of the man he has become, not only as a member of Civil Air Patrol but also as U.S. Marine,” Hyland said.
“I know he will continue to achieve greatness throughout his career and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes.”
Haggerty joined CAP in December 2017. He has served in leadership roles throughout the nation, including staffing encampments and leadership academies in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Texas. He has earned multiple commander’s commendations at wing and region levels, the Civil Air Patrol Disaster Relief Ribbon for service during a federally declared disaster, and numerous other awards.
Haggerty was presented with the Spaatz award by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden at a ceremony Dec. 14 while on leave following his graduation from recruit training. State Sen. Bruce Bickford presented him with an official expression of sentiment from the Maine State Legislature.
Congratulatory letters were presented on behalf of Gov. Janet Mills, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Golden, as well as a certificate of recognition from the Maine Wing CAP State Legislative Squadron.
Also in attendance were Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey, CAP national deputy commander; Col. James Ridley, Northeast Region commander; and other the region and wing command teams._____2nd Lt. Amanda GoldmanAssistant Public Affairs OfficerMaine Wing
