Cadet Col. Evelyn Rouland of the Maryland Wing’s St. Mary’s Composite Squadron has been recognized with the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor.
Rouland received the award from retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders in a ceremony July 9 at St. Mary’s County Regional. More than 100 attended.
“I don’t know how to adequately express my appreciation to all the people who made this possible,” Rouland said. “As the 2585th recipient of the Spaatz award, I am deeply humbled by this achievement. This honor would not have been possible without the unwavering support of so many, especially my parents, who have always been there for me, taking care of whatever they could so I could focus on the important things and challenges in my life.”
Maj. David Webster, St. Mary’s commander, said afterward that he “took note of the faces in the crowd, especially the younger cadets. They were fixated on every word she said. Her message came through clearly: ‘You can do this too. You just have to decide to take personal responsibility and make it happen.’
“It was as if they were hearing a message from above.”
“This is the first Spaatz award this squadron has seen in over a decade,” said Lt. Col. David Trick, deputy commander for cadets, referring to the previous Spaatz award presentation in 2014. “But I can say with confidence—it will not be another decade before we see the next.
“With the support of a dedicated adult membership and strong cadet leadership, we are building something remarkable.”
Rouland was also presented with a proclamation by St Mary’s County Commissioners Scott Ostrow, District 4, and Eric Colvin, District 1, honoring her for achieving the Spaatz award.
Spaatz award recipients — less than one-half of 1% of all cadets — must complete the CAP cadet program’s 16 achievements, then pass 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. _____Maj. Kenneth J. CainPublic Affairs OfficerSt Mary’s Composite Squadron (Maryland Wing
