Lt. Col. Barbara A. Burns was recognized July 27 with Civil Air Patrol’s Distinguished Service Award for her 35 years of exemplary leadership and commitment to the cadet program and the New York Wing Encampment.
Burns received the award from Brig. Gen. Paul Bishop, chief of staff of the New York Air National Guard, during the encampment pass in review ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base.
She has played a foundational role in the encampment program’s development since 1990, holding virtually every major leadership position, including encampment commander, deputy commander for support, and registrar. More than 4,500 cadets have graduated from encampments, and over 1,700 cadets have served as encampment staff under her mentorship and guidance.
“Lt. Col. Burns has been the heart of the New York Wing Encampment for over three decades,” said Maj. Michael Cassidy, 2025 encampment commander. “Her devotion to the mission, her quiet and unwavering mentorship, and her trailblazing innovations in encampment management have shaped generations of cadets and senior members alike.
“This award is not just recognition of her past — it is a testament to the future she’s helped build,” Cassidy said.
Burns’ service spans five encampment locations across the state —Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Camp Smith, Fort Drum, Stratton Air National Guard Base, and now Hancock Field.
In 2022, after the unexpected loss of access to Stratton, Burns helped re-establish the encampment at Hancock Field. She played a leading role in all site visits, planning meetings, and coordination efforts with the host unit, the 174th Attack Wing, ensuring a seamless transition and the continuation of high-quality cadet training.
Her contributions go far beyond logistics. In the early 2000s she founded Burns Computing, where she developed the first-ever “Encampment Management Program,” a software suite that streamlined the registration, logistics, and administrative aspects of encampment operations. Wings across CAP adopted the platform, which laid the groundwork for National Headquarters’ Registration Zone.
Burns has served as a national adviser in helping integrate many of her own tools and concepts into the system.
Burns has mentored generations of adult members and cadet officers, leading with compassion, humility, and commitment to CAP’s core values. Her efforts to train her successors have ensured continuity and stability for years to come.
“Lt. Col. Burns cast a vision for a better way to run encampment,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Brodsky, a former New York Wing member who commands Virginia Wing Group 3. “I benefitted from this as a student at one of her first encampments, and decades later was able to benefit from her wisdom and enthusiasm as a member of the encampment senior command staff.
“Her influence is felt throughout CAP as I and others have carried her leadership lessons to other wings,” Brodsky said.
Civil Air Patrol’s highest recognition for service, the Distinguished Service Award is reserved for those whose efforts have had a lasting impact on the organization’s national success.
Burns received the award from Brig. Gen. Paul Bishop, chief of staff of the New York Air National Guard, during the encampment pass in review ceremony.
