Texas Senior Member, Washington Cadet, Puerto Rico Squadron Top National Award Recipients

A Texas Wing adult member committed to youth development and a Washington Wing cadet with exceptional leadership skills took top honors Aug. 16 at Civil Air Patrol’s 2025 National Awards Ceremony in Atlanta, joined by a high-achieving Puerto Rico Wing squadron.

Lt. Col. Arthur “Gerry” Levesque was recognized as CAP’s Senior Member of the Year and Cadet Col. Lucas J. Morrow as Cadet of the Year during the ceremony, held following CAP’s Summer Command Council meeting. The Muñiz Air National Guard Base Cadet Squadron was honored as the Squadron of Distinction.

Senior Member of the YearLevesque has dedicated more than 53 years of continuous service to Civil Air Patrol, beginning as a cadet in the Massachusetts Wing in 1971. His legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to youth development.

He has commanded six squadrons, served on the original Cadet Programs staff at National Headquarters, and played a pivotal role in developing the now-retired drug demand reduction program and the Cadets at School initiative.

“Being selected is an honor considering the vast amount of talent in CAP,” Levesque said. “There have been a great many senior members that have made Civil Air Patrol the vibrant program it is today, and I’m just proud to be a part of such a great organization.”

As a curriculum developer at National Headquarters, Levesque launched the National Color Guard Competition and secured more than $1 million in drug demand reduction initiative funding to support local cadet programs. He has served at 63 encampments — 27 times as commandant of cadets across 10 wings and twice as encampment commander. His leadership has shaped cadet experiences in nearly every CAP region.

“I started as a cadet as my dad’s recommendation and went to encampment my first year,” he said. “The activities, mentoring and leadership opportunities helped shape me into the person I am.

Levesque said his eight years as a cadet were possible only because of adult members who made the program work. “I felt it was my turn to return the favor,” he said. “Working with cadets, watching them mature, grow, and develop their leadership skills, makes me keep doing it.”

Since 2006 Levesque has commanded the Sheldon Cadet Squadron, a model school-based unit in a Title I district. Under his guidance, the squadron has recruited over 2,400 cadets and inspired the formation of a second school squadron. His cadets receive daily instruction and participate in monthly weekend activities, averaging 250 cadets annually.

Now serving as CAP’s national school program coordinator, Levesque continues to influence the organization’s future through curriculum development and regulatory guidance. He has contributed over 16,000 volunteer hours and remains a passionate mentor, drawing satisfaction from the growth and success of the cadets he leads.

His advice to other adult members of CAP?

“Two thoughts come to mind,” Levesque said. “The first is to learn the essential skills to make the CAP impactful to complete the assigned missions. Whether that be cadet program, aerospace education, or emergency services, learn the requirements to be successful.

“The second is being committed. Nothing is more disappointing to cadets than not following through on squadron plans, programs, or activities.”

Cadet of the YearMorrow has served in the Washington Wing with distinction for nearly five years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, initiative, and dedication to the CAP cadet program.

“I am incredibly humbled to be selected as Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet of the Year,” said Morrow, a member of the Northshore Composite Squadron. “I am grateful for the opportunities CAP provides for America’s young adults.”

As chair of the Washington Wing Cadet Advisory Council, he led the most productive term in recent memory. He oversaw 11 committees focused on improving cadet life and operations, resulting in two proposals being implemented and six more pending wing commander approval. His initiatives included increasing cadet representation on wing staff, supporting equitable practices in promotions, and redefining the cadet competition program.

Before serving as Cadet Advisory Committee chair, he earned a Commander’s Commendation Award as the council’s recorder and served as a unit representative.

In October, he was appointed Washington Wing cadet activities officer. In this role, he mentors cadet leaders and maintains key communication tools. He also revived a cadet newsletter to highlight achievements and opportunities.

In March he received the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, CAP’s highest cadet achievement, a distinction earned by less than one-half of 1% of all cadets

Despite those accomplishments and being recognized as Cadet of the Year, Morrow was mindful of others who had helped along the way.

“I want to extend my sincerest thank you to my family, friends, and mentors whose support has been critical to my leadership journey,” he said.

Morrow has attended six encampments and four Green Darner Cyber Academies and is the only cadet in the wing operating a high-frequency radio station.

His advice to other CAP cadets?

“Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, whether it be an executive staff position, encampment cadre, (Cadet Advisory Council), or at a national activity,” he said. “Allow the lessons you learn to shape you as a leader and humble you as a human being.”

He added, “Remember where you came from. … The friends you make at your first encampment may stick with you for years to come but only if you are willing to invest in those relationships.”

Entering his senior year of high school this fall, Morrow has supported numerous events while maintaining academic excellence. He is dual-enrolled in high school and college, serves as a leader in DECA, and competes in track and field and cross country.

“I am currently in the application process for several ROTC programs and service academies,” he said. “My end goal is to serve as a judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force.”

Meanwhile, he plans to remain active in CAP. He is scheduled to serve as cadet commander of the Oregon Wing’s Winter Raptor IX Encampment in December.

Squadron of DistinctionThe Muñiz Air National Guard Base Cadet Squadron distinguished itself in 2024 through exceptional performance in leadership, aerospace education, emergency services, and community engagement. The unit achieved a 38.5% membership increase and hosted multiple open houses, generating 51 new prospects.

Within two months, 88% of new cadets earned the Maj. Gen. John F. Curry Achievement. The squadron also celebrated 21 Wright Brothers, seven Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, six Amelia Earhart, one Gen. Ira C. Eaker, and one Gen. Carl A. Spaatz awards.

The unit earned its 12th consecutive Quality Cadet Unit Award, the Squadron Aerospace Education Achievement Award, and was named Puerto Rico Wing Squadron of Merit. Thirty-six members attended the 2024 Summer Leadership Academy, representing 25% of the total attendance.

Orientation flights increased by nearly 60%, with 92% of cadets completing their first flight. Sixteen cadets participated in National Cadet Special Activities and Flight Academies. The squadron also earned first place at the Puerto Rico Aerospace Fair.

Community service remains a cornerstone, with cadets supporting beach cleanups, cancer awareness events, disaster preparedness, and Wreaths Across America. Their holiday toy drive benefited over 300 children.

The squadron’s support for the 156th Communications Squadron on the Air National Guard base further exemplifies its members’ commitment.

The squadron commander, 1st Lt. Ricardo De Jesus, received the Brig. Gen. F. Ward Reilly Leadership Award in recognition for his leadership and dedication to the squadron.

National honors also went to:

Air Force Sergeants Association National Cadet NCO of the YearCadet Chief Master Sgt. Joy E. ByunNational Capital Wing

Aerospace Education Teacher of the YearMichael R. GottfriedNew Jersey Wing

Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm Aerospace Education Officer of the YearLt. Col. Peter J. ArnoldWisconsin Wing 

Lt. Col. T. Keith Riddle Aircrew Member of the YearFirst Lt. James (Dan) JackmanDelaware Wing 

Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Cadet CategoryCadet Lt. Col. Michael J. PorterAlaska Wing

Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Senior Member CategoryCapt. L. Michael BrightGeorgia Wing 

Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Organization CategoryNational Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy CenterVirginia Wing

John V. “Jack” Sorenson Cadet Programs Officer of the YearLt. Col. Lana HolubTexas Wing 

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Robert P. Taylor Chaplain of the YearChaplain (Capt.) Chon GannMaryland Wing 

Character Development Officer of the YearCapt. Heike J. DodgeCrow Wing Composite SquadronMinnesota Wing 

Malcolm C. Kyser, Jr., Communicator of the YearLt. Col. Robert B. BeckerIllinois Wing 

Norm Edwards Counterdrug Officer of the YearCapt. Gary A. StarkArizona Wing

Director of Finance of the YearMaj. Martin J. SommerMinnesota Wing

Professional Development Officer of the YearMaj. Brent D. WootersNorth Carolina Wing 

Col. Dion Decamp Ground Team of the YearBroken Arrow Composite Squadron Ground TeamsOklahoma Wing

Health Services Officer of the YearCapt. Erin E. BriggsWisconsin Wing

Col. Lester E. Hopper Historian of the YearCapt. Michael P. SantanaFlorida Wing 

Col. Edwin W. Lewis, Jr., Incident Staff Member of the YearMaj. Robert J. Yusko IIColorado Wing

Inspector General of the YearLt. Col. Wayne M. ToughillPennsylvania Wing

Order of Daedalians Exceptional Instructor Pilot of the YearLt. Col. Dean J. AndersonVirginia Wing 

Maj. Gen. Dwight H. Wheless Legal Officer of the YearMaj. Susan E. HartmannNew York Wing

George Texido Legislative Officer of the YearLt. Col. Gordon J. HelmArizona Wing 

Col. David Kantor Operations Staff Officer of the YearLt. Col. Vernon S. MayUtah Wing 

Property Management Officer of the YearLt. Col. Suzanne M. McbridePennsylvania Wing 

Col. Robert V. “Bud” Payton Public Affairs Officer of the YearCapt. Glenda B. EngstromNorth Carolina Wing 

Safety Officer of the YearCapt. Daniel W. BradleyPacific Region

Paul W. Turner Safety AwardCalifornia Wing

Mission awards were presented as well. Each year, CAP-USAF recognizes one wing within each region for having the best program in a specific mission area. 

Great Lakes RegionIllinois Wing

Mid-Atlantic RegionNorth Carolina Wing 

North Central RegionKansas Wing

Northeast RegionNew York Wing 

Pacific RegionAlaska Wing 

Rocky Mountain RegionColorado Wing 

Southeast RegionFlorida Wing

Southwest RegionTexas Wing

Great Lakes RegionIndiana Wing 

Mid-Atlantic RegionNorth Carolina Wing

North Central RegionIowa Wing 

Northeast RegionPennsylvania Wing

Pacific RegionHawaii Wing

Rocky Mountain RegionColorado Wing 

Southeast RegionTennessee Wing 

Southwest RegionOklahoma Wing

Great Lakes RegionMichigan Wing

Mid-Atlantic RegionVirginia Wing 

North Central RegionSouth Dakota Wing 

Northeast RegionConnecticut Wing

Pacific RegionCalifornia Wing

Rocky Mountain RegionIdaho Wing

Southeast RegionPuerto Rico Wing

Southwest RegionArizona Wing

Great Lakes RegionKentucky Wing

Mid-Atlantic RegionDelaware Wing 

North Central RegionNorth Dakota Wing 

Northeast RegionNew Hampshire Wing 

Pacific RegionAlaska Wing 

Rocky Mountain RegionColorado Wing 

Southeast RegionFlorida Wing

Southwest RegionArizona Wing

Great Lakes RegionIndiana Wing

Mid-Atlantic RegionVirginia Wing

North Central RegionMinnesota Wing 

Northeast RegionNew Hampshire Wing

Pacific RegionCalifornia Wing 

Rocky Mountain RegionColorado Wing 

Southeast RegionMississippi Wing

Southwest RegionNew Mexico Wing