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Ohio Wing Cadets Earn Civil Air Patrol’s Highest Honor

Two Ohio Wing cadets have earned the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor, marking a rare achievement reached by fewer than one-half of one percent of cadets nationwide.

Cadet Col. Catherine Gardner of Milford and Cadet Col. Joseph Masiker of Waterville were recognized for exceptional achievement in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness and character development.

“Earning the Spaatz Award reflects sustained excellence across every aspect of the cadet program and represents the very best of Civil Air Patrol,” said Ohio Wing Commander Col. David "DAD" Dlugiewicz. “Cadets Col. Gardner and Masiker exemplify the dedication, character and leadership our program is designed to develop, and they set a powerful example for cadets across Ohio Wing.”

Named for Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, the first chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol’s first National Board chairman, the award has been presented since 1964. To qualify, cadets must complete all phases of the CAP Cadet Program and pass a rigorous comprehensive examination covering leadership, aerospace, fitness and moral reasoning.

Catherine Gardner

Gardner, a member of the Clermont County Composite Squadron, joined Civil Air Patrol in 2021 and has completed eight encampments across four states, serving in leadership roles including cadet commander. She has participated in 10 national-level training programs focused on aviation, leadership and emergency services.

Among those experiences, Gardner was named a distinguished graduate of Cadet Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base. She also served at the National Blue Beret activity supporting the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh and completed five years of advanced emergency services training through Civil Air Patrol’s national academy.

“Take advantage of the opportunities available to you and don’t be afraid to be a student again,” Gardner said. “Civil Air Patrol offers endless opportunities—but you’ll only get out of the program what you put into it.”

In 2025, Gardner served as a Cadet Ambassador for Civil Air Patrol’s Extreme Ownership Initiative, where she instructed cadets across multiple states in leadership principles.

Gardner is a chemistry major on a pre-medical track at the University of Cincinnati and works in the Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She plans to attend medical school following graduation.

Joseph Masiker

Masiker, a member of the Toledo Air National Guard Base Cadet Squadron, joined Civil Air Patrol in 2020 and has attended three encampments, including one as a cadet commander. He has also served as cadet commander of his squadron, where he created and led the unit color guard.

He is a graduate of the Mid-Atlantic Region Honor Guard Academy and Cadet Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, home of Air University.

“Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—seek them out and challenge yourself to improve,” Masiker said. “Success in Civil Air Patrol comes from putting in the work, staying adaptable and growing as both a leader and a teammate.”

Masiker is studying meteorology with a minor in Portuguese at the U.S. Air Force Academy and plans to become a combat weather officer in the U.S. Air Force after graduation.

~Published 4/30/2026

National Wreaths Across America Day

Civil Air Patrol has an important partnership with Wreaths Across America to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve and teach our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers that place millions of veterans’ wreaths at thousands of participating locations in the United States and beyond. Annually this is accomplished with the volunteer support of the Civil Air Patrol and some 2 million volunteers across the country, a third of which are children.

We encourage all members to be an active participant in this important annual event that is held each December.

For additional information visit: I want to Support Wreaths Across America