Cadet Colonel Noah Shepson receives Civil Air Patrol highest cadet honor

Rockwall, TX (November 18, 2023) – On August 29, 2023, Cadet Colonel Noah Shepson became the 2,461st cadet to receive Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor, the General Carl A. Spaatz Award. Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after devoting an average of four years to progress through sixteen achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. The final step a cadet must complete to earn the Spaatz Award is a rigorous four-part exam consisting of a challenging physical fitness test, an essay exam testing their moral reasoning, and comprehensive written exams on leadership and aerospace education.

The Lakeshore Composite Squadron, Texas Wing, celebrated the occasion at Harry Myers Community Center in Rockwall, TX along with special guests including Col. Bill Schroder (TX Wing Commander), Anna Campbell (Rockwall Mayor Pro Tem, City Council Member, Place 6), and MSgt Bruce Goren (USAF). Kathleen Evans representing State Representative Justin Holland’s office presented Noah with a proclamation and US flag.

C/Col Shepson joined CAP seven years ago in March 2016. During that time, he served on the color guard team, soloed at Glider Academy, held several duty positions, and attended and staffed multiple events, encampments, and National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs). Another notable achievement was the Wing Commander’s Commendation for his excellent work as Public Affairs Officer at Texas Wing Glider Flight Academy in 2022.

He served as Cadet Commander during COVID lockdowns, facing unique challenges during the pandemic while the Lakeshore Composite Squadron’s membership continued to grow. Shepson is currently serving in the Army National Guard.

Submitted by Capt. Mary Kay Starnes

  Army National Guard, Civil Air Patrol Lakeshore Squadron, Lakeshore Composite Squadron, Spaatz Award