First Cadet Male to Receive Spaatz in Aguadilla Cadet Squadron

AGUADILLA, PUERTO RICO ― Cadet Colonel Ian J. Gonzalez became the first male recipient of the Spaatz award (#2282) in Aguadilla Cadet Squadron on July 5.

The General Carl A. Spaatz Award is Civil Air Patrol’s cadet highest honor, this prestigious award is awarded to cadets that demonstrate excellence in leadership, fitness, character and aerospace education. Obtaining this award is a demanding journey (less than one-half of 1% of Civil Air Patrol do so), more now during adverse times, facing a global pandemic.

Joining Civil Air Patrol in 2012, C/Col Gonzalez has participated in multiple activities at wing, region and national levels, attending five National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA).

He began his NCSAs with the National Blue Beret, then, Johnson Flight Academy which attended two times, and “soloed,” and last year’s the Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing Academy (AMMA).Cadet Gonzalez also has attended the Puerto Rico Wing Ranger School three times, where he has served as Cadet Commander(twice), innovating the training, and mentoring the eager cadets.

Also last year, C/Col Gonzalez attended the National Cadet Competition as part of the Public Affairs staff fulfilling his role as a servant leader. Living up to the core value of service, cadet Gonzalez has served as part of the staff during summer encampments in Puerto Rico and Virginia wings to provide leadership and support.

In addition, he volunteered as staff for two Region Leadership Schools and one Cadet Honor Guard Academy where he went above and beyond of his Cadet Public Affairs Officer (PAO) duties and provided mentorship to cadet staff. Recently, C/Col Gonzalez became the first Puerto Rico Wing cadet to be enrolled in the Cadet Wings Program where he successfully became the 27th nation-wide graduate obtaining his Private Pilot Certificate, including the completion of the CAPF 5, certified as VFR pilot and in High Performance Aircraft.

Not only does C/Col Ian J. Gonzalez has been committed to Civil Air Patrol, but also displays excellence and commitment in his academic and extracurricular activities. Cadet Gonzalez is currently a senior student enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla campus, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a biomedical concentration. His career goal is to become a doctor and provide a diverse perspective in healthcare for its advancement and equity. Outside CAP, he has distinguished himself in many extracurricular activities, such as an amateur boxer, middleweight fighter, and marathon runner.

Awards, recognitions and other activities:

• Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
• Commanders Commendation (twice)
• Achievement Award (three)
• Civil Air Patrol Cadet Honor Society
• World Best 10K (twice)

For More Information:

Headquarters Puerto Rico Wing
Public Affairs Team
pa@prwg.cap.gov
(787) 604-2863