The Spaatz Association, Inc.

You earned the Spaatz Award— now take the next step. The Spaatz Association, Inc. is delighted to announce the launch of SAIL, a brand-new two-year leadership internship for Spaatzen ages 18-25, and applications are open now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkEYPunoYRforSeUS7EF3gwTg-79Ocom4fFrhWXUTZIWu-0g/viewform

It's time to make a difference in the lives of tomorrow's leaders-- Are you a current member of ? If so, apply to join us on the board by submitting a short bio here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScf8GDU4a--byJO2UB7icGNBMfVo74NbzhcA_GiJXqN9RLvsw/viewform.

Our application and election cycle dates are as follows:
May 4 - May 25: Applications and Nominations Open
June 1 - Jun 15: Elections Open by Elections Commissioner
Jun 15 - June 22: Elections Commissioner counts and confirms vote with a second Spaatzen.
June 22 - June 29: Elections Commissioner reaches out to everyone who ran. Offers positions to those who were elected and notifies those who weren't.
July 6: Announcement of Selectees for the 2026-2027 Cycle

2026-2027 TSA Election Cycle Application Link to Bylaws: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rmrIQcFiqRzuPnmhM7Q4Kievjk9bb900/view Important Dates: May 4 - May 25: Applications and Nominations Open June 1 - Jun 15: Elections Open by Elections Commissioner Jun 15 - June 22: Elections Commissioner counts and confirms vote with a second Spaatzen...

Creating the opportunities for emerging young leaders is what it is all about!

Thank you to our partner and sponsor Vanguard Industries for your generous donation that allowed the entire membership of cadets from across the country who currently serve on Civil Air Patrol's National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) to attend the 2026 Midwinter Awards Gala and network with our distinguished guests!

The Spaatz Association was honored to host the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Steven S. Nordhaus and his wife, Mrs. Shannon Nordhaus, as guests of honor at the 2026 Midwinter Awards Gala, held at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall last month.

General Nordhaus, who serves as the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the evening's keynote address.

The Chief serves as a military adviser to the President, Secretary of War, National Security Council and is the Department of War’s official channel of communication to the Governors and State Adjutants General on all matters pertaining to the National Guard. He is responsible for ensuring the more than 430,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel are accessible, capable and ready to protect the homeland and provide combat ready resources to the Army and Air Force.

Gala Registration ends TONIGHT at 2359 CENTRAL

https://hfrq-zgvfh.campaign-view.com/ua/viewinbrowser?od=3ze59ee724379df5742a47dce8a0dc6acfcbfb08d114dc5026fa5a687136055da3&rd=1eeb8c1ecedc872e&sd=1eeb8c1ecedc841f&n=11699e4bebb7498&mrd=1eeb8c1ecedc840d&m=1

Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252778284712163

The Spaatz Association's 2026 Midwinter Awards Gala Please click the link to complete this form.

GALA KEYNOTE SPEAKER CONFIRMATION:

General Steven S. Nordhaus serves as the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In this capacity, he serves as a military adviser to the President, Secretary of War, National Security Council and is the Department of War’s official channel of communication to the Governors and State Adjutants General on all matters pertaining to the National Guard. He is responsible for ensuring the more than 430,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel are accessible, capable and ready to protect the homeland and provide combat ready resources to the Army and Air Force.

Gen. Nordhaus graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He has flown combat missions in operations Southern Watch, Vigilant Warrior, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Prior to becoming the Chief, National Guard Bureau on Oct. 2, 2024, Gen. Nordhaus was the Commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region; Commander, 1st Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern and U.S. Air Forces Space), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

GALA DISTINGUISHED GUEST CONFIRMATION:

Chief Master Sgt. Luis E. Negrón, Civil Air Patrol's National Command Chief.

Chief Negrón serves as Civil Air Patrol's national command chief, leading and representing the organization’s 500-member Noncommissioned Officer Corps.

Appointed by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye in August 2025, he serves as a senior advisor to the national commander, providing perspective on mission effectiveness, professional development, and the integration of military-proven leadership principles into CAP’s civilian volunteer environment. Guided by the CAP Core Values and the “Four Pillars” of the NCO program — Leading, Developing, Communicating, and Supporting — Negrón works to strengthen unit cohesion, elevate training standards, and ensure that every member has the tools to succeed.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Negrón began his CAP journey in 1989 in the Puerto Nuevo Cadet Squadron, earning the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. Returning as an adult member in 1996, he went on to hold leadership roles at every echelon of the organization, including squadron commander, group commander in both the Puerto Rico and Florida wings, homeland security and emergency services director, wing chief of staff, and deputy commander and commander of the Florida Wing. In January 2025 he became Southeast Region command chief, advising the region commander on the leadership and utilization of more than 10,000 members. His CAP honors include the Distinguished Service Award, two Exceptional Service Awards, two Meritorious Service Awards, and multiple Commanders’ Commendations. He is a graduate of the Southeast Region Staff College and a recipient of the Gill Robb Wilson Award.

Negrón’s combined 29 years of military service includes seven years in the U.S. Army and 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. His Army career began in 1990, with assignments including the 22nd Area Support Group; Southern European Task Force in Vicenza, Italy; and the 369th Combat Support Hospital in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. In 1997 he enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he rose to the rank of senior chief operations specialist — an achievement attained by only 2% of the enlisted force. Over his Coast Guard career, he led more than 13,000 search-and-rescue and law enforcement missions, credited with saving 6,471 lives and seizing over 37,000 kilograms of illegal drugs. His personal decorations include three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and numerous team and unit awards. He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy, the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, and the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course.

Outside CAP, Negrón applies the same principles of leadership, discipline, and service as security operations manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. In this role, he oversees complex park and resort security operations, coordinates with law enforcement partners, and ensures a safe and welcoming environment for millions of guests each year.

Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, Negrón is anchored by his belief in servant leadership — building trust, empowering others, and inspiring teams to achieve extraordinary results.

To learn more about Chief Negrón's background & experience, please find the link to his professional biography included below:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/governance/cap-commandteam/chief-master-sgt-luis-e-negron

Regular Registrations Ends Tonight:

Don't miss your last chance to register at regular price for the 24th Annual Midwinter Awards Gala!

Regular registration was extended by 24 hours, but the price will increase tonight at 2359 (Central)!

Register now: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252778284712163

Everyone is welcome to attend! Our annual fundraising Gala and not just for Spaatz Award recipients, and all are invited to join us for an exceptional evening of philanthropy, networking, and entertainment!

Don't miss your last chance to register at regular price for the 24th Annual Midwinter Awards Gala!

Regular registration has been extended by 24 hours.

The price will increase at 2359 (Central) on 1 February.
When: Friday, February 27th, 2026, 1730-2200
Where: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA

A complimentary shuttle service will be available from the Crystal
Gateway Marriott for members of CAP.

Everyone is welcome to attend! Our annual fundraising Gala and not just for Spaatz Award recipients, and all are invited to join us for an exceptional evening of philanthropy, networking, and entertainment!

Registration Timeline:
1 December: Early Registration - $105 per ticket* [EXPIRED]
1 January: Regular Registration - $120 per ticket *
2 February: Late Registration - $140 per ticket *
*$10.00 add-on for steak entrée

The Spaatz Association's 2026 Midwinter Awards Gala Please click the link to complete this form.