The Spaatz Association, Inc.

06/23/2026

One week ago, the B-52 Stratofortress and test aviation communities suffered the tragic loss of eight aviators and aviation professionals in the crash of TORCH11 in California, including two friends of mine from my time flying bombers in the United States Air Force. Among those lost was Colonel Gregory “Evil” Watson, U.S. Air Force Reserve, a truly exceptional instructor weapon systems officer, mentor, and decades-long Civil Air Patrol volunteer whose leadership touched countless lives.

To honor his legacy, The Spaatz Association has established the Colonel Gregory “Evil” Watson Memorial Scholarship to support middle school and high school students with financial need as they pursue leadership and aviation programs through the Civil Air Patrol like our summer encampments.

If you would like to help continue Colonel Watson’s impact with a program he supported from his childhood through adulthood, please consider making a charitable contribution: https://www.spaatz.org/watson-scholarship/

05/16/2026

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

05/05/2026

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

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...

03/31/2026

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!

03/31/2026

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.