CTWG: Stratford gets a Spatz!

Hanscom AFB Concord, MA

Stratford Cadet Joseph Kraynak recently tested for the General Carl A. Spaatz award, the highest achievement for a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol.

Cadet Kraynak ran the mile in fewer than 6:23 minutes. Within the allotted time, he had to complete two other parts of the physical test. He chose to do the Sit and Reach, which he passed, and then had to complete a set number of “Curl Ups” (like crunches) within sixty seconds. He accomplished this easily.

For the second part of the examination he had to write an essay on a topic given to him by National Headquarters. What the topic was or what he wrote is unknown, but he had to complete the essay within one hour, which he did.

After a break for lunch, and then he took his Aerospace test for which he had an hour. He finished early. The test was administered and graded on-line. He received a grade of 90%.

He took another short break and took the Leadership exam for which he had another hour. Again, he finished early. The exam was taken and graded on-line. He received a grade of 85%.

The essay he had written was then e-mailed to National Headquarters by Lt Col Isabelle (CTWG CAP-USAF Liaison) to be graded.

Final Notice: He passed!

So, for the first time in at least the last three years, Stratford has a Spatz winner and a new cadet Col.

Using historical analysis, the CAP estimates that out of all the cadets who join the Civil Air Patrol (CAP):

15% will achieve the Mitchell Award (C/2nd Lt)
5% will achieve the Earhart Award (C/Captain)
2% will receive the Eaker (C/Lt Col), and only
0.16% cadets per year will obtain the Spaatz Award (C/Colonel).

That means, that on average, out of every 1,000 cadets who join CAP, only 5 will ever achieve the Spaatz during their service as cadets.

Cadet Col Kraynak, was feted on 18 June and soon after left for the cadet summer program at the United States Air Force Academy, where he hopes to qualify for medical school and eventually become a surgeon.

The above information was supplied by Lt Col David B. Oestreicher the Squadron Commander of the Stratford Eagles - CT022