Rowe now joins an elite group of Civil Air Patrol cadets who have completed the program’s most demanding requirements. Fewer than one-half of one percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets earn the Spaatz Award. Since the honor was established in 1964, less than 3,000 cadets nationwide have received it.
The award recognizes exceptional achievement in leadership, character, aerospace knowledge, and physical fitness.
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“Typically, it takes a minimum of five years of hard work and commitment to reach this level,” Phelka said. “It’s no surprise that Jackson achieved it. He has demonstrated excellence in leadership, aerospace education and emergency services, not only meeting the standard, but exceeding it.”
Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, CAP’s former National Commander
The award is named for Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, the first chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force and a pioneer in military aviation.
To earn the honor, cadets must pass a series of rigorous evaluations including a comprehensive leadership examination, an advanced aerospace test, a timed essay and a challenging physical fitness assessment similar to standards used by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets are allowed only three attempts to complete the requirements.
Rowe’s achievement also reflects a rare family legacy. His family is among only a handful in the nation with three or more siblings who have earned the Spaatz Award.
A Family Legacy of Leadership
Cadet Col. Jackson Rowe with his mom, Lt. Col. Kelly Rowe. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas
Rowe is a member of the Coastal Charleston Composite Squadron, the Civil Air Patrol unit serving the Charleston area. During his time in the program he has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as cadet commander for the South Carolina Wing’s summer encampment, a weeklong leadership training camp for cadets from across the state.
He has also earned qualifications as a ground team member for search and rescue operations, a small unmanned aerial system technician and a model rocketry operator. Through those roles he has supported emergency services missions alongside adult volunteers.
Rowe has also been recognized as the South Carolina Wing Cadet of the Year and has represented the state organization during Legislative Day in Washington, where cadets meet with members of Congress to advocate for Civil Air Patrol’s missions of youth development, aerospace education and emergency services.
Rowe joined Civil Air Patrol after watching his two older brothers participate in the program.
“They set the standard,” Rowe said. “I watched them work hard and grow into leaders, and I wanted to follow that same path.”
Words of Praise and Reflection
Col. James Brogan, commander of the South Carolina Wing of Civil Air Patrol, said Rowe has distinguished himself through steady leadership and humility.
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“He embodies the essence of CAP’s core values: integrity, volunteer service, respect and excellence. Less than half of one percent ever earn this award.”
Col. James Brogan, commander of the South Carolina Wing of Civil Air Patrol
“At our summer encampment, he led from the front,” Brogan said. “He never asked his team to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself. He had an ability to pause the chaos around him and ask pointed questions that made others think. He led with courage to make tough decisions and with honor to accept the outcome, no matter what it was.”
Brogan reminded Rowe that the award represents both an achievement and a new beginning.
“This isn’t the pinnacle of your life,” Brogan said. “It’s the closing of one chapter and the start of another. Continue to lead with courage and serve with honor.”
The Value of Service
Air Force Col. Vincent Rea (center) speaks with South Carolina Wing Commander Col. James Brogan and Mrs. Brogan at the ceremony. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas
Representing the U.S. Air Force, Col. Vincent Rea, commander of the 628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston, spoke about the broader impact of Civil Air Patrol and the role its volunteers play in communities across the country.
“When most people think about the Air Force, they picture fighter jets, rockets and satellites,” Rea said. “But there’s another story in aviation — a quieter one that’s been unfolding for more than 80 years. It’s a story of extraordinary citizens giving their time freely and making a meaningful difference.”
Civil Air Patrol’s members include students, retirees, professionals and veterans who volunteer their time to serve their communities. The organization supports missions such as aerial photography after disasters, search and rescue operations and emergency response.
“When hurricanes threaten our coasts or emergency managers need eyes in the sky, the call goes out to CAP,” Rea said. “Missions that could cost millions at market rate are carried out by volunteers.”
Rea recalled flying with Civil Air Patrol as a college student.
“I’ll never forget those flights,” he said. “It wasn’t just the excitement of being in the air, but the dedication of the people around me who weren’t doing it for recognition or a paycheck. They did it because they cared.”
He said that same spirit of service continues through cadets like Rowe.
“Beyond all the numbers, there’s something even more powerful — a life force that comes from serving others,” Rea said. “Jackson, you are proof that service and dedication still matter.”
Humility and Service Above Self
Cadet Col. Jackson Rowe (left) receives the highest cadet award in Civil Air Patrol. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas
In his remarks, Rowe thanked the mentors, fellow cadets and family members who supported him throughout his journey in Civil Air Patrol.
“This award represents years of hard work and growth,” he said. “But it’s not about me. It’s about the people who helped me get here and the opportunities I’ve had to give back.”
Rowe also thanked his parents for their support.
“Thank you for the uniforms, the equipment for emergency services and all the hours spent driving me through Charleston traffic to CAP meetings,” he said. “I’m proud to stand here as your son.”
He credited his squadron with shaping his experience in the program.
“We like to say we’re the best squadron in South Carolina,” Rowe said with a smile. “They are the backbone of my CAP career. I started at Coastal Charleston, and I’m still there today. They’ve supported me every step of the way.”
To younger cadets, he offered encouragement to aim high.
“This award is hard, but it’s worth it,” Rowe said. “If I can do it, so can you. It just takes dedication, effort and living by our core values.”
A graduate of homeschool studies, Rowe is pursuing a degree in business management at Trident Technical College and plans to earn licenses in real estate and property management. Outside Civil Air Patrol, he remains active in his church, serves as a sound technician and enjoys running cross-country, participating in theater productions and spending time with family and friends.
As Phelka noted during the ceremony, the Spaatz Award marks not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter.
“You’ve earned your place among the nation’s finest cadets,” he said. “Now continue to exhibit excellence in everything you do.”
