A Family Legacy of Leadership: Third Rowe Sibling Earns Civil Air Patrol’s Top Cadet Award
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Cadet Col. Jackson Harold Rowe joined an elite group of Civil Air Patrol cadets Sept. 20 when he received the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, the organization’s highest honor for youth achievement, during a ceremony in Mount Pleasant.
The Spaatz Award is presented to less than one-half of one percent of all Civil Air Patrol cadets nationwide. Since the program began in 1964, only 2,586 cadets have earned the distinction, which recognizes exceptional leadership, character, aerospace knowledge, and physical fitness.
The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, former National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, who praised Rowe for his dedication and excellence across every area of the cadet program.
“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.”
Phelka explained that the Spaatz 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. The award requires cadets to complete a comprehensive leadership exam, an advanced aerospace test, a timed essay, and a challenging physical fitness assessment equivalent to that of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets have only three opportunities to pass.
“It takes tremendous dedication to the core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect,” Phelka said. “Those who achieve it have not just shown skill and discipline, but character and moral courage.”
He also noted that Rowe’s family represents one of only six in the nation to have three or more siblings earn the Spaatz Award.
“Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, you have every reason to be proud of this young man, as well as your entire family,” Phelka said. “To have three Spaatz recipients in one household is extraordinary.”
A Family Legacy of Leadership
Rowe, a member of the Coastal Charleston Composite Squadron, has served in nearly every major cadet leadership position at the unit and state levels, including as Cadet Commander for the South Carolina Wing’s 2025 Summer Encampment. He has also earned qualifications as a ground team member, small unmanned aerial system technician, and model rocketry operator, and has participated in real-world emergency missions alongside adult volunteers.
In 2024, Rowe was named South Carolina Wing Cadet of the Year and represented the wing during Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress to advocate for CAP’s missions in youth development, aerospace education, and emergency services.
Rowe joined Civil Air Patrol in 2018 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, commended Rowe for his integrity and steady leadership style.
“He embodies the essence of CAP’s core values: integrity, volunteer service, respect, and excellence,” Brogan said. “Today, we are recognizing his ambition to join an uncommon company of CAP members. Less than half of one percent ever earn this award.”
Brogan said he first met Rowe in 2020 and has since watched his leadership mature through persistence and humility.
“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 while the Spaatz Award represents the culmination of years of hard work, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter.
“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 continue to serve with honor.”
Representing the U.S. Air Force, Col. Vincent Rea, commander of the 628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston, spoke about Civil Air Patrol’s impact and the value of service that Rowe represents.
“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.”
Rea noted that South Carolina’s more than 1,100 CAP members come from every walk of life, from students and retirees to professionals and veterans, all serving their communities.
“When hurricanes threaten our coasts or emergency managers need eyes in the sky, the call goes out to CAP,” he said. “They provide aerial photography, search and rescue, and disaster response. Missions that could cost millions at market rate are carried out by volunteers.”
He recalled his own experience flying with CAP as a college student in New Jersey.
“I’ll never forget those flights,” Rea 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, because they were passionate about aviation and service.”
Rea said that dedication continues through cadets like Rowe.
“By any measure, CAP is one of the most efficient capabilities this country has,” he said. “But beyond all the numbers, there’s something even more powerful — a life force that comes from serving others. Jackson, you are proof that service and dedication still matter, and that sometimes the strongest forces aren’t measured in dollars, but in people.”
Humility and Service Above Self
In his remarks, Rowe expressed gratitude for the mentors, family members, and fellow cadets who supported his journey through the program.
“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. Both of my older brothers earned this award before me, and I dedicated myself to following their example.”
Rowe also thanked his parents for their support throughout his years in Civil Air Patrol.
“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 CAP.
“We like to say we’re the best squadron in South Carolina,” he 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, Rowe offered encouragement to aim high.
“If you’re just starting out, or even deep in the program, know that this award is hard, but it’s worth it,” he said. “You are able to achieve it. If I can do it, so can you. It just takes dedication, effort, and living by our core values.”
A recent homeschool graduate, Rowe is now enrolled at Trident Technical College, pursuing a degree in business management with plans to earn his real estate and property management licenses. He remains active in his church, serves as a sound technician, and enjoys running cross-country, performing in theater productions, and spending time with family and friends.
As Phelka told the audience, Rowe’s achievement marks a proud moment for Civil Air Patrol in South Carolina and for a family that has made service a tradition.
“The Spaatz Award is a milestone, not a finish line,” Phelka said. “Continue to exhibit excellence in everything you do. You’ve earned your place among the nation’s finest cadets, and I’m honored to stand here today to present it to you.”
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Lt. Col. Elizabeth Peace
South Carolina Wing Public Affairs Officer