Stevens Point, Wisconsin.  Cadet Steven Lang, a member of the Stevens Point Composite Squadron, joined an elite group of cadets as he was presented the Amelia Earhart Award.

The award was presented by Squadron Commander Maj Virginia Suarino, assisted by Group Commander LTC Denese Helgeland, at the December 7 squadron meeting. 

The Earhart Award honors one of the nation’s premier female aviation pioneers. It is the third of four major milestones of the cadet program, and can only be certified and awarded by National Headquarters.

According to the Cadet Programs Office at National Headquarters, only 5% of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve the Earhart Award. 

Accompanying this award, Lang also received a promotion to the grade of Cadet Captain. Cadet Lang chose to have his rank pinned on by family friend and pastor Rev. William Nesbitt and his wife Lisa Nesbitt (pictured above).  His parent, siblings, and grandparents witnessed the memorable occasion.

Cadets with the Earhart award who later enter CAP’s Senior Member program are eligible for immediate promotion to CAP first lieutenant at age 21. They are also eligible to apply to the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), an organization that fosters international camaraderie and understanding among youth of the world, using the common bond of aviation. 

C/Capt. Lang is the son of Kevin and Pamela Lang of Marshfield.  He is currently serving as Cadet Commander, and is a member of the newly formed squadron ground team.

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