“Certain folks are just born leaders, and some of us learn these traits in other ways. Valerie (Duell) raised a daughter who is a born leader,” said Collins. “On behalf of Western New York, I want to congratulate Meghan on her prestigious achievement and thank her for her leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“This award was a long time in the making and I really appreciate all of the support from my friends and family that pushed me to succeed,” said Meghan Duell, Captain of the Civil Air Patrol’s New York Wing. “It was an honor to be a part of this program and I want to express my sincere thanks to Congressman Collins for presenting me with this award.”
Meghan Duell joined the Civil Air Patrol’s youth program at the age of twelve, following in the footsteps of her mother, Valerie, who volunteered in the United States Air Force auxiliary and emergency services organization. Meghan, now a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol’s New York Wing, is one of only 2,060 cadets to earn the General Carl A. Spaatz Award since its creation in 1964.
Recipients of the General Carl A. Spaatz Award are required to complete sixteen achievements over a five-year process. In order be considered for this award, a cadet must pass an aerospace and leadership evaluation, complete extensive physical fitness training, and consistently demonstrate the core values and attributes of the Civil Air Patrol.
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol and the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, visit http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/stripes_to_diamonds/spaatz-award/.
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