A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet from Summit High was given the surprise of his life on October 24 when he was awarded the Ira C. Eaker Award by an American hero.
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Torp-Pedersen was volunteering for the Patriot Tour Saturday when he was called up to the stage and presented with the prestigious award by Petty Officer First Class (Retired) Marcus Luttrell, whose story inspired the book and movie Lone Survivor.
“At first I thought I was just going to be introduced to Marcus Luttrell, then I saw him holding my Eaker Award,” said Jonah. “I was extremely honored and surprised to be presented the award from someone I look up to who is an American hero and icon.”
Only two percent of cadets in CAP actually attain the Eaker Award. Cadets must complete all of the achievements in the cadet program, Cadet Officer School (COS), and pass a writing and speech requirement. COS is patterned after the USAF Squadron Officer School and is an academically challenging course for cadets ages 16 and older. The course is an in-depth study of the skills of leadership and is divided between lecture, seminar and hands-on training.
“What an honor for Jonah to receive the Eaker Award,” said Summit High Principal Sarah Lamb. “Jonah is a dedicated and hardworking student. He has high goals and does what is necessary to try and reach them. Summit High is very proud of him and his accomplishment.”
Jonah has been in CAP for four years and is currently working toward his next and final achievement, the General Carl A. Spaatz Award (Cadet Colonel). Through CAP, he was awarded a flight scholarship which has allowed him to attain his solo pilot’s license. Jonah is now working towards his private pilot’s license, which he will be testing for when he turns 17.
CAP is the all-volunteer nonprofit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The three missions of CAP include cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services. CAP members perform 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force.
