Non-Member Award for Outstanding Contributions

[Ned]

I need some help with a project . . .

Over the years a number of non-members and former members have performed exceptional services to CAP.  Examples are legion, but just a couple personally affecting my work include famous strategists and business professionals who command thousands of dollars per lecture to business organizations, but who return year after year to lecture to COS students for free.  Or military members who have founded and guided certain NCSAs for years, investing hundreds of hours into the betterment of our troops.

I'm sure many of you have even better examples.

But the only awards in the 39-3 that can be given to non-members appears to be various flavors of "Certificate of Appreciation" described in paragraph 53.

Without taking anything away from selfless individuals and organizations that have received Certificates of Appreciation from us in the past, giving a Certificate of Appreciation for significant accomplishments that affect CAP at a wing, region, or national level seems to lack a certain gravitas and prestige.

So, I am developing a proposal for one or more awards designed to be given to non-members who make signicant contributions to CAP.

My thinking so far:

• Only non members should be eligible.  Former members can be eligible, but only for services performed while not a member of CAP.  Current and former BoG members are also excluded for services performed as part of the BoG.
  
  
• The award elements should include not only a certificate, but also some other tangible thing, like a full size medal, or similar doodad / trinket.  (Since by definition this will go to non-members, please don't turn this into a uniform thread by speculating how such a medal would be worn on a uniform.  Please.)
  
  
  Naming of the award is critical.  I want it to sound important on the recipient's CV. 
  
  My first thought was to name it after some famous non-member who has performed services for CAP.  But I couldn't think of anyone besides Gen Jimmy Stewart and Jerry Lewis, both of whom did CAP promos many decades ago.  And I suspect we would have trouble getting naming rights from Jerry (who is nearing 90) or Gen Stewart's estate.  I'm hoping your memories will be better.
  
  It doesn't have to be named for an individual, of course.  It could be something like The CAP Medal of Freedom or the CAP Legion of Merit.  Or whatever.
  
  
  So, help me out.
  
  1.  Is this worthwhile?  Will it add value to CAP?
  
  2.  If this is a good idea, what should we call it?
  
  3.  Should it have multiple levels, corresponding to wing, region, and national-level support?
  
  4.  Would it mean the end of the Certificates of Appreciation?
  
  5.  As an alternative, should we simply change the reg and allow the Meritorious, Exceptional, and Distinguished Service Awards to be presented to non-members?
  
  
  Let's kick this around a bit.  I appreciate you input and assistance.
  
  (Remember, don't make this a uniform thread.     )
  
  
  [edit: I managed to fat finger which of Gen Stewart and Jerry Lewis was alive.  Sincere apologies.]

[DoubleSecret]

As an alternative, should we simply change the reg and allow the Meritorious, Exceptional, and Distinguished Service Awards to be presented to non-members?

I think this is probably the best route.  Widen the scope of the existing process, and presto.  Avoid the Legion of Merit, as that is a significant DoD decoration and we don't want to step on those toes.

Regarding naming the award after a person:  I think there are a lot of CAP award recipients who couldn't give a decent capsule bio of all the persons after whom the awards they wear are named.  As an institution, I think we overdo the "named-after" thing.  There's also the risk of naming an award after someone who subsequently faces a PR nightmare.  The USAF had to "un-name" its First Sergeant of the Year award when the "named-after" person's military career turned out to be significantly embellished.  The Navy recently rescinded Bill Cosby's status as an honorary chief petty officer due to the allegations facing him.  I'd hate for CAP to face that sort of issue.

P.S.  Respectfully, I think Gen Stewart is the one with the estate and Mr. Lewis is the one nearing 90.

[RiverAux]

It depends on how difficult you want this to be -- if it is only intended to be given to people making contributions at the national level, then it isn't worth it.  Too few people would be impacted to be worth all the trouble of coming up with the award. 

Now, if this is something that could be given to someone making a significant contribution even down at the squadron level, then I might get on board with it as I do agree that a generic Certificate of Appreciation isn't much of a reward for those that really do an awful lot.  However, even if given at the squadron level, I would want the standards to be very, very high to avoid giving one to every person on the local city council, for example. 

[James Shaw]

I need some help with a project . . .

Over the years a number of non-members and former members have performed exceptional services to CAP.  Examples are legion, but just a couple personally affecting my work include famous strategists and business professionals who command thousands of dollars per lecture to business organizations, but who return year after year to lecture to COS students for free.  Or military members who have founded and guided certain NCSAs for years, investing hundreds of hours into the betterment of our troops.

I'm sure many of you have even better examples.

But the only awards in the 39-3 that can be given to non-members appears to be various flavors of "Certificate of Appreciation" described in paragraph 53.

Without taking anything away from selfless individuals and organizations that have received Certificates of Appreciation from us in the past, giving a Certificate of Appreciation for significant accomplishments that affect CAP at a wing, region, or national level seems to lack a certain gravitas and prestige.

So, I am developing a proposal for one or more awards designed to be given to non-members who make signicant contributions to CAP.

My thinking so far:

• Only non members should be eligible.  Former members can be eligible, but only for services performed while not a member of CAP.  Current and former BoG members are also excluded for services performed as part of the BoG.
  
  
• The award elements should include not only a certificate, but also some other tangible thing, like a full size medal, or similar doodad / trinket.  (Since by definition this will go to non-members, please don't turn this into a uniform thread by speculating how such a medal would be worn on a uniform.  Please.)
  
  
  Naming of the award is critical.  I want it to sound important on the recipient's CV. 
  
  My first thought was to name it after some famous non-member who has performed services for CAP.  But I couldn't think of anyone besides Gen Jimmy Stewart and Jerry Lewis, both of whom did CAP promos many decades ago.  And I suspect we would have trouble getting naming rights from Jerry (who is nearing 90) or Gen Stewart's estate.  I'm hoping your memories will be better.
  
  It doesn't have to be named for an individual, of course.  It could be something like The CAP Medal of Freedom or the CAP Legion of Merit.  Or whatever.
  
  
  So, help me out.
  
  1.  Is this worthwhile?  Will it add value to CAP?
  
  2.  If this is a good idea, what should we call it?
  
  3.  Should it have multiple levels, corresponding to wing, region, and national-level support?
  
  4.  Would it mean the end of the Certificates of Appreciation?
  
  5.  As an alternative, should we simply change the reg and allow the Meritorious, Exceptional, and Distinguished Service Awards to be presented to non-members?
  
  
  Let's kick this around a bit.  I appreciate you input and assistance.
  
  (Remember, don't make this a uniform thread.     )
  
  
  [edit: I managed to fat finger which of Gen Stewart and Jerry Lewis was alive.  Sincere apologies.]
  

Has this former Historians creative gears turning.....

[ZigZag911]

Just off the top of my head, how about naming it for Fiorello LaGuardia, former mayor of New York who was instrumental in founding of CAP...

[Майор Хаткевич]

Just off the top of my head, how about naming it for Fiorello LaGuardia, former mayor of New York who was instrumental in founding of CAP...

That's a good one as far as names go.

That said, the scope of this is a problem. And tiers if awards....may be as well. But a Bronze/Silver/Gold?

Bronze for Unit/Group, Silver for Wing/Region, Gold for National?

I'd do a nice 11x17 certificate. Not printed locally, but like the Cadet Awards, nice from NHQ?

[James Shaw]

This is one I did for Gen Courter to present to a descendent of the Curry Family.

The chess board was done for a retiring GP President.

Do something unique for each person. Their gift should reflect the uniqueness of their contribution.



[attachment deleted by admin]

[Eclipse]

I understand the sentiment, but I doubt few of the people deserving of this type of award would
think about it much past dinner that night, or add it to a resume.

I would stick with the plaques. handshakes, and challenge coins, etc.

One issue you set yourself up for with structured awards is that they have "criteria" and need approval.
Which means they can also be disapproved on a whim.

Then you're in the same boat as many members find themselves in "Hey, thanks for burning a
week a year for a decade flying cadets on on your nickel.  We put you in for a Laguardia, but Region said "no".

[Private Investigator]

I like the, "The CAP Medal of Freedom". At the NHQ level it should be something impressive. I would like to see a full size medal on a suspension ribbon to go around the neck.

I also like the Jimmy Stewart suggestion. I like Bob Hope just because he did so much for America, but that is a Veteran's opinion.

Locally I like giving out Certificates of Appreciation to our local benefactors. Like Frank at Frank's Towing or American Legion Post #776. So that should remain an option.   

[lordmonar]

I understand the sentiment, but I doubt few of the people deserving of this type of award would
think about it much past dinner that night, or add it to a resume.

And?  Just because it is a fleeting thank you......it is at least a thank you.   I mean an Oscar is just a gold man on a black base.....in the long run it may not mean anything.

I would stick with the plaques. handshakes, and challenge coins, etc.

Those are all good things.....but sometimes that may not be enough.   

[quotte]One issue you set yourself up for with structured awards is that they have "criteria" and need approval.
Which means they can also be disapproved on a whim.[/quote]
True.....or maybe we can trust our leaders to do the right thing and not disapprove on a whim.....and we can always fight for it to our leaders.

Then you're in the same boat as many members find themselves in "Hey, thanks for burning a
week a year for a decade flying cadets on on your nickel.  We put you in for a Laguardia, but Region said "no".

If region is wrong......you go to National and make your case.

[flyboy53]

I think its in poor taste to give a non-CAP person a CAP decoration of some sort.

That's what certificates and fancy plaques or trophies are all about. Create something formal like that or just go to the local trophy shop and create something.

In the long run, it's probably cheaper, too, but won't be uniform organization-wide.

[NIN]

Honestly, I think the concept is that the non-member's contribution to the organization should be of "widespread impact" (ie. at the regional or national level) and of a nature that is more than just a straight up "thank you," and more than a "here's an 8.5x11 certificate for you to throw away."

I'm not talking "the mayor intervened on the Podunk Cadet Squadron's behalf and now they can meet at the fire station."  Or "Thanks so much for coming to our unit open house, county commissioner, here, have a bauble and nice certificate.."

No, I think what Ned's suggesting is something a little more broad reaching than that.

A senior vice president of American Airlines sets up a program to allow the airline to donate x flight vouchers per year for cadets to travel to IACE year after year.  Or better yet, sets up an industry-wide deal that allows United, American, Delta, Southwest and Jet Blue to all do the same thing to help out Civil Air Patrol cadets and IACE. That sounds like an Exceptional-type award, more than just "Hey, wow, thanks SVP Smith. Here's a kitschy certificate of appreciation, cuz you do know that we appreciate this, right? Right?"

Whether thats the "LaGuardia Trophy for Outstanding Assistance to the Civil Air Patrol," or "Here's an Exceptional Service Award from Civil Air Patrol recognizing your long-term committment to our organization" is kind of immaterial.  (and honestly,  more of this is in the way its handled/written up than in what the award is called.  If you write "Mr. Smithers assisted CAP by giving us a bunch of stuff, some of which was really cool..." then you need a kick in the head. However, if you write "Mr. Tim Smithers, in his role as the regional vice president for operations for Flight Safety International, was instrumental in securing the over $450,000 in in-kind and monetary contributions to manage and run the Airline Operations National Cadet Special Activity for the last 4 years, and in doing so has ensured that this activity will continue to provide an opportunity for Civil Air Patrol cadets to experience and learn about airline ops for many years to come" then maybe, just maybe you're talking about the level of gravitas for an award that Ned's proposing.

Maybe there is a longer-term (I can't remember the term for it.. You know, like the Stanley Cup or something) award that remains on display in the foyer at NHQ but recognizes the contributions to Civil Air Patrol of non-members.  They get presented with this award at National Board, but the actual "award element" is a perpetual trophy (that was the term I was looking for) that remains with CAP, but the awardee's name is engraved on a plate or on the trophy itself.

[James Shaw]

Personally I don't think it should be named after an individual. I think it would be better to associate it with something that is relevant to CAP. So here is an idea.

If the recognition is supposed to highlight contributions to CAP on a Organization Scale then it could be named for something that has to do with all 3 missions.

CAMBER - The Civil Air Patrol CAMBER Award

Citizens
And
Members
Building
Effective
Resources

This could be a single piece of Crystal that is shaped like the side profile of a wing with the Persons or Organizations Name and whatever else they deem appropriate. It could be mounted on a nice marble, granite, or glass base.

ducking and diving the evil looks 

[jeders]

Personally I don't think it should be named after an individual. I think it would be better to associate it with something that is relevant to CAP. So here is an idea.

If the recognition is supposed to highlight contributions to CAP on a Organization Scale then it could be named for something that has to do with all 3 missions.

CAMBER - The Civil Air Patrol CAMBER Award

Citizens
And
Members
Building
Effective
Resources

This could be a single piece of Crystal that is shaped like the side profile of a wing with the Persons or Organizations Name and whatever else they deem appropriate. It could be mounted on a nice marble, granite, or glass base.

ducking and diving the evil looks 

I really like that, actually. I think maybe a combination of NIN and your ideas of the award element might be nice also. A permanent trophy with each recipients name engraved on a small plaque on the bottom, and then a small award "trinket" for the actual recipient.

[NIN]

ducking and diving the evil looks 

You know, thats not a bad idea. Clever. No evil looks.

[Eclipse]

That's really not bad at all...

[Storm Chaser]

I don't like the idea of an award named after an acronym who most prospective recipients will not be familiar with. Besides, Camber has multiple meanings to include being the name of a place in England and the name of corporation in Huntsville, AL.

[NIN]

There might be a need to consider an award for an individual and an award for an organization.

So maybe Tim Smithers, the SVP for Ops for Flight Safety spearheaded some kind of grant/activity/ongoing support arrangement for an NCSA, but at the end of the day, it really is Flight Safety that might be actually footing the bill and providing corporate resources for this activity or event.  So maybe its actually an award to Flight Safety International, not Tim Smithers.

there are any number of organizational-level thank yous that a non-profit wants to make, and not just to people but to other organizations. Cessna, maybe. Boeing.  AA. Frontier, etc.  "industry partners" is one aspect, but that only goes so far.   Its one thing to recognize a "partner" from a marketing, branding, support or awareness standpoint. Its entirely another to single them out for praise and accolade for a specific thing.  We spend a lot of dollars with Cessna, for example, so they're a "partner" so to speak, but if they did something like did all the legwork for getting an STC for sensor ball installation and helped fund that for the entire fleet (or offered to do the mod at the factory for the cost of parts) that might rise to the level of an actual "holy cow, look how Cessna went out of their way to do a solid for CAP!" award.

[NIN]

I don't like the idea of an award named after an acronym who most prospective recipients will not be familiar with. Besides, Camber has multiple meanings to include being the name of a place in England and the name of corporation in Huntsville, AL.

Camber = the amount of curvature of an airfoil.

Aviation folks would get that right off.

[THRAWN]

I don't like the idea of an award named after an acronym who most prospective recipients will not be familiar with. Besides, Camber has multiple meanings to include being the name of a place in England and the name of corporation in Huntsville, AL.

And the AEPSM fails again...