Cadet Squadron 40 freshman named top Civil Air Patrol cadet in U.S.

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A freshman cadet at the Air Force Academy is scheduled to be recognized as the top Civil Air Patrol cadet in the U.S. August 29 at the CAP's National Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Before beginning his first year at the Academy, Benjamin Jakeman was the commander of the CAP's Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron. He was selected from the 24,000 other CAP cadets across the U.S.

"I never sought this recognition nor did I think I'd be recognized like this," Jakeman said. "The CAP has taught me so much and opened so many doors that I'm honored to receive this award." 

During his CAP career, Jakeman coordinated activities and training for more than 60 CAP cadets, was certified to fly gliders in Nevada, and represented CAP in Singapore as part of an international exchange, according to a CAP news release. 

He was also active in ground search and rescue, supporting city and state agencies searching for lost and injured people, the CAP release said.

Jakeman, 18, is a 2015 Cheyenne Mountain High School graduate. He's assigned to Cadet Squadron 40.

(Editor's note: The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the Air Force.)