VISALIA, CA — In recognition of exceptional dedication to youth STEM and aerospace education, the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has awarded the Frank G. Brewer, Sr. Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace Award (Organization Category) to the American Legion, Department of California.
Aerospace Commission Chairman Fredrick Shacklett accepted the award on behalf of the Department of California of the American Legion during the California Wing Annual Conference Awards Banquet held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Wyndham Visalia.
L/R Major Jame Fogal, LtCol Amber Bishop, Fredrick Shacklett, LtCol Alex Daunis
Celebrating Devotion to Youth and Aviation Education
Established on December 31, 1959, the Brewer Aerospace Award commemorates Mr. Frank G. Brewer, Sr.’s lifelong passion for aviation, education, and youth development. While the Civil Air Patrol presents numerous internal honors each year to cadets and senior members, the Category III Award (Individual or Organization Outside of CAP) serves as a special highlight of the annual conference. It is reserved exclusively to celebrate non-CAP partners that have demonstrated exemplary support and leadership in aerospace education.
The Department of California Aerospace Commission was nominated and selected for “having made outstanding contributions out of selfless devotion to the advancement of youth in aerospace activities”—the core benchmark of the Brewer Award.
Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award (Organization) presented to the Department of California, American Legion at the CAP California Wing annual conference Awards Banquet 10/24/2026.
Milestone Achievement: The Launch of CALTAP
A key driver of this year’s recognition is the successful launch and impact of the California American Legion Teacher Assistance Program (CALTAP).
Designed to connect veteran mentors, classroom educators, and next-generation aerospace curricula provided by both the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). CALTAP equips teachers with the knowledge, resources, and direct tools to trigger student curiosity in aviation, rocketry, and space sciences.
Through CALTAP and other community outreach programs, the Aerospace Commission has expanded hands-on STEM pathways for California youth, strengthening ties between veterans’ service organizations, local schools, and aerospace programs statewide.
“A Proud Milestone for the Department of California”
“Receiving the Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award is a tremendous privilege and a validation of the hard work our Commission and Legionnaires have poured into youth education,” Chairperson Shacklett noted afterwards. “Our veterans know firsthand the importance of technical capability, leadership, and aviation history. Through CALTAP, we are investing in tomorrow’s leaders, pilots, and scientists. We are deeply grateful to the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol for this distinguished recognition and for their continued partnership.”
The American Legion continues its long legacy of supporting the Civil Air Patrol and advancing aeronautical technology and education.
Historically, the first two chairs of the Aeronautics Commission (now called the Aerospace Commission in California), Reed Landis and Gill Wilson, teamed up to organize the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in 1941.
Landis served as aviation consultant to the Director of the Office of Civil Defense, and Wilson served as Executive Director of the new CAP organization. Together, they turned the association from a paper concept into a national working organization, continuing a process that has endured to this day.
About the Frank G. Brewer, Sr. Memorial Aerospace Award
- Established: December 31, 1959, in memory of aviation pioneer Frank G. Brewer, Sr.
- Purpose: Bestowed annually at the Wing, Regional, and National levels to honor cadets, adult members, and external community organizations that demonstrate outstanding, selfless devotion to advancing youth in aerospace activities.
- Learn More: Visit Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Awards to explore the history and legacy of the Brewer Awards. Visit the American Legion CALTAP website to learn more about the program.
Author: Fredrick Shacklett
Fred Shacklett is the chairperson of the Aerospace Commission, Department of California. He is also the Commander of Whittier Post 51 in Whittier, CA. He has been a member of the American Legion for 18 years and retired in December 2024 after 26 engaging years as an Aerospace engineering/product manager at RTX/Collins Aerospace located in El Segundo, CA.
