Tracy Receives Prestigious Amelia Earhart Award
Rapid City - Civil Air Patrol Cadet Captain Matthew Tracy received the Amelia Earhart Award from CAP Col. Michael Beason on February 3. The award, earned by only about 5% of the CAP youth program members, marks the completion of the “Command Phase” of the program. It is named for Earhart, the record-setting female pilot and writer who was lost while attempting an around-the-world flight.
“I’m looking forward to national activities opening up again,” said Tracy. “Staffing at encampment and my local squadron is fun and a great leadership experience. These experiences teach me good all-around life lessons.”
Tracy, who recently voluntarily stepped down recently as cadet commander of Rushmore Composite Squadron, has been a CAP member since 2017. He is active on the CAP emergency services program, with ground team and communications qualifications, including earning “find” and “lifesaving” ribbons in 2020.
Tracy has served on the South Dakota Wing Cadet Advisory Council. The VFW awarded him its Outstanding Cadet NCO of the Year award in 2019 and Outstanding Cadet Officer award in 2021.
Tracy’s other personal accomplishments include:
- 2020-2021 Rushmore Composite SQ Cadet Commander
- 2021 JDE Foxtrot Flight Commander
- 2021 Commander’s Commendation Award
- Wolf Pack Squadron Award
- Staffed 2020 SD Wing Cadet Competition
Tracy earned the Earhart Award in November and was promoted to CAP Cadet Captain, but the holidays and other factors led to the delay in presenting the award certificate.
