14 May 2007
WACO, TX - Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the Triple Crown as: a set of three noteworthy awards, wins, or achievements in a particular field. On 12 May 2007 C/Col Caitlin Raye Cima earned a Triple Crown of her own – a college graduation, a Spaatz award and a commission in the United States Air Force. Col Frank Eldridge, former Texas Wing Commander, presented the Spaatz award at a ceremony held at the Texas Wing Headquarters.  Lt Col Nancy Smalley, SWR Chaplain, presented Cima with a Spaatz coin and Major Mike Hopkins, Cima’s squadron commander, presented her with a squadron challenge coin. Attending the ceremonies were family and CAP members that have served as guides and mentors through the years. 

During her career as a cadet, Caitlin has been Cadet Commander of her squadron, chairman of Group and Wing CAC as well as a member of Region CAC. She held a variety of positions at encampment including twice serving as Deputy Commander and serving as Cadet Commander in both Texas and Illinois Wings. As one of the charter members of the CTEP Project Group, Cadet Cima helped to chart the course that brought Texas Wing Cadet Programs to its place as one of the most active in the nation. 

Upon earning Advanced Ranger/Field Medic at Hawk Mountain Ranger School, Caitlin brought her experience to Texas Wing’s GSARSS program where she served on staff for four years. She was twice named Texas Wing Female Cadet of the Year, squadron level Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeant’s award winner, Wing Air Force Association Cadet of the Year, and a three time NHQ scholarship recipient. Cima is a solo pilot and traveled to Australia with IACE. 

Caitlin graduated from Baylor University with a degree in International Studies (Arabic Language emphasis). In addition to attending Baylor University, Cima attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt. She is a member of the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core/Honors College Leadership Council, the International Studies Honor Society and the Arnold Air Society. 

As an ROTC scholarship recipient, Cima distinguished herself as commander of the Blue Knights armed drill team, commander of the color guard and as a Squadron Commander. Cima earned Distinguished Graduate at field training. She has been assigned to serve as an Intelligence Officer and will leave for training at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas late in June. 

When asked why she waited so long to earn her Spaatz, Cima said, “Most people think it is strange that I’ve waited this long to achieve the Spaatz award, putting it on just as I am about to depart from the cadet program; after all, it is the penultimate achievement for any cadet in the program and who wouldn’t want to enjoy the aura of being a Spaatz cadet? For me, though, the grade of Cadet Colonel isn’t a benchmark from which I can measure myself against others. My achievements and successes within this program are what distinguish me, and I have done all of those things without the leverage which this grade can bring. Instead of a tool to bring me to future successes, the Spaatz award serves as the capstone on my cadet career, which I will always remember.” 

Caitlin’s parents are Maj Dennis Cima, current Group IV Commander, past commander of Thunderbird Composite Squadron. He is an engineer with Mustang Engineering in Houston.  Lt Col Brooks Cima is the Texas Wing Emergency Services Training Officer. The Cima’s have dedicated many years to Civil Air Patrol and the Texas Wing. Lt Col Cima will command her 11^th Texas Wing Encampment in June at Camp Maxey, Paris, TX. She is a teacher in Katy ISD in the gifted and talented program.

Article and photos submitted by Denise Thompson, Capt, CAP