JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.— -- The New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Vivian Nicholson during the CAP Night of Distinction at Tommy B’s here, Dec. 30, 2016.
Throughout the country, CAP officials presented its earliest members are being honored with the medal for their contributions during World War II, when they forged the path the organization and its volunteers still follow today.
“I’m delighted I could be here to honor Vivian Nicholson and present her family with the highest civilian award that congress can give,” said U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur. “It’s a real privilege.”
Drs. Philip and James Santiago, sons of Vivian Nicholson, accepted the award on her behalf.
Other accolades presented during the ceremony were the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the organizations highest cadet honor, presented to Cadet Cols. Benjamin Conlin, John Godfrey, and David DeBenedictis, as well as the The Gill Robb Wilson Award, the highest award for senior member professional development, to CAP Lt. Cols. Robert E. Jennings, Joseph Adamo, and Maj. Robert Cann.
“As a former cadet and Spaatz recipient, I know first-hand the hard work that these young men have put in to get to this point,” said CAP Maj. Robert Motz, director of cadet affairs. “I recognize the level of experience and other intangibles will help define these gentlemen as they go on through the program.”
Brig. Gen. Stephen Oliver Jr., vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here, noted the exemplary achievements of the CAP officers and cadets, and drew parallels between the organization and the Air Force mission.
“We’re very proud to have [the Civil Air Patrol] as the auxiliary of the Air Force,” Oliver said. “You all represent the dedication and commitment our nation needs, and frankly, what our nation was founded on.”