Garrett Stanley is not your typical 16 year old.

He's an outstanding community college student, a licensed glider pilot, a leader in the Peninsula Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Bremerton and now the recipient of the General Carl A. Spaatz Award.

At the McChord Field Officers' Club today, he became the 1,882 recipient of the award in the CAP's 49 year history.

"I joined the Civil Air Patrol when I was 12," Stanley said moments after receiving the award. "I plan on setting an example for others to follow."

To be considered for the award, Stanley had to pass a physical fitness test, write an essay which tested his moral reasoning, take an examination of leadership and then write another essay on aerospace education.

"I focused my writing on what makes a human good," Stanley said in talking about leadership values. "I wrote about moral standing, service to others and service to our nation."

Speaking of service, he has an impressive CAP background.

Since joining, Stanley has participated in the Hawk Mountain Search and Rescue School, the National Glider Academy, the Advance Technologies Academy, the Region Cadet Leadership School and the Air Education Training Command.

This summer, Stanley will attend the Cadet Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"My goal is to attend Thomas Edison State College and earn a degree in aviation flight technology," Stanley said.

"I then hope to become a Marine aviator."

Maj. Gen. Gary Magonigle, commander, Washington Air National Guard, presented the award to Stanley.

"This ceremony is the highlight of my week," he said as he spoke to a small group of 25 friends and Stanley family members.

"He is one reason to celebrate; he is a shining star among our youth; he has taken a significant step in his career."

Stanley only smiled and blushed.

Later, as he stood in line waiting to have a piece of a celebratory cake, he turned and said, "Serving in the Civil Air Patrol is a wonderful opportunity."

For more information about the Civil Air Patrol, visit www.wawg.cap.gov.