Inaugural honoree · 2026
Colonel Douglas C. Roach
Spaatz #1 · Posthumous
Decorated combat aviator, Thunderbirds pilot, defense policy leader
The Board of Directors unanimously moved to confer the inaugural TSA “Tooey” Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously upon Colonel Douglas C. Roach, USAF, at the Midwinter Gala on Friday, February 27, 2026. Colonel Roach exemplified the highest ideals of The Spaatz Association across a lifetime of devoted service to country, beginning as one of Civil Air Patrol’s most accomplished cadets and culminating in a highly distinguished Air Force and congressional staff career that shaped modern American airpower and defense policy.
A lifetime of service
The first recipient of the General Carl A. Spaatz Award, Colonel Roach went on to serve 27 years as an active-duty Air Force officer. He flew a record 516 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 38 oak leaf clusters. He performed for multiple years as a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration pilot and completed his Air Force career after multiple command and senior staff assignments.
After military retirement, he continued his service as a senior professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee, where for nearly 25 years he was recognized as a central figure in shaping U.S. defense legislation and as a trusted, nonpartisan advisor to many in government.
A role model and mentor to generations of Civil Air Patrol cadets and military officers, Colonel Roach’s enduring impact, humility and integrity embody the purpose of the TSA “Tooey” Lifetime Achievement Award, making him an exemplar of leadership and character for us all.
Accepting on behalf of Colonel Roach
CMSgt (Ret.) Michael “Jake” Jacobssen
Thunderbirds Crew Chief
Colonel Roach’s crew chief during his time with the Thunderbirds, and a close friend, CMSgt (Ret.) “Jake” Jacobssen accepted the award on his behalf.
Honorees
| Year | Honoree | Spaatz # |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Colonel Douglas C. Roach, USAF (posthumous, inaugural) | 1 |
The award is named for General Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz, the first Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and the first chairman of Civil Air Patrol’s National Board.