National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol, (USAF-CAP) has selected Lt. Col. Paul Adams Willard II of Virginia as the National Recipient of the 2021 Brewer Aerospace Award for Lifetime Achievement.  Willard was selected from a pool of nominees who had previously been selected at the State and Region levels. 

Established in 1959, the Brewer Aerospace Award serves as a memorial to Mr. Frank G. Brewer, Sr. and his lifelong interest in aviation, youth, and education. Recognition is given to individuals and organizations having made outstanding contributions out of selfless devotion to the advancement of youth in aerospace activities. Nominees are evaluated on CAP program support, significance of accomplishment, community involvement, and support of all facets of the aerospace education mission.  

Willard has served with Civil Air Patrol since joining as Cadet in Roanoke, VA, and was recently recognized for over 50 years of service.  He is the recipient of the highest awards given to a cadet and adult member of CAP.  Willard was noted for energizing the aerospace program in the Virginia Wing of CAP and has led the Aerospace mission earning multiple national and regional awards and recognitions.  A career Air Force Officer he has established and increased the involvement of youth in aviation as an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor across Virginia and been named “Outstanding Instructor” by the Air Force Education and Training Command.  

Willard’s involvement with youth education has been recognized over the years by the Air Force Association, Military Order of World Wars, Boy Scouts of America, multiple school divisions, and the US Air Force.   During the Pandemic he was noted for creating a program for Suffolk Virginia schools placing STEM kits in the hands of over 1,000 middle school students and training school educators in a virtual environment.  He has served on the Virginia Department of Education Advisory Board for Career and Technical Education and was instrumental in developing the JROTC curriculum for Career and Technical Education for Virginia. 

Professionally Willard is a Professor with the Defense Acquisition University and serves as an Adjunct Professor with the Florida Institute of Technology. Willard volunteers with the Heart of Virginia Scout Council, Richmond Virginia Military Officers Association, and Military Order of World Wars.  He is a member of the National Contract Management Association, Project Management Institute, ASCD, and AIAA.  He holds degrees from Virginia Western Community College, Virginia Tech, University of Arkansas, Webster University, and Liberty University. 

Civil Air Patrol is the Official Auxiliary of the US Air Force with a three-fold mission of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.  CAP is comprised of both youth and adults committed to aviation and volunteer service to America.

Heart of Virginia Council would like to extend its congratulations and thanks to Lt. Col. Willard for his service to the youth in our community.