Former Cadet Establishes Endowment to Honor Father's Civil Air Patrol Service

By Pamela Percival

Kathleen Shaver, who leads manufacturing sustainability initiatives internationally for Apple, credits her time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet for helping equip her to pursue a successful corporate career. And she is graceful for the example set by her father, Lt. Col. Ralph N. Shaver II, 85, who served 50 years with CAP and supported both his children and others in the cadet program.

That is why Kathleen Shaver is endowing the Lt. Col. Ralph N. Shaver II Cadet Scholarship Fund through the Civil Air Patrol Foundation. She is honoring her father's CAP service while helping deserving cadets access activities that were instrumental in building her own leadership skills and self-confidence, as well as in experiencing international culture.

"I have seen CAP programs develop many young leaders," she said. "And for myself, CAP taught me respect for community and the environment, as well as the value of service to others."

Ralph Shaver became involved with CAP as a cadet in the 1950s and developed a love of aviation. He earned his pilot’s certificate and returned to Civil Air Patrol as a senior member in the 1970’s. His service with the Massachusetts Wing included Hanscom Field Composite Squadron commander, Massachusetts Wing Group 1 commander, and numerous search and rescue missions. He received a variety of awards, including eighteen commander's commendations, the Wing Commander’s Trophy for Distinguished Service (2015), the National Commander's Commendation Award for Outstanding Duty Performance (2012), the Gill Robb Wilson Award (1985), the Paul E. Garber Award (1984), and the Grover Loening Aerospace Award (1982).

Ralph Shaver earned a geology degree from Duke University and worked as an environmental engineer for several firms before becoming director of safety for Draper Laboratory, retiring in 2006. Volunteering with CAP was his passion.

"The CAP cadets, our future leaders, were always a source of pride for Lt. Col. Shaver," said Col. Everett Hume, Northeast Region commander and his longtime friend.

Kathleen Shaver agreed, adding that her dad sometimes mentored kids who needed help by taking them to squadron meetings, helping pay for uniforms, and more. A cadet herself from age 12 through high school, she attained the rank of cadet lieutenant colonel, served as encampment squadron commander, received her radio communications rating for search and rescue, and traveled to Sweden through the International Air Cader Exchange.

Today, she is the director of environment and supply chain innovation for Apple. And she was pleased to double the value of her CAP donation though the company's generous marching gift program. She also appreciates how easy it was to set up the endowment, with help from Kristina Jones, Civil Air Patrol's chief growth officer. Jones encourages others to investigate similar giving programs through their own workplaces and is happy to provide assistance and expertise.

"Many employers offer to match some level of donations that their employees, and sometimes retirees, make to nonprofit organizations," Jones said. "Be sure to check into the opportunities and take full advantage of those benefits to expand the power of your charitable giving to CAP."

To learn more about matching gift opportunities, reach out to Ms. Kristina E. Jones, M.A., CFRE, at 833-426-4227 (toll free) or legacy@gocivilairpatrol.org.