Texas 'CAP Family' Honors Son With Memorial Scholarship

By Loretta Fulton

Nick Schroder grew from a boy with a keen mind and a sharp sense of humor into a focused young man. He drew on his intellect to turn an interest in science and aviation into a rewarding career, and much of the credit goes to his involvement with Civil Air Patrol, starting at age 13.

Thanks to his parents, Bill and Val Schroder, other youngsters also will have an opportunity to experience CAP and be exposed to many rewarding career opportunities in Nick's honor.

Nick died Aug. 12, 2019, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, at age 26. He was a mechanical engineer at Tinker Air Force Base. To celebrate his life and honor his memory, Nick's parents have endowed the Capt. Nick Schroder Scholarship through Civil Air Patrol to help provide opportunities to other cadets also interested in exploring career paths in aviation.

"I'm glad that we can do this as a perpetual memorial," his father said.

The scholarship will support a college- or academy-bound cadet majoring in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field. The fund also will support two cadets who attend CAP National Cadet Special Activities each year, providing them with opportunities to learn and grow in a chosen field.

"CAP Cadet Programs are designed to influence young people like Nick to be dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through cadet engagement, physical activities and in developing leadership skills," said Margarita Mesones, manager of CAP's cadet aviation career activities.

Kristina Jones, CAP's chief of philanthropy, said the Schroder family embodies the term "CAP family," with both parents being active members. Bill Schroder is Texas Wing commander; Val fills multiple duty positions with the Lakeshore Composite Squadron and Group II.

Jones said Bill and Val shared how involvement with Civil Air Patrol changed Nick's life from being a "couch potato" to an energetic young man.

"I am so grateful the Schroders have chosen to establish a scholarship in his name, which has the opportunity to provide the same life-changing opportunities for cadets in the future," Jones said.

From a young age, Nick displayed a brilliant mind, aptitude for science and the will to persevere, which led to earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas. The only thing that kept him from attending the Air Force Academy was a hearing loss in one ear, caused by childhood infections. He also loved history and studied all forms of weaponry.

"We always teased him of liking things that went boom," his dad joked.

Once Nick followed his parents into CAP, he was all in. He participated in Honor Guard Academy, Blue Beret and a variety of other national cadet activities and also obtained ground team certification.

"He loved CAP," Val said. "That's where his joy was."

Nick's first national activity, at age 14, was the Advanced Technologies Academy in Colorado. He ended his cadet career as a cadet lieutenant colonel, just missing the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award – CAP's highest cadet honor – by one exam when he turned 21.

The scholarship in Nick's honor was funded through his life insurance and donations, including $10,000 given by family and friends. His parents are grateful for the support from Civil Air Patrol as well.

"The Schroders are truly a part of the CAP family. Their gift is another step in demonstrating the impact CAP Foundation endowed funds can make on the future," Jones said. "We celebrate the life of Capt. Nick Schroder and look forward to awarding this annual scholarship and funding opportunities for cadets."