JOINT BASE CHARLESOTN, S.C. –
The U.S. Air Force Air War College recognized Air Force Lt. Col. Cade Gibson, 315th Airlift Wing Maintenance Squadron commander, as its top Distance Learning Program graduate for Calendar Year 2012, and presented him the Academic Excellence Award May 23, 2013 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
Gibson was one of 2,566 students who completed the Air War College Distance Learning Program in 2012. The Air War College reviewed the academic records of its Distance Learning Program graduates, and only 28 - one percent of the total - earned an overall grade of "Outstanding." Gibson had the top overall grade point average out of these elite students.
Once AWC determined who had the best overall record, Maj. Gen. Scott Hanson, Air War College commandant, notified Gibson of his distinction and invited him to the Air War College to participate in the AWC graduation ceremony at Maxwell AFB.
During the ceremony, Hanson presented Gibson with a small model of the "Wright Flyer" to formally recognize his achievement. The award resembles the monument on Chennault Circle at Maxwell AFB, commemorating the Wright Brothers' Aviation Training School, established in Montgomery, Al., in 1910.