DeWeese Wins National Aerospace Award

Lt. Col. Buck DeWeese, of Spearfish, is the 2026 recipient of Civil Air Patrol's national Frank G. Brewer Memorial Lifetime Aerospace Education Award.

"Being chosen for the Brewer Award Lifetime winner across all of CAP reflects the profound impact of your commitment, skill, and selfless contributions," said CAP's national commander, Maj. Gen. Regina Aye, in making the announcement. "Your unwavering devotion to our missions and the communities we serve sets a standard of excellence for all members and embodies the very spirit of Civil Air Patrol."

DeWeese joined CAP in 1998 after a flying career in the US Air Force and later flew as an airline pilot for Delta Airlines. He has served CAP in a variety of local unit and state-level positions, up to CAP's state vice commander. Throughout these many roles, he has maintained a high emphasis on aerospace education leadership and training, which is one of the principal national program areas of Civil Air Patrol.

DeWeese's award nomination justification said that since 2000, he has transformed CAP aerospace education across the state through innovative programming, educator outreach, hands-on STEM experiences, and sustained mentorship of CAP youth and adult members.

"His leadership, vision, and personal commitment have directly advanced CAP's aerospace education mission and established enduring programs that continue to shape aerospace education within the South Dakota Wing of CAP," said Maj. Lori Fussell, who submitted the award nomination.

DeWeese has been invited to CAP's national Conference in August for presentation of the award. He had previously won comparable awards at the state level and a seven-state regional level.