On Monday, May 1, 2006, Cadet Kevin Stopinski received his General Billy Mitchell Award and was promoted to C/2Lt by LtCol Rich Olszewski. 

The General Billy Mitchell Award has existed since 1964. This award honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America.   The General Billy Mitchell Award is earned after completing the first eight achievements of the CAP Cadet Program. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100 question examination testing leadership theory and aerospace topics. Since its inception over 30 years ago, over 42,000 cadets have earned this honor, but according to CAP, only 15% of enrolled cadets achieve this level.

Being such an important milestone in the CAP cadet program, the Mitchell Award is normally presented by a CAP group commander or higher, the wing director of cadet programs, or a state or federal government official. Once the cadet earns the Mitchell Award, they are promoted to the grade of Cadet 2d Lieutenant. These cadets, who later enter the CAP's Senior Member program, are eligible for immediate promotion to CAP 2d Lt at age 21.

Those cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are also eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force (AETCI 36-2002, Chapter 2, Table 2.1). They are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program (AFROTCI 36-2011, 2.5.6). Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and CAP special activities.

Congratulations to C/2Lt Kevin Stopinski!