What AFA & CAP Mean to This 1974 Cadet of the Year

By Laurie Orth (East Georgia AFA President and Education Council Member) and Susan Mallett (Civil Air Patrol AFA Liaison)

In 1974, Cadet Lt. Col. Mark Knight—then cadet commander of the Civil Air Patrol Savannah Composite Squadron—proudly received an AFA citation recognizing him as the Georgia Wing’s Cadet of the Year. That honor, earned through dedication and early achievement, marked the start of a lifelong journey shaped by aviation, leadership, and service.

Inspired by his CAP experience—especially a flight scholarship that enabled him to solo that same year—Knight pursued professional pilot training at an FAA-approved school. He graduated in 1977 and was immediately hired as a commercial multi-engine pilot, launching an aviation career that amassed over 15,200 flight hours. He retired in 2021 as Chief Pilot for a Fortune 500 company, capping 25 years of distinguished corporate aviation service.

In June 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) honored him with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which celebrated 50 years of safe flying.

Knight rejoined CAP in 2011 as an adult member and quickly resumed a path of distinction as a mentor, leader, and educator. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2023, he now serves as Group IV Commander for Georgia Wing. He holds the CAP command pilot rating and has earned master ratings in command, Aerospace Education, cadet programs, and professional development.

His passion for mentorship shines through his roles on the National Mentoring Team and as an instructor with CAP Volunteer University, where he teaches all five levels of professional development—including leadership courses for squadron and group commanders.

Additionally, after rejoining CAP, Knight became a Life Member of the Air & Space Forces Association in 201—a warm reunion with the Association 38 years after receiving that 1974 recognition.

When Knight attended the 2025 Statesboro squadron awards, he brought the original framed AFA citation he received nearly 50 years ago—a powerful symbol demonstrating how he’d carried CAP and AFA’s recognition throughout his career and life.

“Although my dream of becoming a USAF fighter pilot didn’t come true, I pressed forward to fly full-time,” said Knight. “I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did without the confidence, self-discipline, and mentorship I gained through Civil Air Patrol. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward. I’ll always be a CAP member. Semper Vigilans.”

AFA is proud to support CAP in its mission to serve America’s communities, save lives, and shape futures. Every AFA visit to present a CAP squadron award is an opportunity to encourage and honor tomorrow’s leaders and a chance to reconnect with enduring legends who continue to serve.