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Our Mission

Our mission is to carry on the legacy of Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno by helping stellar young Americans chase their own dreams to fly and pursue their passion for aviation.

 

 
 
 
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Our Goal

Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno lived for aviation. As a high school student, he volunteered to clean toilets, wash hangar floors, and airplanes in exchange for flying lessons at his local airfield, CP Aviation. From these humble beginnings, Stephen embarked on a worldwide adventure, flying more than 3500 flight hours in over 30 civilian and military aircraft. As a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Stephen proved to be a natural leader and skilled aviator, ultimately being trusted to fly the most advanced fighter aircraft ever built, the F-35 Lightning II. 

Stephen worked extremely hard, overcame numerous obstacles and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of flying for the elite U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds as the #4, Slot Pilot.

He inspired everyone he encountered to dream big and to never give up. When engaging with fans, family and friends he always stressed his 4 P’s to Prosperity: Find your Passion, that will give you Purpose, be Persistent in your pursuit, be Personable (Humble, Credible, and Approachable) and you will Prosper. Both in an out of the cockpit, Stephen embodied the finest qualities of his country, his service, and the spirit of the Thunderbirds. 

On April 4, 2018, the world suffered an unimaginable loss as Maj. Del Bagno perished during a routine aerial demonstration training. In his 34 years, he mastered the art of persistence, embodied being a “good dude”, took pride in giving back to his community and stayed humble in his pursuit for excellence. He is missed beyond measure and this foundation will continue Stephen’s legacy and allow his family to help stellar young Americans chase their own dreams to fly and pursue their passion for aviation.

 
 
 
 
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Cajun's 4 P’s to Prosperity

Find your Passion
that will give you Purpose
be Persistent in your pursuit
be Personable-Humble, Credible, and Approachable

 
 
 
 

Follow us on Instagram @cajunsaviationdreaminc

 

 CADI Coloring for Kids

We are happy to announce we have a free coloring book available for download. Please click the page you are interested in and then right click and choose print. You can also drag the image to your desktop and print it from there. Send us your finished coloring sheet to be featured on the website and social media!

Special shout out to the artist, Melanie Valentin at planeoldart.com for these custom designs! They are perfect and Cajun would be honored that these will inspire kids for many years! Thank you!

 

2023 Scholarship Recipients

 

Advanced Air Academy

Eve Tonyan

Eve Tonyan is a 15-year-old from Illinois. In 2021, she took a flight on a private plane and fell in love with aviation. She is currently a sophomore in high school where she is a part of a competitive rowing team, and is focused on academic excellence.

Eve plans on starting flight school in college and wants to become a commercial pilot. She is excited to attend the EAA Advanced Air Academy Camp as it will be an excellent opportunity to explore all of the options that a career in aviation has to offer.

Luca Flores

Luca FloreS is a 17-year-old from California. He has earned his private pilot’s license and logged 90+ hours of flight time so far. He spends his free time attending airshows, jump seating flights, visiting control towers and engages with other students to mentor and navigate the challenges of aviation.

His dream is to become a commercial pilot and attending the EAA Advanced Air Academy is an ideal place to learn how to advance his goals and network with the aviation community.

Fly With Cajun

Discovery Flights

Jack McDonough
Emily Pham

Paul Miller
Sydney Lavoi
Ian Carter
Michael Young
Peyton Davenport
Levi Dalton


April 6, 2024

Save the date.
Cajun’s Aviation Dream Fundraiser
10a - 2p
Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
800 E. Santa Maria Street #E
Santa Paula, Ca 93060