north central region - jun 2008

8/9/2019 North Central Region - Jun 2008

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NCR News June 2008 Page 2

Commanders CommentsCol Steve KuddesCommander, North Central Region

Members of the North Central Region,

The past several months have been very significant time for all of us in this Region.

Every state has had storm activity which has caused damage or major flooding. The

Iowa Wing spent many hours during a three week period flying sorties to photographsome of the worst flooding in 500 years.

As they were beginning to wrap things up, the Missouri Wing was starting their operations as the flooding moved totheir state. They are still involved in some operations as this is being written.

Nebraska and Minnesota have experienced damaging thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods while Kansas,South and North Dakota have had severe storms and tornadoes.

We have been called upon to perform the duties we have trained many hours to do. And to a member, we did itprofessionally and safely. We provided invaluable photos and information to state and federal agencies, weprovided aerial views of the massive flood damage to two United States Senators and a member of Congress inIowa, and we provided assistance to the American Red Cross. We proved over and over again that we are morethan capable to perform the missions we say we can perform. And while we were performing our DisasterResponse missions, we had numerous ELT, missing aircraft and missing person missions.

I want all of the members of the North Central Region and CAP to know that I am very very proud of the leadershipand every member of the entire North Central Region. When called upon to serve and perform our missions, youdid it and it was noticed. When we asked you to standby to assist your Wing or our other Wings, you were ready.You are everything that a CAP member should be, passionate about our duties and caring of others.

This storm season is far from over.We must continue to stand ready toassist our Wings and the people weserve. Our key to success was thatwe were prepared early to respondand we were ready to help our other

Wings through the dedication thatNorth Central Region is known for.We need to share what we havelearned and learn from what weshare. But we must be ready tohelp ourselves also.

The East Iowa Cadet Squadron hadtheir Squadron HQ flooded and lostalmost everything they had there.My wife and I also suffered damageto our home last Friday as a severethunderstorm with high winds hit our

community and Omaha.

The picture of the storm I included was described as a "once in a decade storm" by the National Weather Service.

All of this shows why we practice and prepare as we do. Many of us become complacent because we never getcalled. But when we do, you better know what you are supposed to do. Practice is over at that point. Let'scontinue to be the professionals we are and be ready to serve when we are called upon.


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The Floods of 2008This is a chronological summary of press releasesand updates to the membership from our MissionInformation Officers, Major David Miller in MissouriCapt Chris Colvin in Iowa and other members.

June 5th

Iowa

For the second time in a week the Iowa Departmentof Homeland Security requested assistance fromIowa Wing Civil Air Patrol to perform photoreconnaissance, this time in Colfax, Iowa, to assessflooding caused by recent storms.

The aircrew was able to deliver over eighty photos ofthe flooded areas to the State EmergencyManagement officials.

Image of the flooding near Colfax, IA

June 5th

South Dakota

South Dakota Wing was to fly a damage assessmentmission in five counties in South Eastern SouthDakota. High winds and possible tornados wentthrough the area yesterday evening.

The National Weather Service and county emergencymanagers have asked CAP to survey the area. Onboard the aircraft will be representatives from theNWS and Minnehaha County EmergencyManagement.

June 6th South Dakota

CAP has been asked to fly a survey of flooding inButte County in the area of Belle Fourche (north ofSpearfish), has three rivers and creeks floodingcurrently.

The Spearfish squadron will fly this mission w/ a stateemergency manager.

We have a 3rd mission today, photographing floodingin Pennington County, north and east of Rapid City.Mission was requested by Pennington CountyEmergency Management.

In Sioux Falls, Jordan Hall flew the National WeatherService and the Minnehaha County EmergencyManagement officer. They were both pleased withthe flight where they were able to get photos andvisual inspection of tornado and high wind damagefrom the Thursday night storm.

Out of Spearfish, Buck DeWeese flew to BelleFourche in Butte County and flew the county sheriff.They are estimating over $1 million in damages fromflooding in the county there and they had more rainlast night. The flight helped the sheriff assess thedamages and see other potential trouble spots.

In Rapid City, Nick McFarland and I (Col MikeBeason) flew the Pennington County EmergencyManagement officer. He took over 200 photos offlood damage between Rapid City and the CheyenneRiver (to the east). The major flooding along BoxElder Creek, which is normally dry, has subsidedhowever the creek is still out of its banks.

June 10th

Update from Col Steve Kuddes

All of our Wings have to some extent been affectedby the weather the past month. Tornadoes, hail, highwinds and flooding have taken a toll on not only usbut the residents of our states. But our Region is notthe only area of the country to see the severeweather.

The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is for moresevere weather with tornadoes, heavy rain and hail inthe mix. With Des Moines and Iowa City alreadyexperiencing flooding, this is not good news.

The long range forecast calls for more rain and morestorms. Our job isn't finished, its just beginning. Butbeing the professionals we are, we will continue toperform our missions to the end.

June 12th

Update from Col Ron Scheitzach

Within the last two weeks the Iowa Wing has takenover 600 photographs for the Iowa HomelandSecurity/Emergency Management Division.We also looked for a missing airplane that was foundin Nebraska and we have been asked to man ourseat at the State Emergency Operations Center(SEOC.) For the last several days the EOC has beenmanned virtually 24 hours a day.


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June 14th

- Mission Support Continues and IowaFlies Senators

Facing what many are calling the five-hundred yearflood members of the Iowa Wing have flown fifteenmissions and delivered approximately 900photographs supporting the Iowa Department of

Homeland Security and Emergency ManagementDivision (HSEMD) along with the National WeatherService.

Mission sorties include the transportation of U.S.Senators Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley, photoreconnaissance, and manning both the StateEmergency Operations Center (SEOC) and thesecurity desk at Linn County EmergencyManagement Agency.

Senators Harkin and Grassley (pictured above)visited several cities that are affected by the flooding

and held press conferences at each of the locations.

'This was an important job for the Civil Air Patrol,'said Captain Kim Kirschman, the mission pilot whotransported the Senators across the state. 'We wereable to meet the needs of the senators on shortnotice which allowed them to maintain theirschedule.'

Over eighty of the Iowas ninety-nine counties havebeen declared disaster areas by Iowa Governor ChetCulver. Flooding has forced the evacuation of severalareas across the state, including hospitals and

retirement homes.

The dynamics of the mission have changed fromgeneral photo reconnaissance to focusing specificallyon critical infrastructure in affected areas.

The Cedar River is well out of its banks in Cedar Rapids.

Photos from the CAP flyover provide localresponders with critical information to help themmake decisions based on potential flooding, saidJoyce Flinn, from the HSEMD. Partnership with CivilAir Patrol provides us with a valuable resource thatcan provide critical information in both response andrecovery.

June 16th

Iowa

Iowa Wing members flew four more long-distancesorties this morning and afternoon.

Aircrews continued to perform photo recon on criticalinfrastructure throughout eastern and southeasternIowa. In addition, weve now been tasked by thefederal Environmental Protection Agency and theDepartment of Natural Resources to search forhazardous materials such as propane tanks, fuelleaks, etc in the flood zones.

Members continue to staff the State's EmergencyOperations Center and the Linns County EmergencyManagement Agency.

June 17th

Iowa

Focus continues to be on critical infrastructure,HazMat concerns along the flood zone, monitoringflooded areas and areas in which the water isbeginning to recede.

The number of photos provided to state and federal

officials now exceeds 1,200.

Members from Wing Hq, Cedar Rapids SeniorSquadron and the Easter Iowa Cadet Squadron(EICS) continue to man their respective posts at theState Emergency Operations Center and the LinnCounty Emergency Management Agency.

In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture,aircrews were tasked to fly in search of livestock thatmay be stranded on high-ground.


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Members from the EICS worked in conjunction withthe Red Cross today handing out water and clean-upkits in a staging area.

Beginning on Wednesday 18 June, we will begin tofly missions through FEMA for the Army Corps ofEngineers surveying the waterway beginning at Lockand Dam 10 working south towards Keokuk.

June 17th

Old Monroe, MO

More than thirty members of the Missouri Wingbegan assisting with sandbagging efforts today in OldMonroe. They joined a growing number of volunteershelping to save this town from the rising flood watersof both the Mississippi and Cuivre rivers.

In addition to sandbagging, Missouri Wing has alsobeen asked to assist with communications andsecuring possible helicopter landing areas.

Aircrews are also on standby awaiting the call to flyaerial reconnaissance to check levees, the extent ofthe flooding, and the accessibility of roads throughoutthe area.

"It's been really cool being able to help the citizens ofthe town here," said Cadet Chief Master SergeantRob Lass, a 17 year-old home schooled senior fromSt. Charles. "Its hard work, but rewarding. At least, Idon't have to work out today."

June 17th

Cedar Rapids, IowaLt Col Mercer Richardson

We have experienced the highest flood waters thatanyone has seen in downtown Cedar Rapids. Allbridges in the city were flooded and closed on theCedar River except the I-380 interstate bridge whichis higher than the tops of the City buildings on MaysIsland in the river. All others were flooded over.

Flooded Bridge in Cedar Rapids, IA

By the time on Sunday morning when I reported forSecurity duty at the City EOC, the water had started

dropping and a couple of spots on the First StreetBridge on Mays Island could be seen.

The bridges further down stream were not yet abovewater but were when I went home that evening. Cityoffices that were in the Mays Island Veterans buildingwere moved to the EOC training room.

The SW side of town has lost electrical powerbecause the plant was flooded for that area.

Interstate 380 South of Cedar Rapids is blocked offbecause the Iowa River Bridge was under water butits big trouble spot is about 300 yards south of thebridge where the roads pass through a low gully andkeep the road flooded.

Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We have been on water rationing since last Fridaybecause one of the City well areas went under water

but yesterday the City was able to get into the site,remove some of the pumps on top of the wells andthe Guard CH-47's flew them out to the heavy motorcompanies to be cleaned and repaired.

With the help of nearby towns, Water systemcapacity has reached over 50% as of Sundayafternoon.

As the river recedes, the City/County Houseinspection Strike Teams are checking out house,store and other building to determine if it is safe forowners to start the clean up.

CAP units in the area are actively engaged in theresponse. The Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron hasbeen manning the EOC security desk along withmembers of East Iowa Cadet Squadron and a few ofus NCR Reps.

Of course the NCR Admin Officer (Capt Sue Grant) isworking full time at the Red Cross and has notstopped running since the first tornado struck acouple of weeks ago.


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Many photo flights have been made and we aretasked by FAX order directly from the State SEOCwhere the IAWG commander is located coordinatingour efforts. The Cedar Rapids Senior squadron isflying the photo missions.

The SDIS aircraft are flying and photographinglevees, water plants, dangerous chemical plants and

bridges and dams.

The good news is that the Iowa Governor keepsseeing CAP uniforms (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City,Burlington and the state SEOC) and is getting an eyefull of our aerial surveillance results.

The sun is shining and the city is recovering one stepat a time. A lot of our neighbors are helping and weare progressing one step at a time.

Our success will be the accumulation of all of ourbaby steps on the road to recovery.

June 18th Iowa

Five more sorties were flown today. Two of thesesorties were over six hours each.

The search for livestock continues as concerns havearisen that they can possibly damage the leveeswhile searching for food.

Aircrews used latitude and longitude provided by theArmy Corps of Engineers to identify criticalinfrastructure and provide photos and information.

June 19th Iowa

President Bush visited the Cedar Rapids area andwas greeted at the Linn County EOC by CAPmembers Major George Cobley, 2nd Lt MichaelDzado, Senior Member Brian Mishmash and CadetAirman Katelyn Mishmash.

While manning her duty assignment at the securitydesk, Airman Mishmash had a once in a lifetimeopportunity when she was greeted by the President.

"I found myself shaking hands with the President as

he was leaving the building and I was very shocked,"said Cadet Mishmash. "I actually got to talk to him forabout fifteen seconds. He asked how old I was andseemed surprised that I was fifteen. He noticed I wasin Civil Air Patrol, and said "Civil Air Patrol,outstanding" and thanked me for my help during thefloods.

In addition to meeting the President I got to meet theGovernor, Lt Governor and the mayor of Iowa City,General Walsh, and several other VIPs. It was veryexciting." Said Mishmash.

Major George Cobley said that, "it was an honor togreet the President and Governor Culver with bothwords and a firm handshake. But, the real joy was tosee Cadet Mishmash when the President stoppedand asked her a couple questions and offered herencouragement in her CAP activities. I'll bet she stillhasn't found the ground yet. It was great and one ofthe reasons I like working with cadets."

In addition to meeting Major Cobley and CadetMishmash the President also greeted SecondLieutenant Michael Dzado and Senior Member BrianMishmash.

"This experience is one that I will remember for therest of my life. When I first joined Civil Air Patrol Inever imagined I'd be shaking hands with thePresident of the United States," said CadetMishmash.

Due to the Temporary Flight Restriction, there wereno air sorties today.

The Iowa Wing continues to be tasked by HSEMDand FEMA to provided tactical reconnaissance andcommunication to support in response to the flooding.

Wing and Squadron members continue to staff theSEOC and the Linn County EMA security desk.

Below are a number of quotes from people outside ofCAP regarding the Iowa Wings response to the Stateof Emergency:

Im impressed with the Civil Air Patrols staffing at

the State Emergency Operations Center and theirwillingness to take on the missions assigned to them.Beyond that is the quality of product they deliver. TheCivil Air Patrol has been a valuable asset to theconcerted effort for flood response. Dr. Philip Pitzen, Protective Security Advisor, U.S.Department of Homeland Security

Photos from the CAP flyover provide localresponders with critical information to help themmake decisions based on potential flooding.Partnership with Civil Air Patrol provides us with avaluable resource that can provide critical information

in both response and recovery. Joyce Flinn, Iowa Homeland Security andEmergency Management Division

The Civil Air Patrols flight service provided for aprime example of representative government that isallowing us to bring Iowans concerns to Washington. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

I have been a long time supporter of the Civil AirPatrol and appreciate their on-going efforts in therecovery process. U.S. Senator Tom Harkin


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The Civil Air Patrol has met visual andreconnaissance needs of the state and federalagencies and we are very happy with the product."

Dianne Wilson, FEMA, Region 7

June 19th

Missouri

Amid the rumble and dust of heavy tractor flatbed

trailers hauling countless sandbags to shore up locallevees, and the frenzied activity of hundreds ofvolunteers, the Missouri Wing of the Civil Air Patrolconsolidated its mission base and communicationscenter to the centrally located Winfield High Schoollate yesterday.

CAP Cadets assisting with sandbagging efforts.

Throughout the day, CAP volunteers continued theirsandbagging efforts, assisted in traffic control, andcoordinated communications between ground teamsand aircrew.

CAP aircraft flew two flights yesterday takinghundreds of reconnaissance photographs of theflooded upper Mississippi river and tributaries fromSt. Charles to Keokuk, Iowa, on behalf of theMissouri State Emergency Management Agency.Flights will continue today with more scheduled forthe next several days if needed.

Additional CAP aircrews from Kansas City arrivedearly this morning to assist with today's flights,including flying State Representative Ed Schieffer foran overview of the flooding in his district that includesLincoln County.

Elsewhere, two additional levees have beenbreached northeast of Winfield, MO

CAP aircraft from Kansas City flew into Spirit Airportthis morning. Three sorties flown today with one ofthem flying State Rep Schieffer.

June 20th

- Missouri

Captain Brian Thompson, of Missouri Wing checks over theCessna 182 which he flew a photography mission in support

of FEMA in Chesterfield, MO. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

An agency liaison (Brad Sanker) was placed at thelocal EOC which greatly facilitated interagencycommunication and the transfer of recon photos.

The main taskings today were traffic control, parking,and communication with the aircrews and groundstaff. Kudos to all involved for getting the job done,rotating crews, and making sure all were hydrated. Itwent very smoothly.

CAP members with Missouri Governor Matt Blunt.

Cadets also functioned as Honor Guards with US andState flags at the entrance to the Winfield HighSchool for the Governor, Sen. Bond, CongressmanAkin; and two performed the same honor guard dutyfor the Governor's press conference, standing oneither side of him throughout his appearance.

There were three sorties today, two for flood recon,and the third and last flying a FEMA photographerand the Mayor of Foley.

Col John Mais, the Missouri Wing Commander flew inand was present for several hours, including ourmeeting with Governor Blunt who stopped by ourarea and spoke with the cadets.


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Sen. Kit Bond (center) visiting with Missouri Wing Members.

Senator Kit Bond and Congressman Todd Akin alsotoured the area and stopped by to meet and greetand pose for pictures with our members. Both werevery supportive and appreciative of our efforts onbehalf of the flood relief.

June 21st

Iowa

'I'd have to rate today a ten on a scale from one toten,' said U.S. Congressman Steve King. 'The CivilAir Patrol was able to take us to all of the places wewanted to go and make it count.'

For the second time in a week, members of the IowaWing were asked to transport a high-rankinggovernment official across the state to view areasdevastated by the recent floods and tornados. Lastweek U.S. Senators Tom Harkin and CharlesGrassley visited several cities and met with localtownspeople affected by the floods.

After seeing Crawford County and the surrounding

areas by air Crawford County Engineer, PaulAssman, remarked, 'Not only did this aircrew comeon short notice, they delivered what we needed andmore. I have a better appreciation for the floodcontrol efforts put forth because of CAP'

Congressman Steve King points out an area that he'd like tofly over to Captain Kim Kirschman and Crawford County

Engineer Paul Assman. Photo by: Capt Christopher Colvin.

Colonel Ron Scheitzach, the Iowa Wing Commander,said, 'it is a privilege to provide these gentlemen witha perspective that allows them to personallyexperience first hand the devastation across ourState.'

June 24th - Missouri

Air sorties continue, twice a day, AM and PM sorties.

Flights continue to assess Mississippi river from St.Charles, Missouri, to Keokuk, Iowa. Multiple leveeover-toppings and breaches were identified, as wellas extent of flooding and status of infrastructure(roads, bridges, etc.)

Aircraft remain based out of MWAC at Spirit Airport inChesterfield. Flights will continue throughout thisweek.

June 25th

Missouri

The breach of the Elm Pointe levee in St. Charlesyesterday, coupled with continued sandbaggingefforts in Winfield, directly influenced our activitiesthroughout the day on 24 June.

CAP liaison was maintained at the St. CharlesCounty Emergency Operations Center (EOC),coordinating between the aircrews and needs of theEOC including rapid aerial reconnaissance of thebreached levee and it's flooding.

Because of the proximity of the flooding, we continueto be able to hand off urgent photos in near real-timeas the aircrew lands at nearby St. Charles MunicipalAirport and hands a flash drive directly over to arunner.

Flooding in St. Charles, MO

Within only a couple of hours of receiving approvalfor the new mission re-supporting Lincoln County, wewere able to quickly reestablish Winfield MissionBase at the Winfield High School.


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1st Lt Rick Sexton (St. Charles Comp. Squadron)oversaw the transfer of our communication centerback to Winfield Mission Base. Efforts there involvedtraffic control and communication with aircrew.

The antenna goes up at the Winfield Mission Base.

The photo IT team headed up by 2nd

Lt. ScottSchwab of Gateway Senior Squadron developed afaster way to batch upload photos with taggedlat/long info for use by SEMA and local EOC's.

Twice daily air sorties continue flying the Mississippiriver from St. Charles to Keokuk, Iowa, withconcentration on the urgent levee situations in andaround St. Charles mainly yesterday and today.

Yesterday's morning sortie was scrubbed due to badweather but were able to get photos of the ElmPointe levee breach before they had to land.

To date, more than 170 Missouri Wing membershave performed more than 1600 man-hours ofvolunteer flood relief service, including more than 13aerial sorties. More than 1,000 aerial photos havebeen taken for SEMA.

June 26th

Twice daily air sorties in support of Lincoln and St.Charles County EOCs continue. Flights now notflying all the way to the Iowa border but to Louisiana,Missouri , and back.

Capt Michael Smith checks the oil before he flies his nextmission.

Aircraft remain based at Midwest Aviation Center atSpirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri .With water threatening St. Charles Municipal Airport ,the aircraft based there had been transferred to SpiritAirport several days ago.

Working at the Mobile Communications Center.

Sandbagging efforts at Winfield base have beenstood down by the Lincoln County EOC until 0900Saturday June 28th. Flooding has now affected theirsand pit and they have to obtain sand from elsewherein the state.

We have released our ground teams temporarily butwill stand up Winfield base again this Saturday whensandbagging efforts again resume.

The Communication Center will remain staffed atWinfield, however, to coordinate air sorties with thelocal EOC requests.

The Lincoln County EOC requested aerialassessment of a possible oil spill north of Foleyyesterday.


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This was confirmed by yesterdays AM sortie withphotos and information immediately sent to the EOC.Lincoln County EOC very pleased.

The Missouri National Guard liaison at LincolnCounty EOC noted that our photos are some of thebest they have ever seen and are interested in doingoverlays of our photos over time to show the various

stages of flooding of same locations.

A possible search and rescue mission developed latelast night when a father and young son fell out of aboat into flood water.

CAP personnel immediately on scene to assist ifneeded, but the two were found quickly without ourhelp.

I (Major David Miller) am greatly impressed by theability of our members to shift immediately to yetanother mission despite being fully committed toflood relief.

June 27th

Missouri

A breech in the Pine Oak Levee

The Pin Oak levee protecting Winfield breached intwo places early this morning. A secondary 5 milelong sandbag levee is being placed now by theNational Guard to attempt to protect the town ofWinfield. Operations have begun again at theWinfield High School one day earlier than previouslyplanned due to the levee breach.

Winfield Base was immediately stood back up andthe alert tree was activated to rally CAP personnel

immediately to Winfield to assist with sandbagging,traffic control, and continued communications withour CAP aircraft.

Our AM sortie was off the ground this morning twohours earlier than usual at approx. 0900 withimmediate over-flight of the new flooding in Winfield.Arrangements made to land at local airport in Troy,Missouri, approx. 10 miles west of Winfield andtransfer photos immediately to the Lincoln CountyEOC.

Sandbagging activities continue in north St. Charlescounty near the Elm Pointe levee that breachedyesterday.

Two sorties flown yesterday without incident. StateRepresentative Jake Zimmerman (above center), amember of the Missouri Wing Legislative Squadron,participated in the morning sortie and was also flownover his district on the return trip.

June 28th

The City of Winfield lost its prolonged fight againstthe flood when their secondary levee thrown togetheryesterday quickly by the National Guard and Corps ofEngineers after the breach of the Pin Oak levee failedearlier this morning at approx. 4:30 am.

Four foot high "Hesco" barriers filled with sand handbeen placed with additional sandbags on top along a2.5 mile section attempting to protect the southeastpart of Winfield. 100 additional homes in Winfield willnow be flooded. Highway 79, a main artery from St.Charles and St. Louis, is impassable due to water inseveral places.

The Lincoln County EOC subsequently demobilizedat noon today. No further activity now occurring atWinfield High School so our Winfield Base has beenstood down. However, the communication centerremains on site and active, coordinatingcommunication with our aircraft.

Twice daily aircraft sorties continue on behalf ofSEMA. The AM sortie this morning left early atapprox. 0800 to photograph and document the extentof the flooding in Winfield due to the second leveebreach. To date, more than 2,000 photos have beentaken.

To date we've flown 28 sorties in support of the floodrelief, including photo recon and aircraft/aircrewtransport missions, for a total of more than 70 flighthours representing more than 320 man hours served.


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Our Operations Tempo has significantly decreasedwith the demobilization of the Lincoln County EOCand liaison end with St. Charles County EOC.

While our local ground support is on hold at themoment, air activity (including the processing ofphotos) supporting SEMA continues.

June 30th

With the demobilization of the Lincoln County EOCand stabilization of flooding in north St. CharlesCounty, Missouri Wing has stood down all groundteams and aerial photo reconnaissance flightseffective today.

The last air sorties were flown on June 29th.

SEMA has requested a halt to current air operationsto evaluation the photos taken. SEMA has been very

pleased with the quality and quantity of photos, easeof online review, and speed in obtaining neededrecon information.

Further flights are expected but aircrews remain onstand down at the moment.

More than 2,000 digital photos were taken during 30

air sorties.

Thanks to Major David Miller of Missouri Wing andCapt Chris Colvin for their outstanding work asMission Information Officers during the flooding.

North Central Region maintains a website withreleases, updates, links to photo albums and mediareports. It can be accessed at the link below.

http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2008_ia_floods/iafloods.htm

Minnesota Wing to host Ground Team Academy

The Annual Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy will be held 22-24 August 2008 at Camp Ripley, MN.

This activity will focus on providing quality training and standardization for all levels of ground team from start toend. The course will start at 0900 hours on Friday 22 August 2007 and run until 1200 hours on Sunday 24 August2007. All members of the region are welcome to participate in this training

The academy will be broken into three levels of training. Below is a brief description of the minimum we plan tocover in each area of training:

1) Ground Team Member Level 3 / Urban Direction Finding

- Basic Communications User Training, First Aid, Equipment, Hot/Cold Weather Injuries, Fatigue, Compass Use,Phone Alerts, ELT Search, Basic Map Reading and Natural Hazards.

2) Ground Team Member Level 2

- Advanced Communications User Training, Shelter Building, Survival, Land Navigation, and Canine Operations.

3) Ground Team Member Level 1 / Ground Team Leader

- ICS, Team Management, Field Leadership, Scene Management, Communications, Map Reading/LandNavigation, ELT Searches, CISM, Team Paperwork.

The idea is that everyone who attends will attain a new level of Ground Team Qualifications by the end of theweekend. Personnel who are currently qualified may also attend as a refresher, to renew their qualifications or toexpand their skills.

Student registration will start on July 1st. More info is available on their website: http://www.mncap.org/es/gta/


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Minnesota Wing Member Recognized 40 Years of ServiceCol Tom TheisCommander, Minnesota Wing

It was my pleasure to drop in on the 108 Task Force at the StCroix Squadron on Saturday June 21

stand present Col Dennis

Rock with his 40 year membership certificate. Col Rock hasserved the wing in many capacities at the squadron, group

and wing level, including a successful term as the MinnesotaWing Commander.

The (CAP Form) 108 Task Force meets every month tocrunch the numbers to get people reimbursed for our missionsupport. Often times, this turns into an 8 hour day for theteam.

Thanks for all you do behind the scenes Col Rock!!

SD Wing Announces New Commanders and a PromotionCol Mike BeasonCommander, South Dakota Wing

I'm pleased to announce the appointment of a new commander in Brookings. Lt Tom Clark, who has only beencommander for a few months, took a graduate degree education position at Portland State University and hasmoved to Oregon. We will miss his leadership at Brookings.

But we have another excellent individual ready to step up to the position. Lt Nick Gengler, who joined CAP as acadet in Sept 2000, became a senior member in Dec 2007. He has been the squadron's Deputy Commander,Testing Officer, IT Officer, and Recruiting Officer. He has also been a Ground Team Leader since April 2006 and isone of the trainers at this years Ground Team School in Brookings.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of a new squadron commander in Rapid City. Maj Randy Borton isstepping down a few weeks early from a planned change of command in July. He is being re-assigned by theUSAF to a job in South Korea so was planning on turning over the squadron later in the month. A recent kneeinjury necessitated surgery this week, so he has relinquished command. Maj Borton will continue in his duties asan assistant Wing Aerospace Officer until he departs for Korea.

1st Lt Krisane Hineman is taking over the squadron. She joined CAP in Mar 2006 and held a position as WingAssistant Testing Officer along with several squadron positions. She has a senior level specialty track inAdministration and a technician rating in Health Services.

Please congratulate Krisane and Nick on their new positions.

Finally I would like to congratulate Dan Foster from the Custer Squadron who was recently promoted to Lt Col. In

addition to the duties he has in Custer, Safety Officer and Chaplain, he is also the wing chaplain. Dan has attendedmany courses, including the National Staff College in Alabama to become qualified for the promotion. He joinedCAP in Aug 1999 and is also qualified as Mission Chaplain, Ground Team Leader, and Mission Observer, alongwith other qualifications.

Thanks, Dan, for your service to CAP.


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14/19


Kansas Wing Conference

Kansas Wing held their annual Wing Conference over the last weekend of May.

Many members of the wing came together for a day of training, recognition and fellowship. Also in attendance werethe CAP Interim National Commander, Brig Gen Amy Courter and world known aviatrix Col Mary Feik.

Incoming Kansas Wing Commander Col Regena Aye receivesthe Kansas Wing Colors from Region Commander Col Steve

Kuddes.

The highlight of the conference was the Change ofCommand Ceremony where the North Central RegionCommander, Col Steve Kuddes passed command ofKansas Wing from Col Bernard King to Col Regena Aye.

Col King received the Distinguished Service Medal for hisoutstanding service as the Commander of Kansas Wing.

Col Aye comes to the wing as a very experienced andaccomplished member. A Spaatz Award Recpient as wellas a multiple time Kansas Wing Cadet of the year. She hasbeen to Hawk Mountain, PJOC & Advanced PJOC.

She spent a year in Russia on a study program and endedup using her survival training several times while abroad.

Col Aye speaks about 4-5 languages and is currentlyworking on her PHD and is employed as an educator.

Members were recognized with many awards for their outstanding service. 60 members received the DisasterRelief Ribbon for their service during disasters in the past year and in a memorable event Col Feik presentedcustomized Feik Award certificates that she personally signed to 39 Kansas Wing cadets. Many other awards werepresented during the General Assembly and Banquet. They are listed below.

Chaplain of the YearCh, Capt Dennis Thompson

Cadet of the YearC/Col Daniel Metcalf

Cadet Officer of the YearC/Lt Col Nathan Scalia

Cadet NCO of the YearC/MSgt Brandon Doubrava

Senior Member of the Year2nd Lt Carol Hearns

Aerospace Education Officer of the YearCapt Glenn Fortmayer

Family of the YearThe Metcalf Family

Squadron Commander of the YearCapt Charles Wright

Supply Officer of the Year2nd Lt Lauri Emery

Logistics Officer of the Year

Major Rick Franz

Safety Officer of the YearCapt Karen Bork

Cadet Program Officer of the Year1st Lt Catherine Metcalf

Administrative Officer of the Year2nd Lt Marlene Ahlgren

Operations Officer of the Year2nd Lt Byron Edmondson

Safety Squadron of the YearEmerald City Composite Squadron

Public Affairs Officer of the Year2nd Lt Carol R. Hearns

Squadron of the YearHOWARD WILLIAMS COMPOSITE SQUADRON

Squadron of MeritKANSAS CITY COMPOSITE SQUADRON


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Kansas Wing Continued from Page 14

Squadron of DistinctionEMPORIA COMPOSITE SQUADRON

Unit Citation AwardsHOWARD WILLIAMS COMPOSITE SQUADRONKANSAS CITY COMPOSITE SQUADRON KS034

Commanders Commendation AwardsC/SSgt Bradley DoubravaC/Lt Col Levi LappingSM Jordan Winemiller1

stLt Aubrey Sheldon

Capt June FergusonMajor Phillip AyeMajor Jerrol BahnerMajor Pat DowneyMajor Rick FranzMajor Jonathan HolderMajor Eric ShappeeLt Col John Schmidt

Lt Col John WoleskyLt Col Regena AyeLt Col Elaine HochLt Col Ed HillLt Col Dominick ItalianoLt Col Stephen LaBash

Lt Col Dennis PearsonLt Col John SchmidtLt Col John WoleskyLt Col Ronald WilliamsCol George BoydCol Tim HansenCol Jerome Hanson

Billy Mitchell AwardC/2

ndLt Priscilla Temaat

Kansas Wing Academic Excellence CordCadet Henjatnirl AnstaettCadet Spencer KerfootCadet Brian Lathrum

Cadet Kristen Robertson

New Unit Organizing in South Dakota1

stLt Shawn Anderson

Public Affairs Officer, South Dakota Wing

A May meeting to gauge interest in forming a new Civil Air Patrol squadron in Huron was deemed a success bystate officials.

Col. Mike Beason, the South Dakota Wing Commander, said he was impressed by the number of residents whoattended the meeting or stopped by during the CAP training session at the airport.

"We had former members come out, we had parents and youth come," he said. "We also had a couple pilots talk tous, a development that holds the promise of basing a CAP aircraft in Huron."

CAP has six single-engine Cessna aircraft in South Dakota and was just offered another one by the regionheadquarters.

"Huron would be an ideal place for us to place a seventh aircraft," Beason said.

Sioux Falls Color Guard Presents Flags at Lions Club Convention2

ndLt Lori Anderson

Sioux Falls Composite Squadron, South Dakota Wing

Eight members of the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron presented the colors in front of several hundred, eight flagswere presented and placed in all, at opening ceremony of International Lions Club Convention held at the RamkotaHotel in Sioux Falls on Friday, June 06, 2008.

Lieutenant Colonel Reid Christopherson of the South Dakota Air National Guard, a Lion himself, introduced theColor Guard team as each of the cadets carried different flags from participating countries and organizations.

The Lions Club is an international organization working on ending preventable blindness and works on variousprojects within their communities. The Sioux Falls Lions Club is an active supporter of the local squadron.


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Members from Davenport, All-Iowa,and Wing work together for "find"Capt Chris ColvinPublic Affairs Officer, Iowa Wing

It what has proved to be a very busy month in the

Iowa Wing, members from two Squadrons and WingHQ worked together for a "find" at of all places, theQuad Cities Airshow. Incident Commander, ColonelGene Kellogg received a call from the AFRCC whoadvised of an ELT hit in the vicinity of Davenport.

After plotting the hits, mission information wasprovided to Ground Branch Director, Lt Col McCoy.Upon arrival at the Quad Cities Airport, the ELT waslocated in a plane (1937 Stinson SR9C) parked onthe ramp. The ground team received owner contactinformation and called owner to advise of ELT.

The owner did not answer the call. Colonel Kelloggnotified AFRCC that the ELT had been located in aparked aircraft and the ground team is awaiting forthe owners arrival.

The owner was located and the ELT shut off at 1123local time.

Mission Participants were Colonel Gene Kellogg, LtColonel Mike McCoy, C/SSgt Daniel Stone, C/MSgtGuadalupe Diaz, C/SSgt Dakotah Antrim and C/SSgtNeil Peterson

Local cadets take to the skies inC-130Courtesy: West Central Tribune - 06/16/2008

WILLMAR Local youth taking a look at a possiblecareer in the military as part of the Civil Air Patrol inWillmar recently gained a whole new look atMinnesota, too.

They viewed much of the state from thousands offeet in the air aboard a C-130 plane, the militarysgiant workhorse for ferrying troops, supplies andequipment. Their May 28 flight took them from the

Minneapolis/St. Paul military air base on a route tothe Northwest Angle on the northwest corner of Lakeof the Woods before returning along the stateswestern side.

It was amazing, said Jessica Lewison, 17, of Echo,in summing up her experience for Lt. Linda Dilley ofWillmar. Dilley is an adult leader in the Willmar CivilAir Patrol chapter known as the Wesota CompositeSquadron. Lewison is a cadet staff sergeant with thesquadron.

Lewison was joined on the 2-hour flight by threefellow cadets in the local group. They included CadetSenior Airmen Russ Nelson of Willmar and MarkKraemer of Svea, and Cadet Airman Chris Larson ofLouisburg.

Also aboard for the flight were local adult leadersincluding Dilley; Capt. Brad Larson, the localsquadrons chaplain; and Lt. Anne Moudry ofKandiyohi, and Lt. Tim Bjur of Litchfield.

This was no mere sight-seeing tour. Cadets Lewisonand Nelson played the role of patients on the flight as

part of an emergency medical evacuation trainingexercise. Their health emergencies tested themedical crew aboard the plane during takeoff and inthe early portion of the flight, according to informationprovided by Dilley.

The cadets also took turns enjoying opportunities tobe in the cockpit during takeoff and landing, andvisiting with the planes crew and learning about theirroles and the plane.

The cadets enjoyed the opportunity to fly in anaircraft so large roughly 30 yards in length andholding enough open, interior space that it can carryequipment as large as trucks. When the planebanked for turns, the cadets walked from one side ofthe plane to the other to experience the significantdifference in G-force.

The fact that we were actually up in a C-130 is whatimpressed Cadet Russ Nelson the most. He toldDilley that the scenery was breathtaking, but that healso appreciated the planes friendly crew as much asanything.

The trip was arranged by the Wesota Squadroncommander, Major Ruth Hoffman. She wanted her

cadets and adult members to enjoy the sameexhilarating experience she had enjoyed on C-130flights.


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Missouri Cadet Completes National Flight AcademyLt Col Jo StysNational Flight Academy Public Affairs Officer

C/Capt Jordan Brandt earned his pre-solo wings at the Civil Air PatrolNational Flight Academy in Oshkosh. Brandt completed a weeks trainingprogram thru Civil Air Patrol (CAP) at Whittman Airport, Oshkosh,Wisconsin, learning to fly. He was one a class of seventeen student

pilots at the flight academy. His took flight instruction from Major TomMescher and Capt John Thompson. Weather was a factor preventingseveral students, including Brandt, from getting into the air on a regularbasis.

Ground and flight instruction with certified flight instructors for the pastweek has prepared the student pilots to take the controls of the aircraftand fly by themselves for their first solo flight.

Brandt is the son of Barry and Tracey Brandt of St Charles, MO. He is theCadet Commander of the Saint Charles Composite Squadron.

Photo: C/Capt Jordan Brandt receives pre-solo wings from Capt John

Thompson. Courtesy: National Flight Academy.

Iowa Cadets Help Recreate Aviations Golden AgeSM Jay Newell, Iowa Wing

When the American Barnstormers Tour, a travelingcollection of 17 aircraft from the 1920s and 30s,launched its summer schedule of biplane rides andaerial parades at Ames (IA) Municipal Airport, theyturned first to the Civil Air Patrol for behind-the-sceneshelp.

Our first question when we were planning was, will

the CAP be there? said Clay Adams, a NorthwestAirlines pilot and the creator of the AmericanBarnstormers Tour. Mr. Adams spent two yearspreparing for the Tour, which recreates a typical1930s barnstorming visit, complete with pilots andground crews in period costumes.

CAP cadets from the Des Moines Metro CadetSquadron provided directions for visitors who came to

see the priceless antique aircraft that were on static display. The cadets also directed cars to parking during thenear-overflow event that drew 3000 to 4000 spectators.

Airport manager Steve Salvo was appreciative of the cadets work. They were outstanding in fulfilling the needs of

the community. The CAP was an essential element of a smooth-running event.

The professionalism and poise of the cadets drew praise from Clay Adams. The cadets were disciplined andpolite. I know that theyre our future, and Id like to see more kids involved in CAP.

The Barnstormers continue their 2008 tour with eight more stops in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.

Pictured above are the members of the DMMCSC stand in front of the American Barnstormers 1929 Travel Air4000. From left to right: SM Jay Newell, C/SrA Michael Kelly, Capt. Betty Kelly, C/Amn James Ratekin, ClayAdams, C/SSgt Josh Newell, C/SSgt Jacob Eimers, C/Samn Jordan Stein, C/SSgt William Van Zee, Sgt. JamesKelly, C/MSgt Marcus Kelly, C/TSgt James Eimers, C/Lt Amanda Veen.


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130th Squadron Conducts Cadet TrainingC/1Lt Billy Hoffman & C/AB Christen Furlong130

thComposite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Basic Cadet Training School, or BCTS, as it is known by cadets, is an activity that was developed in the 130th

Composite Squadron during a large recruiting push in the spring of 2007.

Cadets that newly joined the program had become frustrated with the fact that they were unable to understand the

material used at everyday squadron meetings. This was not because the 130th flight staff had difficultyunderstanding or presenting the material to the new cadets, but rather because of the different levels of cadetexperience at each meeting.

Even with the separation of flights, which was based upon the amount of cadet training, the staff had a hard timecontinually reverting back to basic information or finding someone to train these new cadets. This problem tendedto hold back the entire flight. In order to attend to these new cadets, and those planning on attending EncampmentPreparatory School in the following weeks, the cadet staff planned a weekend activity that would introducematerials used in everyday squadron meetings.

In addition, it would introduce basic knowledge of Encampment, and then conclude the weekend with a promotionto the cadet grade of Airman.

The most recent BCTS began on May 9

th

with in processing and preparing for the weekends training.

Early Saturday morning, cadets were woken by the shrillvoices of their instructors to prepare and dress forphysical training. Cadets were marched out to the fieldwhere C/A1C Brent Maki stood to lead the training.Through the day, cadets were introduced to manyaspects of Civil Air Patrol, such as uniform wear,inspections, jodies, cadet life, Wing, Region, andNational activities, and Chapter One of their Leadership2000 and Beyond Manual. Cadets were also introducedto the standards for drill, and customs and courtesies, allof which, taught by C/SSgt Scott Gabert, C/SSgt DanSchumann, and C/SrA Matt Eischens.

After the afternoon chow, cadets moved out of the training phase and into testing phase. Support staff workedtogether to give the tests of the weekend. C/SSgt Jake Fliehr, C/Amn Roslyn Pederson, C/CMSgt Josh Jenson,C/Amn Anastasia Smith, and C/Amn Seth Patrin worked diligently in the decreasing time. All cadets participated ina serious round of tests that measured their knowledge gained over the weekend. They received a physical trainingtest, a drill test, a review board, and concluded with the knowledge test, unveiling that Monty Python and the HolyGrail is the unofficial movie of the 130th, which wrapped up the information from all activities that took place overthe weekend.

Concluding BCTS, cadets and cadet staff worked together in a final team building exercise that brought them closertogether and moved right into graduation. Fifty proud parents and other 130th members stood proud as C/1st Lt BillyHoffman, Cadet Commander and C/MSgt Mark Pohl Deputy Commander gave newly welcomed members of the130th, their certificates of completion. C/Amn Forte, a basic cadet, received the award of Honor Cadet, while

C/Amn Smith received the award of Honor Staff Member.

After the awards, C/1st

Lt Hoffman, Cadet Commander, and SM Kristy Fliehr thanked everyone for participating andsaid that they all look forward to the next Basic Cadet Training Schools to come.

"For me, BCTS proved to be an indispensable tool for my progress as a cadet, as well as for the preparation forharder tasks yet to be achieved." C/AB Furlong said. "Gaining that, I'd say it was a weekend well spent."


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Minnesota Wing Cadet Receives Mitchell Award

Minnesota Wings Group III Commander Lt. Col. Mike Moen (right) recentlypresented the General Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet David Kendall (left) ofFort Snelling Cadet Squadron, who was also promoted to Cadet 2nd Lt.

Cadet Kendall has been a member since 2005 and is serving as the unitsFlight Commander. Cadet Kendall has also been awarded CAP Solo Wingsand the CAP Model Rocketry Badge.

Photo by Lt Col Tony Tarpy

Minnesota Squadron Holds Successful Leadership School2nd Lt Erik LindquistViking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Minnesota Wings Viking CompositeSquadron hosted a successful SquadronLeadership School (SLS) in May.

Approximately 18 officers from squadronsaround the state attended the two-daytraining sessions. The SLSs primary goal isto prepare officers to contribute at thesquadron level. It is at the squadron levelthat the CAP officer leadership begins.These officers have the important task oftraining, supporting, and inspiring fellowsquadron members. They also hold theresponsibility of being representatives of CAPto the communities that they serve.

Lt Col Tom Kettell, Minnesota Wing Inspector General makes a point duringthe recent Minnesota Wing SLS.

Squadron leadership school helps to build the confidence and provide the training to perform these tasks on a dailybasis. The squadrons are the building blocks that form the strong foundation of the Civil Air Patrol, and it is thissolid foundation that provides the devoted service to the nation.

The senior officers conducting the training had a lot of experience and insight to share with the class of officers.The senior officers provided their own inspirational speeches to the SLS class.

North Central Region Newsis published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol

Col. Steve Kuddes, Region CommanderMaj. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs

Please send submissions by the 10th of each month to: [email protected]

north central region - jun 2008

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