north central region - nov 2008

8/7/2019 North Central Region - Nov 2008

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NCR News November 2008 Page 1

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond

North Central Region News Volume 2008 November

Capt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing

A Minnesota Civil Air Patrol member is being praised by emergency service providers for his quick actionsfollowing a car versus bicycle accident along a busy Twin Cities highway.

Captain Nash Pherson (pictured right) was stopped at a signal lightalong US Highway 169 in Champlin, Minn., on November 6th, whenhe noticed what he thought was debris laying on the other side of theintersection.

A man was moving debris from my lane when he picked up abicycle, Pherson said. I then realized it was a victim lying proneand not moving in the space between the turn lane and the

highway. Pherson called 911 and reported the accident.

While still on the phone, Pherson activated his vehicles hazard lightsand proceeded through a red light and into the busy intersection. Heparked his vehicle as far back from the victim as possible and angledthe car and turned the wheels towards the side of the road in case itwas struck from behind.

Luckily, Pherson had his search and rescue equipment in the carafter working the previous weekend with the Civil Air Patrol in the search for a missing man near Marshall, Minn.

Grabbing his reflective vest and medical kit, he approached the victim. Another motorist and the driver of the carthat struck the bicycle rider were now present.

Pherson asked the victim his name and to lay his head down on his medical bag, hoping to stabilize the boysneck and back.

Pherson explains: The victim was moaning and crying, and it was obviously causing him too much pain to try tolie down. I took hold of his head to try to maintain his c-spine while he was sitting up. I then glanced at the vehicleand saw extensive damage to the glass. I quickly brushed through the victims hair to look for bleeding and didntsee any. I asked the victim where he was hurting. He said his legs hurt and I noticed he was clutching hisabdomen. I looked him over for any serious bleeding, but did not see any.

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Pherson, continued from Page 1

I then asked him how old he was, and he responded 14, then 13, then I dont know. I then began to feel theback of the victims head. It felt soft and misshapen. The victim kept trying to move around, and could not complywith instructions to hold still. I stopped trying to hold his head at this point, as I was worried about doing moredamage than good. I positioned myself alongside the victim so that I could hold his upper torso over my body ifhe started seizing, and I continued to comfort him.

The distraught driver was not injured and stated he had not seen the victim until he actually hit him. The driveralso stated that he wanted to move his car to let traffic through.

Even with the reflective vest on and my car blocking us, I was incredibly scared of a secondary accident. It wasrush hour with high traffic, the roads were very wet, rain was reducing visibility, and it was dark, Pherson said.He told the man not to move his vehicle

In what seemed like an eternity to Pherson, the first police officer arrived at the scene shortly after the accident.Pherson briefed the officer with what he had done to assess the situation and stabilize the victim while otherofficers and an ambulance arrived at the scene.

Champlin Police Officer Nick Englund thanked Pherson for stopping to provide help.

Captain Pherson was very helpful at the scene. He provided first aid until we arrived and then provided helpfulinformation to supplement our report. We appreciated the help. All too often people in need are passed by.Captain Pherson is a great example of the good Samaritans that are our there. Please thank him once again for a

job well done.

Minnesota Group 4 commander, Lt Col John Barsness, has known Pherson since he was a cadet.

Captain Pherson has trained in many Emergency Services capacities and has always demonstrated coolresponse in tense situations, Barsness said. His years of training, both as a cadet and senior member, as aground team member and ground team leader, including first aid training, gave him the tools he needed whenconfronted with a accident situation requiring an immediate response.

Major Jerry Rosendahl, Minnesota Wing Vice Commander, has known Pherson for six years and praised hisefforts.

His quick actions at this emergency scene didn't surprise me at all, Rosendahl said. As CAP members we aretaught many skills that can be used to benefit our families, friends and fellow citizens. We just never know whenwe'll be needed.

Pherson said his CAP lifesaving and ES training helped him immensely during the accident. And he stressed theneed for all CAP members to be proficient in both areas.

In this Issue

Former NCR Commander appointed to CAP Governing Body CAP Members train and serve their communities And MUCH MORE!!!!!


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Anderson Joins Civil Air Patrols Governing Body

Former CAP National Commander, Brig Gen Richard Anderson (picturedleft) was elected to a 4 year term of office as an At-Large member of theCivil Air Patrols Board of Governors (BoG) at the November 2008 meetingof CAPs National Executive Committee.

The At-Large positions account for two of the four board positions occupiedby CAP members, with the other two positions occupied by the nationalcommander and national vice commander. Of the remaining sevenmembers, four are appointed by the secretary of the Air Force and the otherthree are appointed jointly by the secretary of the Air Force and the nationalcommander.

The BoG is the primary governing body of Civil Air Patrol. This new body isvested with complete governing power over the affairs of the CAPCorporation.

Typically, the BoG reserves its decision making role for the strategic issuesconcerning the organization, such as long-term policy, allocation of Air

Force appropriated and CAP funds, amending CAPs Constitution and By-Laws, administer and oversee theInspector General program, and issues of like scope and impact, but can look into any of CAPs activities.

General Anderson ahs served in many capacities in the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet and senior member including atour as the North Central Region Commander. He is currently Senior Advisor for Strategic Missions at CAPNational Headquarters.

Anderson will assume his new duties on February 27th 2009.

Kansas Wing Loses Esteemed Member

Lt Col Edmund Hill passed away in a motor vehicle accident en route to Scanner/Observer training in Emporia,Kansas on Saturday October 25th.

Lt Col Hill was the Kansas Wings Director of Operations.

As a member of CAP, he was an example to all of us with his unselfish contribution of time and wisdom but alsohis impeccable integrity said Col Steve Kuddes, the North Central Region Commander

Col Regena Aye, the Kansas Wing Commander said that despite an active life and devotion to his family, Lt ColHill also found much time to give to the Civil Air Patrol and Kansas Wing in his role as Director of Operations andas a pilot. I know many of you share the grief I am feeling as he touched the lives of most members of the wingwho participated in emergency services or flight activities. He was a man of very high standards, integrity, andseemingly boundless energy. There is no doubt that his passing leaves a void in our hearts and in theorganization.

We grieve his loss but cherish his memory for those of us he touched. Said Col Kuddes.

North Central Region News is published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air PatrolCol. Steve Kuddes, Region Commander Maj. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs

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


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The Wall is a moving experienceCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

A couple of Vietnam vets try to find a friend on The Moving Wall,the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which was

recently at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near CampRipley, Minn. (Photos: Capt Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing)

The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of theVietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,recently made its way to the Minnesota StateVeterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

The Wall travels throughout America for most ofthe year as a way to honor the 58,000 men andwomen who made the ultimate sacrifice during theVietnam War. Not just those who gave their lives,but those who remain missing as well.

I remember reports of those who had died or weremissing as I watched the sights and sounds of thewar on the evening news out of Johnstown,Pennsylvania. One of the missing was a young manfrom nearby Greensburg that I would get to know

later.

I have also had the honor of knowing and servingwith plenty of Vietnam vets. But its those reportedas missing in action (MIA) that I have had adecades long connection to.

In late 1975 I was stationed with the US Army atFort Huachuca, Arizona. Saigon had fallen in Apriland it seemed no one wanted to think about

Vietnam or remember the men and women whoserved there.

Look closely at this picture for the reflection of a vet in a booniecap and the flagpole at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery

near Camp Ripley, Minn.

Landing on my desk one day was a pasteboard boxsimply marked POW/MIA-Vietnam. Inside were theafter action reports (AARs) describing thecircumstances surrounding Arizonans who hadserved in the Army and had been listed as missing

in action (MIA) or held as a prisoner of war (POW)during Vietnam.

There was only one POW that I can recall and abouta dozen MIA, but the AARs on both could have filledseveral .50-caliber machine gun ammo boxes.

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The Wall continued from page 4

I had no direct connection to the POW who receivedan annual physical courtesy the US Army. Thatwould not be the case with those MIA.

The MIA files each contained a buck slip, a sort ofsemi-official routing document that was to be signedand dated annually to ensure they were properlyreviewed, secured and stored. My assignment wasto be the caretaker of these missing men and theirmemory for the next couple of years. Little did Iknow then that I would continue that missiondecades later.

Those already musty smelling and yellowingvolumes contained rattling narratives that explainedthe MIAs last known moments. Hollywood couldntwrite such a script. It wasnt surprising that mostinvolved a helicopter, the symbol of the VietnamWar.

Each AAR told somewhat similar tales of war anduncertain fate: The helicopter was last seen takingheavy fire before crashing and burning. The fate ofthe crew: unknown.

In one instance I recall a hard landing where two ofthe four crewmembers were seen exiting the flamingchopper.

It was initially thought that the pilot, Warrant OfficerJon Reid of Phoenix had been captured, but he was

not among the POWs released in 1973.

In 1999, the remains of Reid and copilot, 1 st Lieutenant David May of Hyattsville, Maryland, wereidentified during excavation of the crash site. Todaythey rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The restingplaces of the other crewmembers, Specialist FiveRandolph Johnson of Milwaukee and Specialist FourRobert Acalotto of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, areknown but to God.

Over the past decades Ive watched with muchinterest as about half of the Army MIA from Arizona

were recovered, but theres still six that remainunaccounted for. The Wall always moves me tothink of Ronald Babcock, Paul Bates, Elliott Crook,Charles Dale, Lowell Powers and ArmandoRamirez.

There were so many questions as I tried to put theselast moments of a mans life puzzle together with thefinal crucial pieces missing.

It seemed that I had been handed Pandoras boxcontaining all the pain and pride of those that hadserved in Vietnam. It all had a profound effect onme, and still does.

Maybe thats why when that simple, yet breathtakingmonument to Vietnam is nearby, I hover around foran hour or so, searching for those names again andhoping some day Ill finally be able to close thatpasteboard box forever.

St. Cloud Squadron honorsveterans

C/CMSgt Ben Leaf of the St. Cloud Squadron hands out a flag toone of the hundreds who braved freezing temperatures during thesecond annual Veterans Days parade at the St. Cloud VAMedical Center. (Photos: Capt Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing,US Air Force Auxiliary)

Handing out Wreaths Across America sponsorshipforms, American flags and smiles, members ofMinnesotas St. Cloud Composite Squadron bravedfreezing temperatures Sunday as they participatedin the second annual Veterans Days parade at theSt. Cloud VA Medical Center.

This event gives our cadets and senior officers achance to say thanks to all veterans, as well aspromote Wreaths Across America locally, saidSecond Lieutenant George Ramler of St. Cloud.Nearly 500 people attended the event.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near LittleFalls, Minn., is located between St. Cloud and CrowWing squadrons. Both have been busy seekingsponsorships from local veterans groups, civilorganizations, area businesses and members of thepublic.

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Honoring Veterans continued from Page 5

Members of the St. Cloud Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol bravedfreezing temperatures to march during the second annual

Veterans Days parade at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near LittleFalls, Minn., is located between St. Cloud and CrowWing squadrons. Both have been busy seekingsponsorships from local veterans groups, civilorganizations, area businesses and members of thepublic.

Last year, only 7 wreaths were place at the LittleFalls Veterans Cemetery compared to hundreds oreven thousands at other veterans cemeterysacross the country. Both squadrons are hoping tosubstantially increase that number this year,Ramler said.

New Law Authorizes Veterans Salutesduring National Anthem

Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform cannow render the military-style hand salute during theplaying of the national anthem, thanks to changes infederal law that took effect this month.

The military salute is a unique gesture of respectthat marks those who have served in our nationsarmed forces, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr.James B. Peake. This provision allows theapplication of that honor in all events involving ournations flag.

The new provision improves upon a little knownchange in federal law last year that authorized

veterans to render the military-style hand saluteduring the raising, lowering or passing of the flag,but it did not address salutes during the nationalanthem. Last years provision also applied tomembers of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nations veteransservice organizations have rendered the hand-saluteduring the national anthem and at events involvingthe national flag while wearing their organizationsofficial head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutesduring the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen.Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It wasincluded in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009,which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes forveterans and out-of-uniform military personnelduring the raising, lowering or passing of the flagwas contained in the National Defense AuthorizationAct of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.


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Training In The Bootheel2d Lt BJ LangeAssistant Public Affairs Officer, Missouri Wing

MALDEN, MISSOURI Training to meet themission is what Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air ForceAuxiliary, is all about and training for ground teamsand aircrews was the order of the day for adult andcadet members from a two-state area who gatheredat the former Malden Air Base for the secondweekend in a row.

Pilots, scanners, and observers along with CAP C-172 and C-182 aircraft from as far away as St. Louisand Kansas City, Missouri and Jonesboro, Arkansascame together to train with teams on foot in varioussearch and rescue scenarios throughout the day.

1st Lt Steve Nesler, a pilot at the Trail of Tears Composite, listensin to the flight management curriculum. Photo by 2Lt. BJ Lange.

Capt. Tommy Shepard, Commander of the BootheelComposite Squadron who hosted the training stated,Camaraderie between multiple regions and wingsof our organization is paramount. Working together

is simply great!

Specifically, multi-wing personnel were involved intraining which covered pilot check-rides, along withground team and incident command training. TheCAP cadets received instruction in aircraft flight linemarshalling. Lt. Col. Randy Fuller, exercise incidentcommander said the purpose of the training was topractice for when the actual event occurs. A veryfitting task for an organization whose motto isSemper Vigilans (Always Vigilant).

Training and preparation is nothing new to CAPvolunteers who often spend dozens of hours a weekaway from home on training and actual missions.The dedication of one such member, Lt. Col. MaryFuller, Missouri Wings Personnel andAdministrative officer, spent her birthday away fromhome working. This is just one of many specialevents shes celebrated while on the road duringher 21-year CAP career.

For the pilots, these final exams reviewed thepilots knowledge of flight operations andprocedures, authorize pilots to fly CAP aircraft and isthe first step in becoming a mission pilot in theorganizations emergency services missions. Thesemay include search and rescue, homeland security,disaster relief and counter-drug flights. Pilots whopass the check ride are, however able to conductcadet orientation flights for both CAP and Air ForceROTC/JROTC.

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Training in the Bootheelcontinued from page 7

Mission staff from Missouri Wing ran scenarios forArkansas Wing pilots including controlling scenariotasking, jointly assigning various training sorties, andworking with other state, local, and federal agencies.The fully operational Incident Command Post(operating under ICS protocol) also demonstratedthe abilities of the organizations large radiocommunications network which was often mannedby Civil Air Patrol cadets.

Sorties flown in the scenarios included an overdueaircraft, a school bus reported off the road, anddamage assessment for downed power lines due toan ice storm. There was also a scenario to locate anaccess route to a local hospital due to a simulatedbridge outage from flooding and earthquakes, a verypossible reality for this portion of the country.

Jim Kaltenbrenner, Emergency ManagementDirector for the City of Malden, was in attendance atthe training today and expressed appreciation forCAP and its missions.

Maj. Eric Jensen of Missouri Wing Headquarters reviewscommunicator procedures with Capt. Brian Thompson, Group 2Operations Officer.

Cadets had their hand in the training too, learningflight line marshalling skills. Directing aircraft on theground is an important task at uncontrolled fieldswhere large numbers of aircraft may congregate atlarge mission bases.

Capt. David Wilkins, commander of the JonesboroComposite Squadron in the Arkansas Wing, was amission pilot in the training and said This has beena good experience for us. Working with dedicatedpeople in Missouri has led to us gaining someexponential knowledge.

Its inevitable that if we have a large scale disaster,our wings will have to work together and the morewe train together the easier it will be to work duringmissions. Everything is going smoothly, and Im veryimpressed, Lt. Col. Robert W. Betzold, USAF (Ret.)the State Director of the Arkansas Wing.

Maj. Carl Cope, Group IV Commander concurred by

noting Were looking forward to getting other wingsinvolved in future trainings this summer.

Overall, 25 adult members and three cadets fromthe Missouri Wing, along with seven members fromthe Arkansas Wing, and two visitors attended thetraining event. A total of 320 man-hours and 25 flighthours were volunteered on 13 sorties in fulfillment ofthis training mission.

Missouri Wing UCC Graduates

Civil Air Patrol Members TakeLeadership to the Next Level viaUnit Commanders Course

FESTUS, MISSOURI The National Guard Armoryin Festus was the home for 19 members from theMissouri Wing of Civil Air Patrol for a UnitCommanders Course this weekend. The two daylong course is a serious step for officers in thevolunteer organization who aim to become, oralready are, squadron commanders.

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Commanders training continued from Page 8

The Unit Commanders Course standardizes thetraining of squadron and group commandersthroughout CAP.

Additionally, the UCC discusses the traits and skillsnew unit commanders will need to develop toeffectively manage their units. Topics includerecruiting and retention, command responsibility andaccountability.

The UCC also went in depth into safety, how to workwith families, management, leadership,communication, and elements of successful unitsand leaders.

Capt. Michael W. Smith Highlights Some of His CommandExperience

The course benefited class participants furtheringthem in their CAP careers. Participation andinstructing in the course are options for seniormembers to use to advance within Civil Air Patrolsprofessional developmentprogram.

Instructors for the Group II & IV sponsored coursewere chosen from CAP senior leadership fromaround the Missouri Wing.

The following CAP members graduated from the 16-hour course:

Lt. Col. Troy Campbell, Lt. Col. Carolyn Rice, Lt.Col. Gene Rugh, Maj. Cindy Campbell, Maj. DavidMiller, Maj. Erica Williams, Capt. Sharon Heck,Capt. Larry Maxfield, Capt. Tommy Shepard, Capt.Michael Smith, Capt. Arthur Sturgeon, Capt. BrianThompson, Capt. Cheryl Wycoff, 1st Lt JimmiePeyton, 1st Lt Lawrence Reyes, 2d Lt Earl Cary, 2dLt Gerald Lange and 2d Lt Sondra Lindsey.

The professional development of our members is ofgreat importance. Working together, trainingtogether, and helping lead our organization to greatheights together, said Maj. Carl Cope, UCC coursedirector and Group IV commander. Throughcourses like a unit commanders course, ourmembers gain the opportunity to polish the skillsthey need to be great leaders in CAP and in their

community, echoed Lt. Col Troy Campbell, MissouriWing Vice Commander.

The course was instructed by Missouri Wingleadership staff including:

Lt. Col. Troy Campbell Vice Commander, MissouriWingLt. Col. Carolyn Rice Group IV EmergencyServices OfficerMaj. Carl Cope Group IV CommanderMaj. David Miller Group II CommanderMaj. Eric Jensen Group V Commander

1st

Lt. Roy Lindsey Mineral Area CompositeSquadron Commander1st Lt. James Klocke East Central CompositeSquadron Commander


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Hunter's body found in dense forestBy Mary Garrigan, Journal staff Sunday, October 26, 2008

The body of an elk hunter from Onida was found by searchers at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in a heavily forested areaabout 10 miles southwest of Hill City.

Brad McGee, 35, had been missing since Wednesday. His pickup was located late Friday afternoon with the helpof Civil Air Patrol planes. A ground search by a Pennington County Search and Rescue team located his bodyabout 150 yards from the vehicle shortly after the search resumed Saturday morning. The cause of death wasunknown pending results of an autopsy, according to Sgt. Greg Foster of the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.

McGee was recently diagnosed with diabetes, which was controlledwith diet and exercise. His body was found in Long Draw off RenoGulch Road outside Hill City. The body was taken to Rapid CityRegional Hospital for anautopsy.

Search efforts began through Custer County at about 9:30 p.m. onThursday, after authorities were alerted by friends with whom McGeehad tentative plans to meet Wednesday evening when they could notreach him by cell phone on Thursday.

McGee was hunting in Elk Unit 2, a 2,000-square-mile state-designated hunting area that made narrowing the initial searchdifficult, according to John Culberson, incident commander for CusterCounty. The unit stretchesnorth of U.S. Highway 16 near Custer to near Deadwood and west tothe Wyoming border and measures about 30 miles wide and about 60

miles long. Temperatures dipped to 23 degrees during the time McGee was missing.

"Civil Air Patrol did a phenomenal job," Culberson said, noting that finding the right white pickup in that large of anarea from the air was like finding a needle in a haystack.

After McGee's 1999 Dodge pickup was located, the search was turned over to Pennington County authorities.Another hunter reported seeing McGee on Wednesday morning in the area where his body was found onSaturday, Culberson said.

Tracking dogs, planes and more than 50 people, including some of McGee's friends and family from Onida, joined the search.

McGee is survived by his wife and two young children.

The NCR Chaplains Corner Newsletter is available

for download at the North Central Region website

www.ncr.cap.gov

Click on the Chaplain link for the latest issue!


11/15


Minnesota cadet receives AirForce Academy Appointment 2d Lt George SupanPublic Affairs Officer, Anoka County CompositeSquadron, Minnesota Wing

C/Capt. KeyonaSanchez, CadetCommander ofthe AnokaCountyCompositeSquadron, andsenior atMounds ViewHigh Schoolreceived anappointmentletter to attendthe U. S. AirForce Academy.

Capt. Andy Bosshart, Squadron Commander readthe letter to the Squadron members and guests at

their meeting on October 28, 2008. There was a biground of applause and many congratulations afterthe meeting.

This is a dream come true, said C/Capt. Sanchez.I have been working hard and am honored toreceive the appointment.

There were 9,200 applications for 1,500 openingsand Keyona received one of 100 PresidentialAppointments, said Lorlee, her mother.

The letter was received while her father,

Commander Adrian Sanchez, in the Navy reserve,now serving in Afghanistan, is home on leave. Imsure both Lorlee and Commander Sanchez are veryproud of their daughter.

C/Capt. Sanchez has earned the Amelia Earhartand the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell awards. They arethe third and fourth highest Cadet awards in CAP.She is a leader at the Squadron, has attended andhelped staff many of the CAP, Minn. Wing,

Leadership Academy programs. She is also a leaderon her lacrosse team at Mounds View High School.

C/Capt. Sanchez will be entering the Academy inJune of 2009.

Minnesota Wing conducts annualleadership schoolsCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Taking good notes and applying what youvelearned can mean the difference between academicor professional success and failure. That can alsomean the difference between succeeding or failingas a leader in the Civil Air Patrol.

With this in mind, nearly 100 cadets and seniorofficers of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrolconverged on Camp Ripley recently for the annualMinnesota Leadership Academy (MLA).

Cadets attending the Basic Commissioned Officer Course of theMinnesota Leadership Academy break into seminar sessions todiscuss an issue. (Photos Capt. Richard Sprouse, MLA SeminarInstructor and PAO, Minnesota Wing)

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MLA continued from page 11

Major Mari Lucas, 2008 Minnesota LeadershipAcademy commander, said it was an excellentopportunity for both cadets and cadet staff to learnand hone key skills in team building as well aspractical applications of leadership.

During graduation activities, Lucas praised thecadets for their dedication while their peers hadsome time off from their studies during EducationMinnesota, formerly Minnesota EducationAssociation weekend.

By attending MLA you have shown cadetsthroughout the Minnesota Wing that you are willingto put in the time and effort to enhance your skills soyou can give them a good, solid leadershipexperience, Major Lucas said.

Lucas also noted the event was an excellentleadership development opportunity for senior officerstaff.

I would like to thank the cadets for the chance forMLA senior officer staff to enhance our leadershipskills as well, Lucas said. It allowed us to affirmexisting skills, as well as learn and apply new ones.

The MLA is part of the Minnesota Wings IntegratedLeadership Program, which Lucas said providescadets continuous training and development fromcadet basic to cadet colonel.

The MLA contains two core leadership components:the Basic Commissioned Officer Course (BCOC)and the Noncommissioned Officer School (NCOS).

C/1 st Lt Caleb Norman prepares to inspect cadets attending theNoncommissioned Officer School at the Minnesota LeadershipAcademy.

Drill and ceremony, human behavior modification,verbal and written communication, and conflict

resolution are major components of NCOS. TheBCOC addresses elements such as characterdevelopment, project management, ethics, andleading by example.

Air Force Reserve Major Paul Shadle provides a class on ethicsto cadets attending the Basic Commissioned Officer Course of

the Minnesota Leadership Academy.

The topics are designed to provide the cadet withaffirmation of the skills they already have, as well asprovide them ready resources that will help themdeal with the challenges confronted by most youngleaders.

Armed with notes, pamphlets, and handouts,combined with a healthy dose of practical exercises,the 21 BCOC cadets and nearly 40 NCOS cadetsare ready to lead.

I know youre not going to leave the notes you tookduring MLA in a pile collecting dust, Lucas said.Youre going to take those notes out often anddecide how youre going to apply the lessons youvelearned at your squadron and when teachingothers.

C/CMSgt Peter Mayhew, BCOC Honor Cadet fromAnoka Composite Squadron agreed. I have somuch information and so many ideas to take back tomy squadron. MLA, and BCOC in particular, weregreat.

C/SMSgt Benjamin Leaf of St. Cloud CompositeSquadron, NCOS Honor Graduate had this to say:It was an awesome experience that taught me a lot.If you havent attended MLA youre missing out onsomething great.

Maybe Colonel Tom Theis, Minnesota WingCommander, said it best. My challenge to eachcadet is to put what youve learned during MLA intopractice every chance you get and you will be asuccess.


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Minnesota Wing called to search for missing womanCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

A Civil Air Patrol aerial search yesterday for the vehicle of a missing Minnesotawoman turned up nothing new in the disappearance of 32-year-old Gina LinAnderson (pictured), who went missing Oct. 23.

Major Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wing Emergency Services Officer, says a flyover wasconducted Wednesday in southwest Marshall County and all of Pennington County.He said a flyover of Red Lake County is planned when the weather clears.

Meanwhile, a $5,000 reward has been established by Andersons family forinformation about her disappearance.

Police say Anderson was last seen leaving her home in her yellow 2002 PontiacSunfire.

Authorities say there's no indication of foul play, and no information about her whereabouts.

Anderson left behind her purse, identification and credit cards. She also left the anti-seizure medication she

needs daily.

St. Paul Squadron assists with missing person search1st Lt Jeff LeifDeputy Commander, St. Paul Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

We received a call to support a missing person search on November 8th. We assembled a St. Paul Squadrongroup that departed before first light the next morning that consisted of four seniors members and five cadetsprepared for a cold day in the woods.

We were greeted by the local firefighters, mounted posse, sheriff and dozens of other CAP members. Themission included a systematic ground, air and water search. The Salvation Army provided welcomed hot foodthroughout the day.

Our group completed an initial ground search of a lightly woodedarea before being sent to search along the river. The cadets wereoutfitted with life jackets and ropes as they traversed the slick sideof the Minnesota River. The difficult terrain limited the areasearched but did not diminish the desire of the cadets to forge ahead.

We completed our day along side fifteen mounted members of theSheriff's posse. CAP cadet members found the missing person bymid-afternoon Sunday. Their experience and training resulted in avery successful mission.

I want to recognize the dedication of our members in thisimportant search. Cadets Prestegaard, J. Schmidt, Lewis, C. Schmidt, and C. Tunell gave up ten hours of theirSunday to search for a complete stranger. Senior members Pieper, Markegard and Terry also took part in thismission.

I witnessed 100 uniformed and civilian people working together to find a person that had been missing for a veryshort time. I continue to be in awe of the dedication and professionalism of this group of volunteers.


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Cadets get the fundamentals at Minnesota Basic Cadet Training SchoolC/A1C Brent Maki130 th Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

After months of preparation, cadet staff from 130 th, Valley and Mankato squadrons of the Minnesota Wing of theCivil Air Patrol stood ready at their assigned stations while cadets arrived at Airlake Airport in Lakeville, Minn., forthe 2008 Basic Cadet Training School (BCTS). BCTS is an intense training weekend that was begun with just 4students and 4 staff in early 2007. A year later, the program has grown to over 40 cadet students and staff.

Cadets were instructed by the Cadet Staff in all programs the CAPhas to offer, said C/Capt Billy Hoffman, BCTS cadet commander.The weekend provided all the building blocks for those new to CAP tosucceed as cadets and at encampment.

Hoffman noted the weekend was mentally and physically intense, butwith the teamwork of their peers, the cadets were able to conquer thechallenge.

Cadets pulled into the main gate of airport with their equipment inhand, and were quickly loaded into a CAP van and driven to thehangar where they were met by the waiting Cadet Staff. Cadets werein-processed, assigned into one of three flights, and sent right into theweekend with drill instruction.

Throughout the weekend, cadets learned how to prepare a uniform,how to be inspected, customs and courtesies, how to be reviewed in areview board, and how to write a resume. They also learned how topromote, how to maintain a file, how to stay physically fit, how toparticipate in physical training, and the history of Civil Air Patrol. Thevigorous weekend also contained instruction on public speaking, howto be a guidon bearer, time management, basics of Emergency

Services search and rescue, and followership and leadership. All of the skills are a prelude to the MinnesotaWings annual summer encampment at Camp Ripley.

It was a cold weekend, but very successful, said the Cadet First Sergeant Matt Eicshens. The cadets pushedthrough the challenges and really came out on top. In the short time that the cadets were here, they made quitethe transformation.

C/CMSgt Mark Pohl, the Cadet Deputy Commander said, The introduction of encampment basics waschallenging to the cadets. But they figured it out fast and really made the weekend worth it for not onlythemselves, but the staff too.

Cadet Brendon Forte, the Cadet Charlie Flight Sergeant said, I know the cadets learned a lot, but I think Ilearned more. What I learned from this weekend has really made me more confident in myself to attend the StaffSelection Exercise for encampment this winter.

All cadets graduated from the course, with some promoted to Cadet Airman. Others received individualrecognition. They included:

C/Amn Kevin Golla, Alpha Distinguished Graduate C/Amn Daniel May, Bravo Flight Distinguished GraduateC/Amn Brandon Dion, Charlie Flight Distinguished Graduate C/Amn Matt Klugherz, 2008 BCTS Honor Cadet

C/SrAmn Brandon Forte, Command Staff Honor Member C/A1C Ben Duclos, Support Staff Honor CadetC/CMSgt Mark Pohl, 2008 BCTS Honor Staff Member

C/Capt Billy Hoffman closed with, "I would like to thank everyone who participated and made this BCTS asuccess! Everyone has done a great job and I look forward to the next BCTS!"

The 130th Squadron in Lakeville hosted the event.

C/CMSgt Josh Jenson and C/SrA Annie Smith(inspection team) inspecting a BCTS cadet.


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Viking Squadron Celebrates Mitchell Awards2d Lt Erik LindquistPublic Affairs Officer, Viking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On October 21 st the Minnesota Wing Commander Colonel Thomas Theis, and Minnesota Wing Group IIICommander, Lt. Col Mike Moen, presented the General Billy Mitchell Awards to C/CMSgt Stefan J. Hall andC/CMSgt Corey A. Lundy. C/CMSgt Hall and C/CMSgt Lundy were both promoted to Cadet 2nd Lieutenant.They have been active Viking Squadron members since 2004.

The cadets outstanding professional skill, knowledge, andleadership have aided immeasurably to the improvementof Viking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing, and CivilAir Patrol. Their command presence and in depthknowledge of complex leadership skills have had a directeffect on the future cadet leaders of Viking Squadron, andMinnesota Wing.

They have led the way in Wing level activities, and haveinfluenced cadets of the entire Minnesota Wing. C/2d LtHall and C/2d Lt Lundy have been active in SAREXs andencampments.

As recently as this past summer have been members ofthe Cadet Command Staff at the 10th Cadet TrainingGroup Encampment at Camp Ripley, Minnesota.C/CMSgt Hall served on the CTG Staff as the 10th CTG

Command Chief. C/2d Lt Lundy served on the Cadet Command Staff as the 19th CTS Bravo Flight Commander.

Their consistent efforts in support of their assigned duties, and the Civil Air Patrol mission, are far above andbeyond what is required of any Cadet NCO and have resulted in numerous accolades and praise.

Fort Snelling chaplain promotedLt Col Tony TarpyPublic Affairs Officer, Fort Snelling Cadet Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On November 3 rd Minnesota Wings Group III CommanderLt Col Mike Moen promoted Fort Snelling SquadronChaplain (Major) Donel Swanson to the rank of major.

Chaplain Swanson has been a member of the squadronfor five years. He is a veteran of the Korean War andserved in the 1st Cavalry Division, with duty at Wonsanand the Battle of Old Baldy, Hill 266 in west centralKorea. (A nearby hill of the same battle, Hill 255, is

perhaps more famously known, Pork Chop Hill.)

Captain Elizabeth Huie, Chaplain Swansons daughter,assists with the change of rank. She has been a memberof St. Paul Squadron for 17 years.

(L-R) Newly promoted C/2LT Corey A Lundy and C/2LT StefanJ. Hall stand with Minnesota Wing Commander Colonel Tom

Theis.

north central region - nov 2008

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