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WingTips April-May 2009

The Newsletter of Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol April-May 2009


Minnesota Wing Responds to Major Flooding

The I-94 bridge connecting Fargo and Moorhead.

Courtesy North Dakota Wing. Floods are an annual occurrence in the Northern Plains. When the spring thaw arrives so do floods. The Red River flood brought record flood levels to the Fargo-Moorhead area resulting in super saturated grounds and the Red River cresting at a record height. Originally predicted to reach a level of near 43 feet at Fargo by March 29, the river crested at 40.82 feet at 12:15 a.m. March 28th and started a slow decline. Members of Minnesota Wing responded to a call from North Dakota Wing to help with Sandbagging operations in the Fargo-Moorhead Area. They hit the ground on Monday March 23rd and literally minutes after checking in they were off sandbagging. A big highlight of the first few days was the effort to save a local radio station.

4 Disaster Relief teams were working with members of the community to protect radio station KFGO Radio in Fargo and its transmitting antenna/equipment. The

station is a major source of information during emergencies for the residents of the Fargo-Moorhead area. “If this building goes under, the city and local communities lose vital radio communications. People call into the station and tell them status of their situations and vital communication of emergency messages are sent via this medium.” said Lt Col Troy Krabbenhoft, the North Dakota Wing Public Affairs Officer. Their efforts enabled the station to remain on the air and serving the community.

One of the areas in which our squadrons were assigned was the Copperfield Court Cul-de-Sac. We were present over three consecutive days. The first was an almost summer-like day with the base being put down for the sandbag barrier to the river extending from an overpass to the south into the neighborhood. The river was about 30 yards from the barrier down a gentle slope, and by days end a base of about four feet and height of 41 feet above normal river level was well-underway. The CAP presence lasted about 6 hours that day. The following day was a near blizzard condition, about 30 degrees colder with a driving wind. The river was two-thirds closer to the barrier. Our cadets and seniors worked well and seemed not to be very concerned with the cold. I am sure that the physical exertion kept us warm. The many neighbors were always about asking if we needed anything. Their garages were open with coffee and hot chocolate and many snacks available all the day long. The sandbag barrier was completed that afternoon. Continued on Page 3


The third day, we returned to touch up and increase the height of the barrier to 42 feet. The river was at the base of our barrier at the 38 foot level above normal river height. A final plastic cover was placed over the barrier. It remained cold and wet that day with light snow.

Throughout these three days, many neighbors commented on the organization of our members and the helpful attitude displayed. They were grateful, so grateful for everyone who helped protect their homes.

The road to Crookston, MN Photo by Capt Richard Sprouse

Meanwhile the Fargo-Moorhead area effectively became an island with most of the roads going in and out of the area being nearly impassable. On Wednesday March 25th operations continued with many members filling sandbags at the Fargo Dome stadium and other sites in the Fargo area. “It is inspiring to see the volunteer spirit and sense of mission in the midst of this emergency,” said Col Karl Altenburg, commander of the North Dakota Wing. “All personnel, especially the cadets, continue to impress the community with their willingness and ability to serve.”

“Give them some direction and they hop to it.” That’s what Fargo, N.D., resident Kent Wanner had to say about members of the Minnesota and North Dakota wing’s of the Civil Air Patrol responding the record flooding along the Red River separating Fargo and Moorhead, MN.

Since early Monday, Wanner and his neighbors of the Riverwood Housing Development have been battling the rising river with sandbags almost round the clock. “This is a disaster that’s affecting all of us and the assistance of Civil Air Patrol is much appreciated. I can tell you we’re all a little tired and nervous, but your assistance is much appreciated and has lifted our spirits.” Phil McShane, who also lives in the development, had plenty of praise for CAP as well.

“Who are those marvelous young people? They’re polite, hardworking and their sense of community is amazing, what an example and inspiration to all of us.” McShane said. Continued on Page 4


2009 Floods Continued from Page 3 The scope of this year’s event and the reaction of the people is something that C/SMSgt Hanna Olson of Anoka Squadron will always remember. “It’s unbelievable how high the water is,” Olson said, “its also unbelievable how everyone is pulling together.”

Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of North Hennepin Squadron said that despite the circumstances there’s lots of positive interaction between CAP members. “It’s been great socializing with members of both the Minnesota and North Dakota wing,” Trombley said. There was even an extra benefit for Trombley.

“There’s a cadet in our squadron that I didn’t know very well, but after living in the same area for a few days we got to know each other pretty well. Interesting how a common cause like this brings strangers together.” Col Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing commander said this is a situation where an area needs and appreciates CAP’s assistance. “We will continue to support our citizens in their time of need,” Altenburg said. “Our members will work tirelessly to support our local responders and communities in the Red River Valley.” The weather did not cooperate as it was snowing during much of the day by members just took it in stride. Late on Thursday March 26th Col Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing Commander made the decision to move the Fargo Mission Command post to Casselton, ND as City Officials in Fargo, ND issued a statement that all major roads would be closed around the city. Minnesota Wing’s ground teams were moved to Minnesota State University at Moorhead to rally their members. Once accounted for, they departed for home station. All ground operations were suspended until further notice. This decision was made to allow cadets to remain with their families so they continue to help at home. "I am very proud of the members of Civil Air Patrol who came from all parts of the state to help in this time of need,” said Minnesota Wing Commander Col. Thomas Theis. The region is maintaining a website chronicling the CAP efforts in the 2009 Floods. It has updates, images, releases as well as first person accounts of the flood operations. Minnesota Wing also has an album of flood images. They can be accessed at: http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2009_floods/index.htm and http://www.mncap.org/pictures/2009/floods.cfm Thanks to Major Don Dalton, Capt Richard Sprouse and Capt Richard Geis for their contributions to this story.


Lt Col Mike Moen with NHS members C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht.

Color Guard Teams Battle It Out For Title of Wing Champions SM Suzanne Albrecht Public Affairs Officer, North Hennepin Squadron After countless practices folding the American flag, innumerable hours spent memorizing aerospace modules, running laps and drilling until they could march in their sleep, the Minnesota Wing Color Guard teams from Viking, 130th, Owatonna and North Hennepin Squadrons gathered at Fourth Baptist School in Plymouth to test their mettle. The annual competition consisted of 7 events: One-Mile Run, Written Test, Quiz Bowl, Uniform Inspections, Standard Drill, Indoor Practical Drill, and Outdoor Practical Drill. C/A1C Tyler Crabtree, Owatonna Squadron, cut through the crisp spring air completing the mile run in a dizzying 5 minutes 31 seconds guaranteeing him the Male Fleet Foot trophy. C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht, N. Hennepin Squadron, wasn’t far behind scooping up the Female Fleet Foot trophy in 6 minutes 41 seconds. However, there were more trophies and honors to be won and many eager, well-prepared cadets. C/MSgt Reuben Miller was recognized for attaining the highest individual Written Test score. Those who know him weren’t surprised.

C/SMSgt Elias Wiff, Viking Squadron, accepted First Place trophies for Indoor Practical Drill, Written Test and the Mile Run on behalf of his teammates C/A1C Zach Diets, C/SRA Richard Shmel, C/A1C Gideon Wiff, and C/A1C Andrew Prigge. Minnesota Wing Vice Commander Lt Col Mike Moen presided over the awards ceremony and congratulated C/AMN Sterling Braithwaite, North Hennepin Squadron Team 2, and his teammates C/AMN Caleb Miller, C/AMN Jasmine Sands and C/A1C Jon Sands on securing Third Place. Many hours of practice paid off for Viking Squadron who secured Second Place. North Hennepin Squadron Team 1, consisting of Commander C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht and C/MSgt Reuben Miller, the new 2009 Wing Color Guard Champions, were honored to accept First Place trophies for Outdoor Practical Drill, Inspection, Standard Drill and the Quiz Bowl. Special thanks goes out to Maj Marcel Derosier, 1st Lt Norine Olson, Lt Col Don Mikitta, Mrs. Melody Bruffey of Fourth Baptist School, Capt Susan Blessman and the many cadet officers and volunteers who made this event possible.


Wing Members recognized at annual conference Minnesota Wing held it’s annual conference on May 1st and 2nd at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN.

Members came together for a weekend of training, fellowship and recognition. An old friend of Minnesota Wing, Mr. Gerry Rozenswieg of CAP National Headquarters represented headquarters and North Central Region Vice Commander (and Minnesota Resident) Col Tom Weston represented the region. During the conference several awards were presented:

Major Rolf Carlson receiving his Longevity Award from Col Theis. LONGEVITY AWARDS – 20 Years CAPT. STEVEN L. ANDERSON LT COL. TIMOTHY GOODNER MAJ. CHARLES P. SCHUMACHER CAPT. MARK W. SHORTER MAJ. ANDREW BROWNING CAPT. DOUGLAS MCGRAW CAPT. EDWARD KLIMA MAJ. ANTONIO ROSSINI CAPT. PAULW. BARTZ LONGEVITY AWARDS – 30 Years LT COL. CHRIS A. GERLACH MAJ. ROLF S. CARLSON Wing Conference Continued on Page 7


2009 Wing Conference continued from Page 6 LONGEVITY AWARDS – 40 Years LT COL. JOHN R. QUILLING CAPT. MICHAELW. HUTTNER CAPT. KEVIN E. SWANSON

Major Alan Matson presented the Federal Aviation

Administration’s Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award to Capt William Menkevich.

1st Lt Robby Sandberg receiving the 2009 Emergency Services

Specialist of the Year Award from Col Theis. Specialist of the Year Awards The Awardees received an Achievement Award Administration - SM Patricia Schrader Aerospace Education - Capt David Coates Cadet Programs - 1st Lt Norine Olson Chaplain - Maj Robert McLawhorn Character Development Instruction Officer - 1st Lt Jonathan Johnson

Communications - Capt Dutch Van Vranken Emergency Services - 1st Lt Robby Sandberg Finance - 1st Lt Janelle Vance Logistics - 1st Lt Tommy Heibert Operations - Capt David Carlstrom Professional Development - 1st Lt Donald Helgager Public Affairs - 1st Lt George Supan Safety - 1st Lt Karen Barrie

Capt Richard Sprouse receives a Commander’s Commendation

from Col Theis for his outstanding work in Public Affairs. Commander’s Commendation Awards - Lt Col David Odette, Lt Col Michael Moen, Lt Col Dennis Yeager, Major Ryan Brovold, Capt Richard Sprouse, Capt Richard Yeager and 1st Lt Nanette Berg

C/SSgt Eric Heinonen receives the Certificate of Recognition for

Lifesaving from Col Theis. Lifesaving Awards - Maj Gerald Kleene, 2d Lt Karen Kleene, SM Raymond Majkrzak, 1st Lt Janelle Vance and C/SSgt Eric Heinonen Continued on Page 8


2009 Wing Conference continued from Page 7

The Olsons – 2009 Family of the Year

Wing Awards: Coffin Memorial Award - Lt Col Paul Adams Dunbar Award - 1st Lt Dutch Van Vranken Sindelar Award - Capt James Miller Family of the Year - The Olson Family, Russ, Norine, Veronica and Kaelyn Cadet NCO of the Year - C/2d Lt Peter Mayhew Cadet Commander - C/2d Lt Ethan K Helgager Wing Staff member of the Year - Lt Col Paul Adams Cadet of the Year - C/Maj Billy Hoffman CAP-USAF Torch Award - 1st Lt Karen Anderson Senior Member of the Year - Lt Col James Rutten Commander of the Year - Lt Col Brent Halweg Squadron of Merit - St Croix Squadron Squadron of the Year - Viking Squadron

C/Major Billy Hoffman receives the Cadet of the Year award from

Col Theis.

Col Theis presents Lt Col Bill Rutten with the

Minnesota Wing Senior Member of the Year Award. Senior Member of the Year – Lt Col Bill Rutten Lt. Col. Rutten has been and continues to be a valuable resource for the members of St. Croix Composite Squadron (STX) and the Minnesota Wing. He has shown himself to be a thoroughly dedicated member of the Civil Air Patrol, committed to its missions. In no case has he failed to step up and do the job at hand to the best of his ability. He has been steadfast whether the mission at had has been an ELT search, missing airplane, flood relief, or just an exercise, he has always been there doing his part. We all have personally learned a great deal from him and his experience. Lt. Col. Rutten has been a CAP member since 1990. He served as St. Croix Squadron unit commander from 2004-2008, serving an extra year beyond the standard 3-year term. During this time he constantly led and pushed members to excel in order to make St. Croix a Squadron of Distinction. Lt. Col. Rutten currently serves as the St. Croix Squadron Admin Officer and Advisor to the Commander. He also serves as an assistant for Logistics, Communications, Testing, Professional Development, and Personnel Officer and provides valuable experience and guidance to other members learning these positions. He is always willing to help and mentor other senior members in a variety of jobs. Lt. Col. Rutten is a MN Wing Incident Commander and teaches the Incident Command System to squadron members and others beyond our unit. He leads by example. For instance, he has already completed all the ICS courses necessary to continue as an Incident Commander.


He also serves as the chairman of the MN Wing 108 Task Force, serves on the St. Croix unit Finance Committee, and is a Flight Release Officer. Lt, Col. Rutten has been an organizer for our Squadron and has been instrumental in our Squadron's participation in the 2008 Shrine Circus with the St. Paul Shiners (traffic management as a fund-raiser). He is also responsible for and led the project to install a new VHF radio antenna on our hangar building and functions as the liaison between the squadron and our landlord.

Col Thomas Theis and Capt David Yost celebrate St Croix

Squadron’s achieving the Squadron of Merit Award for 2009

Squadron of Merit- St Croix Squadron The Squadron of Merit Award is an annual award established to recognize the top cadet or Composite Squadron’s in each Wing. The same criterion used to select the Squadron of Distinction, which was awarded to the Viking Composite Squadron, was used to determine Squadron of Merit Award. At the Conference banquet our Squadron Commander, Capt. David Yost accepted the Squadron of Merit Award on behalf of the entire unit. Capt. Yost had commented, “Congratulations are in order to all of the members of the St. Croix Composite Squadron for their hard work and dedications that has earned our Squadron this prestigious award.” The St. Croix Composite Squadron received a distinctive certificate and a streamer to be attached to our Squadron Flag as a symbol of our achievement.

Squadron of the Year – Viking Squadron Viking Composite Squadron was recognized with the Minnesota Wing Squadron of the Year Award. The Squadron of Distinction Award recognizes the top composite squadrons in each Civil Air Patrol wing for their excellence in supporting CAP and its missions. Viking squadron is very honored with this recognition. The members of Viking squadron continue to strive for excellence through their hard work and dedication, and it is this team effort that has earned our squadron this prestigious award.

Commander of the Year – Lt Col Brent Halweg Lt. Colonel Brent E. Halweg, Viking squadron Commander, was recognized with the Squadron Commander of the Year Award. Colonel Halweg is an inspirational leader who

leads by example. Viking squadron is very proud of their commander for this very deserving recognition. Col. Halweg is a retired Air Force officer pilot who served in the active and reserve Air Force for twenty years. He was an Air Force CAPRAP officer for Viking squadron for two years. He joined the Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003. He served as Viking squadron Aerospace Education officer from 2003 until he was appointed as the squadron’s commander in December 2007. As squadron commander, he continues to promote excellence within the squadron. Lt. Colonel Halweg has been employed by Northwest Airlines from 1989 to present. He served as a DC 9 Captain/Instructor Pilot from 1989 – 2008. In June 2008 he became an Airbus Captain.


Hoffman promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Captain Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2

Ruth Hoffman, commander of the Wesota Squadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, recently was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during a brief ceremony at the Willmar Municipal Airport where the squadron holds its weekly meetings. Lt Col Hoffman, who resides in Kandiyohi, Minn., has been a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) member and pilot since 1993. She has been commander of the squadron for over four years. “It's a great thrill to have accomplished this with everyone’s help. I could not have done it alone,” Hoffman said. Hoffman has earned CAP's master rating in Finance and the technician rating in Personnel. Her other qualifications include Disaster Assessment Relief/Disaster Relief Mission Pilot, Mission Observer, Mission Scanner, Ground Team Leader and Member, Mission Radio Operator, SET (Skills Evaluator), and Urban Direction Finding Team Leader and Member.

“Lt Col Hoffman has been a dedicated, committed CAP member worthy of this promotion,” said Major Ryan Brovold, Group II commander of the Minnesota Wing of CAP. Group II includes Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, and Wesota squadrons. Chaplains Complete Service Staff College Ch, Lt Col Don Mikitta Wing Chaplain

Pictured from left to right, Ch Burt Benson- ND Wing, Ch Don Mikitta – MN Wing, CDIO Jonathan Johnson – Red Wing, Ch David Myers – Northland, CDIO Anna Marie Bistodeau – MN

Wing, CDIO David May – St Paul

We had great representation from Minnesota Wing. Chaplain David Myers of Northland Squadron, and Character Development Instruction Officers (CDIO’s) Anna Marie Bistodeau of Wing Headquarters, Jonathan Johnson of Red Wing training in Emergency Services, and David May of St. Paul attended the three day event. Over the three days, we trained in Emergency Services, Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education, upgrading ministry skills and learned what is new in the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corp from the Chief of Chaplain, Region Chaplain and Region Emergency Services Director proved beneficial for the 30 attendees. Next year’s event is scheduled for 19-22 Apr 2010 at Bellevue NE.

(L-R) Maj Ryan Brovold, Group 2 Commander, Lt Col Ruth Hoffman, and

Brenda Wall (Hoffman’s daughter) promote Ruth Hoffman to Lt Col. Photo courtesy of Maj. Gerald Kleene, Wesota Composite Squadron


St. Croix Squadron Presents the Colors for Degree of Honors Salute to Youth Program 2d Lt Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On April 21st, the St. Croix Composite Squadron Color Guard presented the Colors at the opening ceremonies for the Degree of Honor’s - Salute to Youth banquet. This Honors banquet is held annually to recognize youth from around the regional area for their high school academic and volunteerism achievements.

The Degree of Honor Society is an Organization that recognizes the achievements of high school seniors who lead a balanced life and participate in their communities through various means. All 39 of the honorees display a broad array of achievements in areas including volunteerism, academia, sports and spiritual development.

Salute to Youth Program was the brainchild of the former Inter-Club Council and has been held for over fifty years. The Degree of Honor, a St. Paul fraternal insurance society, was asked to host the Salute to Youth Program in 1999 after the closing of the council. The Degree of Honor Society has a 123-year-old history of individual and community support.

The Degree of Honor Society is based on the premise of ‘We help each other, and we all follow the Golden Rule.” The Salute to Youth Program gives all of us an opportunity to stand amid those who represent the best in all of us.

The National President & CEO of the Degree of Honor, Ms. Jackie Felling said that, “It is a privilege to host this event that recognizes our very special young people to whom in a very short time we will hand over the leadership of our communities.”

This is the St. Croix Squadron’s second year of presenting the Colors at this prestigious event.

SStt.. CCrrooiixx SSqquuaaddrroonn AAiiddss iinn SSeeaarrcchh ffoorr EELLTT On April 26, 2009, four members of the St. Croix Composite Squadron answered the call to go search for an Emergency Locator Transponder (ELT) alert issued by Minnesota Wing.

Local aircraft coming into the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport reported picking up an ELT signal from the northern and northeastern areas of the Twin Cities. Squadrons from the area were activated to search and to silence this signal.

Thunderstorms, low ceilings and moderate rain throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area precluded any Air Operations for this search. Instead, ground based search teams from the participating squadrons were dispatched to do a methodical search of local airports to locate the source of the signal.

St. Croix Squadron fielded a ground search team that was lead by Lt Col Bill Rutten. Team members consisted of Maj Michael Bordonaro, Capt David Yost and 2d Lt Scott Richardson.

The St. Croix Team departed Lake Elmo Airport at approximately 6:35 p.m. local time and was tasked with searching four airports in response to directions from Maj Paul Pieper, Incident Commander at the mission base. The search plan took the team from Lake Elmo to New Richmond, WI to Amery, WI to Osceola, WI and back to Lake Elmo

The team searched for approximately 4 hours total and covered over 100 miles. The team swept all of the airports for a signal but did not pick up a signal. The other ground teams from other squadrons were performing the same tasks at their assigned search areas.

The Emergency Locator Transponder’s beacon was located and silenced by members of the St. Paul Composite Squadron at roughly 7:40 p.m. The ELT signal was tracked to Wentworth Aviation in South Minneapolis. Wentworth Aviation is a recycler of aviation parts and supplies.

The St. Croix Squadron members who participated in this event were (L-R) 2d Lt Charles Jents, C/TSgt Noah Hite, C/SSgt Alex Swanson, C/SSgt Zachary Langer, C/AMN Kati Jents, and 2d Lt

Scott Richardson.


Fire Department invites Civil Air Patrol members to conduct training 1st Lt George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron Snow, cold, rain and wind did not prevent the fire department members from participating in a line search training conducted by the Anoka County Composite Squadron team lead by Commander, Capt Andy Bosshart. The search and rescue training held at the Blaine-Spring Lake Park Fire Department on March 9th and 10th, 2009 was both classroom and field training conducted in two sessions to include the firefighters from the night and day shifts. “Knowing about the persons condition, age and responsiveness makes a difference of how you search”, said 1st Lt Jay Spreitzer, Emergency Services Training Officer. “The location and direction the person traveled could impact the type of air search pattern that would be conducted with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft,” stated 1st Lt Shelly Supan, Deputy Commander and pilot. ”Having an article of clothing of the person would aid the search dog to find a sent,” said 2d Lt's Monika and David Oldenburg, search dog handlers. Capt Bosshart conducted line search training as the rain turned to snow and the cold north wind bit at our ears. The fire department’s handheld lights were a great help to find the objects in the dark during Monday night’s session. Due to the weather and that one class was at night, the parking lot next to the building was used to do the line search for a number of planted objects. Line search formation, movement and commands along with proper scanning techniques were reviewed with the participants. Several fire department members commented on what a great opportunity it is to work together with the Civil Air Patrol members. They said, “As volunteers you have spent the time to be trained and are willing to share your professional training with others. Together, we make a better-trained group from the air and the ground to serve our communities of Blaine-Spring Lake Park.”

CAP Cadets and Seniors Present Annual Report at the Capitol C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht North Hennepin Squadron

The sun was shining brightly and the streets were buzzing at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, April 21st, when members of the MN Wing Color Guard and North Hennepin Squadron Color Guard teams arrived to deliver Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP’s) Annual Report to the legislators at the State Capitol.

The group, consisting of C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/AMN Caleb Miller, C/AMN Jasmine Sands, and C/SRA Jake Teter, were accompanied by 2d Lt Suzanne Albrecht, 1st Lt Lieutenant Alan Trombley and C/Maj Billy Hoffman. They were guided by Minnesota Wing Government Relations Officer Colonel Kevin Sliwinski and Director of Cadet Programs Major Janelle Gates.

The cadets and senior members, based out of State Senator Chris Gerlach's office, spent the morning delivering reports to senators

and members of the House of Representatives.

A MN Wing specific report outlined the wing’s accomplishments, and a letter accompanied both reports signed by the wing commander thanking the senators and house members for being a part of CAP's Legislative Squadron or inviting them to join.

The cadets spoke with several senators who are members of the Legislative Squadron and the day concluded with a cafeteria lunch and brief but interesting tour of the capitol building.

C/Maj Billy Hoffman & C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht present

State Senator Sparks a copy of the Annual Report.


St. Croix Cadet Solo’s Towards Private Pilot License 2d Lt Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron On May 14, St. Croix Composite Squadron’s C/AMN Anthony Swanson was presented his Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Solo Badge Award in a brief ceremony at our weekly Squadron meeting. C/AMN Anthony Swanson soloed a CAP Cessan-172 on May 10. He flew the pattern and accomplished 3 takeoffs and landings from Runway 32/14 at Lake Elmo Airport. St. Croix Squadron Commander, Capt David Yost, who is Cadet Swanson’s flight instructor, had words of encouragement and praise for Cadet Swanson’s solo flight and his progress to date.

Cadet Swanson completed a ground school class with the Lake Elmo’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter #54 in 2008, and had his first flight lesson on November 15, 2008. He had a total of 16.1 hours of dual instruction before soloing, and now has 16.7 hours total time in his logbook. Capt Yost said, "Cadet Swanson has worked diligently and progressed well. I really wasn't nervous letting him solo because he'd just spent the previous hour showing me he could do it safely. The initial solo flight really is a major milestone because he's now proven to the world that he can safely fly an airplane." Cadet Swanson has been a member of Civil Air Patrol since September 2008. He has completed Achievement 1 in February 2009, and received his promotion to Cadet Airman. Our congratulations go to Cadet Airman Anthony Swanson for this great milestone in skill and proficiency. We all wish him well in his new flying career.

Squadron assists at Memorial Day dedication 2d Lt Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On Memorial Day, four members of the St. Croix Composite Squadron aided Woodbury’s American Legion Post #501 with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial at Woodbury’s City Hall. The St. Croix Squadron members handed out Memorial Programs and directed attendees to the dedication area. The St. Croix Composite Squadron members in attendance were Maj David Kenan, C/A1C Kati Jents, 2d Lt Charles Jents and 2d Lt Scott Richardson. At a mid morning ceremony, over 350 people were in attendance for the Woodbury’s American Legion and Lions Club rededication of the nearly finished Veterans Memorial which was commissioned one year ago.

Woodbury’s American Legion and Lion’s Club have teamed together to sponsor this memorial. Through sales of engraved memorial granite pavers, the needed funds have been raised to help make this long-awaited Veterans Memorial a reality. Opening ceremony remarks were given by Woodbury Mayor Bill Hargis. The Memorial Day Address was by Air Force Lt Col Joel Fortneberry, and the Colors were presented by the Woodbury High School Junior ROTC.

(L-R) Civil Air Patrol Cadet Airman (C/AMN.) Anthony Swanson &

St. Croix Squadron Commander, Capt. David Yost

(L-R) Maj, David Kenan, C/A1C Kati Jents, 2Lt. Charles

Jents, 2d Lt. Scott Richardson


Base and museum visits open squadron’s eyes to the possibilities Captain Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2

Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron had the unique opportunity to visit state of the art facilities at an Air Force base, as well as view static displays of Air Force heritage during a recent visit to the Omaha area. After a nine-hour drive to Offutt Air Force Base, the 15 cadets and 5 senior members got a chance to stretch their legs a bit by playing some “ultimate Frisbee” with members of the Curtis Lemay – Offutt Composite Squadron before spending the night at nearby Camp Ashland, a National Guard base. The following morning the St. Cloud Squadron toured Offutt Air Force Base, including the Aerospace Physiology Education Center learning about the possible disorientation pilots are subjected to when operating at high altitudes. The squadron watched a video of pilots suffering from altitude hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the

blood) before entering a hypobaric chamber where aviators receive training to combat the illness. It was then off to the Air Force Weather Agency where the $277-million computer complex provides climatological data to a variety of national defense and allied customers. The cadets and senior officers learned about pilot survival equipment and nuclear/biological contamination from members of the 55th Operations Group. Everyone was given an opportunity for some hands-on exploration of the equipment. Afterwards, the St. Cloud Squadron was given a K-9 demonstration where they met “Vihar” one of the four dogs stationed at Offutt. Three K-9 units from Offutt are currently deployed in the Global War on Terrorism. After a full day at Offutt it was then back to the vans and a short trip to the Strategic Air & Space Museum near Ashland where they spent the night before a day viewing static displays celebrating aviation and space travel. Here, everyone had the opportunity to view and examine long retired aircraft as well as mock-ups where they could familiarize themselves with the controls of aircraft such as the B52 bomber. The highlight of the museum visit was squadron member, Lt Col Jim Schlick’s (Col, USAF retired), captivating personal account of his time as a B52 navigator. His inspiring presentation prompted several cadets to personally seek him out during breaks to ask about a career in the Air Force or advice on attending the Air Force Academy.

The trip was a unique opportunity for future leaders to see and hear about possible career paths in air and space. Overall, everyone felt the trip was a huge success because of the knowledge they gained about Air Force heritage and Offutt’s involvement in the Air Force’s mission.

MINNESOTA WINGTIPS is the official newsletter of the Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol. The views expressed, either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air

Force, Civil Air Patrol of the Minnesota Wing. Submissions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]

Col Thomas B. Theis, Wing Commander Capt Richard Geis, Public Affairs Officer

Civil Air Patrol - Minnesota Wing

6275 Crossman Lane, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Phone 651-291-0462 Fax: 651-552-7007

Cadets of the St. Cloud Squadron during a visit to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb. (Photo courtesy of Capt Richard

Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PAO)


Encampment Prep School helps cadets put encampment puzzle together Capt Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2

Sometimes two pieces fit together and sometimes they do not. What happens when a piece does not fit? It is put to the side until a match shows up. When ramping up for encampment, each basic cadet is a piece of the encampment puzzle. Left alone, these aspiring leaders might seem unimportant. But, when matched with other information, the entire puzzle can be completed.

Maybe that’s why the Minnesota Wing offers several opportunities for basic cadets to start solving the encampment puzzle before they arrive by attending Encampment Preparatory School (EPS). The Wing held its first EPS weekend April 17-19. Another EPS is set for May 15-17 at Camp Ripley, which will also be the site for the 2009 Encampment from June 20-27. The purpose of EPS is to give basic cadets attending the summer encampment an idea of what to expect by immersing them in a similar environment, but for a shorter duration. EPS students also receive classroom and practical instruction on skills essential to be encampment ready. "We feel the training we provide during EPS helps prepare basic cadets for the rigors of encampment and beyond," said C/Col Charlie Cox, 2009 encampment cadet commander. "Somewhere in this group of basic cadets," Cox said, "is a future Spaatz Cadet, cadet encampment commander, as well as countless cadet squadron commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants. They are learning about CAP, our core values, and EPS is one of the first stops in putting that puzzle together. "We are creating the future of the CAP cadet program in Minnesota, one cadet at a time."

Basic cadets do PT at the Encampment Preparatory School (Picture courtesy of C/1st Lt Lydia Stone, 11th

CTG PAO)


WWee DDiiddnn’’tt SSeeee TThhee FFlloooodd By 2d Lt Linda Dilley

We got the red alert

That Fargo was in need, So we loaded up our trusty van

With cadets and those who lead.

As we traveled on, I head a cadet say,

“I’ve never seen a flood, But today I think I may.”

Nearing our destination,

The water showed it’s power Flowing in fields and ditches,

And surrounding a radio tower

Finally at our checkpoint, Our IC gave the orders.

So we joined another detail To sandbag around some houses.

Those sandbags, they were heavy,

But we passed them right along. And soon the dike was high enough

So we shouted out a song

Some cadets filled sandbags, Some were loading pallets.

Some faces looked fatigued, But none complained of callous.

Our driver gave the word

That it was time to go. We said “goodbye” to friends we’d met

Who were very nice to know.

We didn’t see the flood Of the river they call “Red”

Our mission was to ward it off And build a dike instead!

the newsletter of minnesota wing, civil air patrol · pdf filethe newsletter of minnesota...

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