North Central Region - Jun 2009

8/7/2019 North Central Region - Jun 2009

1/20

North Central Region News June 2009Page 1

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and BeyondNorth Central Region NewsVolume 2009 June

The 2009 North Central Region Color Guard

Lt Col Erik LudlowNCR Cadet Competition Director

The regions Cadet Competition was held at Camp Ripley, MN located in Central Minnesota near Little Falls early inJune.

Five Color Guard Teams from around North Central Region entered the competition. Teams came from KS, MO, MN,NE, and ND and were made up of 5 cadets and 2 escorts.

Minnesota Wing won the Color Guard Competition and will represent the region at the National Cadet Completion(NCC). The Color Guard consists of Color Guard Commander C/SSgt. Frank Albrecht (age 14), C/SRA Caitlin Albrecht(age 17), C/A1C Jasmine Sands (age 15), C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller (age 16), and C/SMSgt. Matthew Bruffey (age 14).

Continued on Page 3


2/20


Safety is Job 1Col Steve KuddesCommander, North Central Region

As we have discussed on conference calls with the Wing Commanders, Region Staff, thisnewsletter, and on-line, we continue to have problems with the number and cost ofaccidents, in particular with our aircraft.

Wing and Squadron commanders need to make it a priority to have their safety officers

look at the accidents in their Wings and units, and then develop a program to helpeliminate future accidents.

For example, hanger rash incidents have significantly increased. We need to ascertain if the damage is caused by ouraircrews, the FBO or pilots of other aircraft in the hanger.

A new policy we will adopt in the Region will be to place new aircraft and vehicles in Wings with zero or lowaccident/incident rates. This policy will be consistent with a policy NHQ wants us to consider.

We need to stress to all members that the equipment we have needs to be well cared for in several ways. Maintenance,security, and safety are the key areas. All of us need to work harder to take better care of our equipment, if in the future;we want new or want to keep what we have now.

Editors Note: CAP National Headquarters has recently posted a letter from Major General Amy Courter on theIncreased Safety Requirements for Cadet Activities. All members should review this important letter. It can be foundonline at this link:

http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2009_06_25_cadet_safety_requirement_F176DF4BF0DD6.pdf

Local Civil Air Patrol Commander Passes Away2d Lt Jason FinkPublic Affairs Officer, Nebraska Wing

Nebraska Wing received word of the death of Lt Col Michael A. Thomas Sr. on May 20th due to complications from aminor surgery. Lt Col Thomas was the commander of Nebraska Wing's 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron based inOmaha.

He was a dedicated Civil Air Patrol member having first joined in 1992 he had served in many roles in Civil Air Patrolincluding his latest role as Commander of Nebraska Wings 99th Pursuit Composite Squadron. He also served asDeputy Commander for the 99th Pursuit Squadron

His awards and decorations included Civil Air Patrol-Nebraska Senior Member of the Year, Civil Air Patrol-OutstandingUnit Award, Civil Air Patrol-Most Improved Squadron, and the Ike Friedman Community Service Leadership award fromNebraska.

He also had a very distinguished military career in the United States Air Force where he received the following: DefenseMeritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with four Oak Leaf Cluster, KuwaitLiberation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal.

Lt Col Thomas is survived by survived by wife, Angelia M. Thomas, Bellevue, NE; 2 sons, Lloyd Thomas, Dallas, TX,Michael Thomas, Jr.; daughter, Kentia Thompson, Bellevue, NE; mother, Jean Thomas, Willingboro, NJ; 2 brothers,Carl Thomas, Dallas, TX, Gary Thomas, Willingboro, NJ; 2 grandchildren; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; otherrelatives.


3/20


Cadets Compete to Represent NCR at National CompetitionContinued from Front Page

The NCR Cadet Competition is a culmination of hard work, dedication and desire, but not the final stopping point for oneteam as the winner would be selected to go on to McMinville, OR in July to compete at the NCC.

This was by far one of the closest competitions in history with three teams scoring within a point of each other. MN Wingplaced first place overall, followed by NE in second and MO in third place. These teams demonstrated team work, honorand integrity throughout the competition. Special recognition for team spirit and drive goes out to KS Wing for their can

do attitudes and pride in their team.

Several individuals were also recognized for their efforts:Outstanding Staff: Maj Janelle Gates, MN Wing, Administration OfficerOutstanding Cadet: C/CMSGT Timothy Italiano, ND Wing Color Guard CommanderHighest Written Score: C/CMSGT Ryan Tweedt, NE WingFleet Foot, Male: C/SMSGT Rueben Miller, MN WingFleet Foot, Female: C/SRA Caitlin Albrecht, MN Wing

Pictures of the NCR Cadet Competition can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/ncrcadetcomp

It should also be noted that the MO Wing Drill Team (CassCounty Composite Sqdn) will be representing North Central

Region as the Drill Team for the 2009 competition. This team ismade up of 13 outstanding cadets and several officers who arevolunteering to assist. Although the team did not have to competeat the region level, they have been working overtime to get readyfor the drill events. MO Wing will do the North Central Regionproud as they compete against the top cadets from around thecountry. Good luck to MO Wing as they compete for top honors.

This years competition was one that was a long time in coming. Itwas originally planned for Fargo, ND in late April, but the Springflooding forced a change in venue to Camp Ripley and volunteersfrom MN Wing, including Major Janelle Gates and Capt NorineOlson stepped up to secure billeting, event location, food and

much, much more.

They put in many hours prior to the competition and during the competition to make sure it was a success. C/CaptJoshua Carr, MO Wing, also stepped up to the plate to be chief judge which included putting together the schedule ofevents and working through making the panel quiz questions.

Lt Col James Peace, the regions Deputy Chief of Staff for Cadet Programs also added to the competition by flying infrom Texas, bringing with him the written tests.

Several cadet officers also stepped forward to serve as judges and make sure the events were judges fairly andaccurately as they knew just how much time and energy was spent by each team preparing for the competition.

A special thank you goes out to the entire staff at Camp Ripley for supporting the event. Their facilities were top notchand they truly went above and beyond to make sure the NCR Cadet Competition went off without a hitch.

They showed a true appreciate of CAP and it was apparent, they honestly wanted CAP at their facilities, even though itwas the busiest they had ever been. Additional thank you's go out to the 119th Air National Guard Squadron for theirinitial support of this event.

Their willingness to host by allowing CAP to use their facilities, put cooks on orders to feed the members, and offeringbase honor guard as judges is truly appreciated and will be remembered. Relationships like this are what truly help CAPto complete the mission of the cadet program.

The North Dakota Wing Color Guard.


4/20


Civil Air Patrol keeps skills sharp with Abilene training exerciseDave BergmeierEditor and Publisher Abeline (Kansas) Reflector-Chronicle

Keeping their skills sharp in case they are called upon, members of the Kansas Wing spent the weekend working onsearch and rescue scenarios.

About 75 volunteers, both men and women, from cadets to veterans participated in exercises that were being evaluatedby the Air Force. Abilenes National Guard Armory served as a command post. As part of the training, each individual

exercise is not known until Civil Air Patrol members get here.

Col. Regena Aye (left), Osage City, the Kansas Wing commander, said thetraining keeps the skills of volunteers sharp, also having a public educationcomponent. People can see what is going on. Youth who have an interestin aviation and aerospace education are also invited to observe.

Inside the armory, multiple tables were set up with specific functions,including communications, ground teams, logistics, safety and leadershipfunctions.

Ayes civilian job is as an online coordinator for Iola-based Allen CountyCommunity College.

There are about 440 Civil Air Patrol members across the state thatcomprises the wing.

Were not a big wing but we are a good wing that works well together, she said.

The Kansas Wing also works with other states, which in rural areas is important. Nationwide there are 55,000 members.

Aye joined the Civil Air Patrol 20 years ago as a cadet. She joined because she thought it was a way she could giveback through volunteerism.

She said many others who volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol express similar sentiments.

People like to give back and give back to the state, community and nation, Aye said.

She noted that when the pilot avoided a catastrophic accident by landing his jet in a river in New York City he spokeoften about giving back is like making a deposit in life that can be returned at a later date.

Community service is very important to these people, Aye said, in gesturing at the various tables filled with peopleworking together.

Jerrol Bahner is the Kansas Wing safety officer, whose job includes watching out for the safety of the Civil Air Patrolmembers, regardless of whether it is training, l ive exercise or real life outing.

Im making sure everyone is safe, Bahner said.

He keeps track of the aircraft and vehicles to make sure they are ready to be operated by the volunteers.

I do safety briefings, from the senior commanders to the cadets and make sure they stay out of danger, he said.

Training exercises serve important functions, he said. For example, as part of the weekends exercise mission, heeducates those to watch out for snakes, ticks and spiders, as well as be available for when falls and sprains happen.These exercises in rural areas give drivers who operate vehicles an opportunity to see how they drive on gravel, dirt andsand roads, he said. Basic common sense applies for Civil Air Patrol members in practice sessions so they can be atease in an emergency situation, he said.

Continued on Page 5


5/20


Continued from Page 4

Civil Air Patrol members are unpaid. They perform more than 90percent of inland search and rescue missions as tasked by theU.S. Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center.

In the past couple of years the Civil Air Patrol has been calledinto service. In 2007, a widespread blizzard, the tornado atGreensburg and flooding in southeast Kansas put many hours of

practice into practical application.

While the name Civil Air Patrol indicates the use of aircraft, shesaid many important functions are available. A ground team, forexample, helps with searches for missing people, which requirespeople to know how to use maps and compasses.

The Kansas Civil Air Patrol has 13 units, with five assignedaircraft and 15 ground vehicles. Aye said one of the planes has state-of-the-art imaging equipment that is valuable insearches. That equipment helped to recover a missing military plane that had crashed. The planes used in the weekendtraining exercises were based at the Abilene Municipal Airport.

The patrol has a chaplain. Randy Colby, Wichita, who joined in 2001. The outgoing chaplain noted that he hopes hisservices are never needed in an emergency, whether for CAP members or families of a missing person. But he knowsthat is not always the case and he enters each emergency knowing that is a possibility.

A chaplain, he believes, helps comfort those and that a physical presence of a chaplain is a reminder that a higher being(God) exists. Colby belongs to the Southern Baptist denomination. His service to the patrol is on a non-denominationalbasis.

Col. Tim Hansen, Milford, who served as incident commander for the weekends exercise, has always had a love ofaerospace. When he was teaching full time, he always wanted to take time to work with students who had a desire tolearn about aeronautics. Hansen has been a member since 1989 and is a former Kansas Wing commander.

Although he is a retired teacher, he operates an elementary computer laboratory for the Manhattan-Ogden schools.

Hansen said this past weekend was an important one because it was being graded by the Air Force.

Every two years we have to be graded and certified, Hansen said. Im responsible for it all. If they do it right, they getthe credit. If its wrong, I take that responsibility.

The Civil Air Patrol does three to four major training exercises a year. When those occur, his job is to review them andprovide critiques and feedbacks.

Hansen said preparation is key. He says emergency calls that require the Civil Air Patrol generally occur at 10 p.m.Practice and training helps coordinate members and equipment so they can be of assistance as quickly as possible.

Aye and Hansen said youth of the Civil Air Patrol have used the learning opportunity to help build their future education.

Several members of the patrol have gone on to the Air Force Academy as well as other elite training in the armed

services.

Its fun to watch kids go on to become cadets and wing commanders.

Col Burgess Rennels, Lawrence, has been involved in the Civil Air Patrol for 39 years. He is a clerk at the Department ofJustice in Kansas City, Mo. Over the years he remembers helping with several major disasters, including the 1993 floodand 2007 Greensburg tornado cleanup.

He still expressed pride in why he joined in 1970. I joined as a cadet and enjoyed the program, Rennels said. If youcan keep kids off the streets it is a good thing. I remember someone asked me to join and Im glad I did.

Members working communications during the Evaluated SAREXin Abilene, KS.


6/20


The North Central Region Staff College Class of 2009

Are you Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry?Capt Linette LahanKansas Wing

If you are hearing that question, it must be time for North Central Regions Staff College. Members, from within theregion, and a couple from other regions, gathered at Offutt AFB, NE for 5 days of training and leadership development.

The one week in-residence class is designed to prepare CAP Senior members to serve at the Wing and Region Stafflevel. Region Staff College is one of the many items needed to complete Level IV in the Senior Member Professional

Development program and be eligible for promotion to the grade of Lt Col.

This class had students from all the wings in the region (ND, SD, MN, IA, NE, MO and KS) plus one member from TXand staff representing SD, IA and WI. Staff and students gathered for dinner on 14 June to begin the course.

Directed by Col Mary Donley (left), classes on leadership,leadership styles and mentoring made up just some of the learninghappening at the course. In addition to the classes, a trip to theStrategic Air Command museum was enjoyed. So many airplanes,so much history, so little time.

Classes began the first day with inspirational readings. In additionto instruction, different exercises in styles of communication wereperformed with interesting results and varying degrees of success.

Guest speaker, CAP-USAF North Central Liaison RegionCommander Lt Col Mike Pederson, gave a Liaison update. ColKuddes joined the class for a banquet the evening beforegraduation. Many lessons, laughs, and fun had by all preceded theclass ending 19 June.

Are you Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry? To find out, plan toattend next years Region Staff College!


7/20


Congresswoman presents Minnesota member with Retirement Certificate1

stLt George Supan

Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On a cold windy May morning Minnesota Congresswoman MicheleBachmann reads a statement that she will read on the U.S. Housefloor on May 18, 2009.

Madame Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel RichardL. Kirchner for his 29 years of service to the Civil Air Patrol ColKirchner retired in February after developing the Anoka CompositeSquadron and serving as its Commander three times.

After joining the Civil Air Patrol in 1980, Col Kirchner started theAnoka Composite Squadron in 1982 with just one member. Today, itstands at nearly 100 members and ahs produced leaders in the CivilAir Patrol, The U.S. Air Force, in business and the public sectoracross the country. Col Kirchner was involved with every aspect ofthe Civil Air Patrol including Emergency Services, AerospaceEducation and the Cadet program to help develop anyone interestedin civil service. I am confident that the Squadron will be lead by other

fine commanders and engage in new and challenging missions inyears to come, standing on the firm foundation laid by Col Kirchner.

It is my privilege to honor lieutenant Colonel Richard L. Kirchner forhis three decades of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol and Iwant to thank Col Kirchner for the role he has played in so manyMinnesota lives. His commitment to honor and duty, country and

community and his nurturing relationship with the members of the Squadron are a model for all of us on how to lead andteach. We are all so grateful for his service.

After reading the statement Congresswoman Bachmann presented Lt Col Kirchner his retirement certificate of 29 yearsof service to CAP during opening ceremonies of Blaine Aviation Weekend May 16 & 17, 2009.

Col Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander, was there to congratulate Lt Col Kirchner and thank him for his services.Attending were Maj Don Sorenson, Group 2, Deputy Commander, Capt Andy Bosshart, Squadron Commander, theAnoka Squadron members along with other Minnesota Wing members.

The Anoka Composite Squadron presented the Colors forthe open ceremonies. The CAP members marshaledWWII and many other aircraft that arrived during the twoday event. Aircraft included the CAP aircraft, T6s, B25,L29 jet, tail draggers, bi-wing, choppers, jets and the bigAlbatross.

The Squadron had a recruiting booth and games for thekids. CAP members from across the State volunteered

there time to help with the event.

Aircraft fly overs were limited on the first day due to theweather but on Sunday they put on a great show. The leadpilot in the formations was Col Chuck Datko in his T6 andL29 jet. He lead several formations with both aircraft.

EAA Chapter 237 sponsored the Blaine Aviation Weekend. President, Kevin Rebman said, Thank you CAP for all yourwork. We couldnt have done it without your help. CAP made the event a success, said Rebman.

Rep. Michelle Bachman presents Lt Col RichardKirchner with his certificate of Retirement. Photo by

SM Lion Templin


8/20


Members of the Magic City Composite Squadron after participating as victims in a Simulated Plane Crash Exercise.

North Dakota Members respond at Simulated Plane Crash Site1

stLt. Pam Romance

Public Affairs OfficerMagic City Composite Squadron, North Dakota Wing

After the explosion, I lay dazed on the tarmac at the airshow and there was an eerie silence. The pungentsmell of jet fuel and smoke from the fiery crash waseverywhere. Then, I could hear the moans of theinjured, shouts of the security personnel, and the

pealing sirens of emergency response vehicles.

My mind was racing. I couldnt move or open my eyes.Help me! I kept thinking. Why were they taking solong? Help me, Im hurt!

(left-right) CC/SMSgt Cyrus Romance and C/SMSgt Miles Waycompare their mock injuries.

Even though the simulated plane crash at Minot AirForce Bases Northern Neighbors Air show was part ofthe Major Accident Response Exercise on Friday, June

5, 2009, the emergency response teams, medics, andparticipants took their jobs seriously.

Magic City Composite Squadron members joinedseveral volunteers and Minot Air Force Base personnelto become practice crash victims for the exercise.

Air Force First Lieutenant and Magic Citys DeputyCommander, Maj. Ben Luther recruited five cadets andpublic affairs officer, 1

stLt Pam Romance for the job.

Cadet Commander C/SMSgt Cyrus Romance, andcadets, C/SMSgt Miles Way, C/SRA Joshua Anderson,

Airman Andrew Staufer, Cadet Tracey Vajda, and CAPsenior members were each given a scenario to followby Exercise Evaluation Team Chief, Air Force MajorAnn Perry.

Perry then turned to Air Force Technical SergeantJennifer Gaines who directed her moulage team toprepare the crash victims. Injuries from major bodywounds to minor cuts and bruises were realisticallysimulated with theatrical makeup.


9/20


Continued on Page 10

North Dakota Members respond at Simulated PlaneCrash SiteContinued from Page 9

C/SRA Anderson was particularly proud of his fakemultiple compound fractures. I think they should putmore blood on my shirt, Anderson said as Cadet Vajdalimped by practicing her fractured ankle. C/SMSgt Wayreceived a good portion of teasing for what looked like ahuge cut from a prop blade on his forehead.

Im really enjoying the goopy, bloody stuff, commentedC/SMSgt Romance who was acting victim of a fatalshrapnel wound to the head. C/Amn Staufer pokedRomances wounds and enthusiastically agreed, Eew,its sticky. Way too real.

C/SrA Joshua Anderson pretends to suffer fromhis gruesome wounds

After being prepared by the moulage team, the MinotCivil Air Patrol members were put under the commandof USAF Master Sergeant Mario Aceves. You need toremember how to act for each of your injuries,instructed Sgt Aceves.

He coached his volunteer group to try and make itrealistic for the Minot AFB medical team who were

going to be using the START triage system meaningSimple Triage and Rapid Treatment.

It is very important that you know what you should doso that the medics can classify you correctly for triage.said Sgt Aceves. Some of his directions included howC/Amn Staufer should hold his broken leg and Maj.Luther should moan in agony over his broken arm.

As the exercise wrapped up, 1st

Lt Pam Romance, whohad presumably died from a simulated massive headinjury was joined by C/SMSgt Romance in thetemporary morgue.

It was so hard to lay there and pretend to be deadwhen I wanted to get up and start shouting orders,remarked C/SMSgt Romance about his first aid trainingand leadership instincts. Why didnt they (medic

trainees) know what to do?

As with all training, Major Perry reminded theparticipants, practice shows you how to do thingsbetter. She added that the medics were learning towork within the triage framework. You need to knowwhat medical resources are available to you for eachemergency, she continued. There are limitations in bigdisasters. Remember, you are only humans.

Maj Ben Luther studies his simulated wounds.

We seriously need to get our certifications up-to-date.My cadets need to know what to do, stated C/SMSgtRomance as the Magic City Composite Squadronmembers were released to gather at the temporaryemergency headquarters entrance.

C/SrA Anderson shivered and shook the water out ofhis wallet, I didnt know what decon was. His injuriesincluded being soaked with jet fuel which won him a tripto the decontamination center and a shower. Thatwater was cold and I was still strapped to the stretcher!

C/Amn Staufer groaned after being strapped to a litterfor three hours. His mock broken femur was a delayedtreatment injury for triage. C/SMSgt Ways ugly,bulging cut and Maj. Luthers broken arm sent them to amake-shift waiting room for minor injuries. But, wherewas cadet Vajda? Her fractured ankle should havebeen a minor injury too.

I tried to escape in a wheel chair, laughed Vajda asshe appeared from behind the group.


10/20


Minnesota cadet says all veterans deserve a flag on Memorial DayCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Peter Spicer of St. Cloud, MN wandered through the lush grass ofthe State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley scanning thegleaming gravestones in the brilliant sunshine. When he foundwhat he was looking for he knelt down and gently cradled it withhonor and favor. The headstone marked the graves of Staff

Sergeant Ervin Bauer, a US Army veteran of World War II, andVera Bauer, Spicers grandparents.

Squinting in the midday sun the young cadet airman from the St.Cloud Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol then pulled aneatly folded map of the cemetery from the pocket of his dressblue slacks. He said his uncle was buried across the way, andwould I want to help him find his grave. I considered it an honor.

The cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,500 veterans andtheir eligible family members, mostly from central Minnesota. Aswe walked and talked among the red, white and blue flags winkingin the breeze we noted the array of wars carved into the

headstones as the cemeterys 14th annual Memorial Daycelebration unfolded before us.

This place is really nice, Spicer said. Every veteran deserves a flag.

As if conducting a line search for a missing person or aircraft during aCAP mission we pushed on until he found his uncles grave: ThomasDale Musgrove, AZ2, US Navy, Persian Gulf, Nov 26, 1962 Mar 30,2008 Always remembered.

We all miss him, Spicer said, but I guess everyone misses someonehere.

It had been a full day for C/Amn Spicer, and one he surely wont forget.

He had attended the event with members of the St. Cloud Squadronscadet color guard. While they were busy with the parade of flags portionof the program, Spicer had the honor of carrying the POW/MIA flag while

joining the crack Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Guard. That wasawesome, Spicer said as he helped post and retire the colors.

Despite being the shortest member of the military honor guard, CadetSpicer stood out among the nearly 12-hundred people attending theevent.

The little guy did real good on a sacred day for all war veterans, said Todd Goodrich, a Navy veteran and member ofthe Minnesota Patriot Guard from nearby Crosby. He stood tall and did his duty, just like a true veteran.

I shared with Goodrich that Civil Air Patrol cadets spend many hours each week receiving specialized training foremergency services, participating in character development, moral leadership, aerospace education, and learning thedrills and customs and courtesies of our Air Force sponsored program so that they can serve their community withintegrity and pride. They also learn that freedom is not free.

Its nice to know future generations are learning about the meaning of Memorial Day, Goodrich said. Sacrifice ismeaningless without remembrance, but your cadets seem to know that.

Indeed.

C/Amn Peter Spicer of St. Cloud Composite Squadroncarries the POW/MIA flag while joining members of the

Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Guard during theMemorial Day program at the State Veterans Cemetery

near Camp Ripley.

C/Amn Peter Spicer of St. Cloud CompositeSquadron visits the resting place of his

grandparents, Ervin and Vera Bauer, buried at theState Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.


11/20


First Person Perspective: It was the best plane ride of my lifeC/AMN Alex BottgerSiouxland Composite Squadron, Nebraska Wing

It was awesome! On June 4, 2009, I had the opportunity to ride on a KC-135 Stratotanker. At first, I was really nervous,especially when I heard the boom operators safety briefing. But, that was not as nerve-wracking as knowing I wasriding on a flying gas tank.

I boarded the tanker through the cargo door. It was seemed really dark

inside the plane because my eyes were still adjusting from bright daylightto darkness. This made it hard to see where I was going.Once I found my assigned seat, I had to figure out the seat beltmechanism. The seats were made of red-netting, which I thought wasfairly comfortable.

Like clockwork, as soon as we all got our seat belts on, the APU started upand, man, was it loud! No sooner did the APU start up, we started taxiingto the hold short line. With very few windows, I didnt know whether wewere moving or not while taxiing. But when it was time for the take off, thethrust of the planes engines made everybody lean backwards. It wasnt

very bumpy on the way up and once we were level flight, we wereallowed to get up and walk around the plane. I got to see the cockpit

and how busy it was.

The best part about the flight was when two B52s came up to berefueled. So, when I had a chance, I went down into the boomoperators bubble. It was very comfortable down there. When theplanes were coming up to the boom, they were all over the place anddidnt maintain contact for very long when they did.

Also, because we were at high altitudes, it got kind of cold in the plane.

When we were starting to descend, we had to get all buckled up againand thats when it really got bumpy -- you think a bumpy road is bad. Once we were close to ground level, they caughtus off guard and started up the APU again.

It got a lot warmer in the cabin once we were on the ground. We parked and started off loading the plane with our earplugs still in because they left the APU running.

It was the best plane ride of my life.


12/20


New School Based Squadron begins in Kansas Wing

The morning of Wednesday, May 13, 2009 was the Launch Date of a new Civil AirPatrol unit in Kansas and the first of such units in a Kansas public school. The wholeschool and members of the community gathered to celebrate the new program.

Cunninghams new Mayor, Roberta Kobbe (pictured Left) welcomed the crowd andencouraged everyone to seek out a way to support the new Civil Air Patrol programand the other programs currently in or coming to the community.

Superintendent and Civil Air Patrol Captain, Glenn Fortmayer introduced each of theguest speakers that followed. The first to speak was Colonel Tim Marlar, Director ofPersonnel, Kansas National Guard. Col. Marlar described the most rewarding times inhis 38 years of service were when he was participating in service to communities,particularly in times of natural disasters. He highlighted the value of training in serviceto communities in times of emergencies and related it to the training the CAP program

will provide to students and staff of USD 332 and students and adults from the surrounding communities.

Lt Col Jason Barnes (pictured right), Commander of the 184th Intelligence Wing,and former B-1 bomber pilot at McConnell AFB was next to speak. Lt. ColBarnes introduced Technical Sergeant Emily Halderson who serves as amember of the McConnell AFB security forces and graduated from Cunningham

High.

He cited her as an example of local community members serving in the guardand the military and the way personnel serve their communities and the nation.The benefits and opportunities that CAP provides for students and adults wantingto enter the military were described along with the relationship shared betweenthe Air National Guard and CAP.

The Kansas Wing was represented by Major Rick Franzand Major Phil Aye. They teamed up to summarize therequirements of and opportunities in CAP. The majorsemphasized that CAP was an excellent way to serve thecountry for those individuals feeling a need to dosomething for our country and communities in thesechallenging times.

Major Franz illustrated how CAP is often a family affair andMajor Aye informed the audience that membership wasopen to ages 12 and older and any U.S. citizen that has adesire to serve.

The Launch activities then switched to interactive activities.The students, now referred to as cadets, were separated into flights. The flights rotated through getting measured forfree USAF uniforms, practicing basic drill moves, and visiting display of emergency service and National Guard vehicles.The audience watched the training and vehicles. They visited the personnel and even got to operate vehicle controls.

The final activities consisted of a Simon says style drill down for prizes, and a pre-training test to perform a mock

rescue of a downed pilot. The last activity requied cadets to construct a stretcher and then find the down pilot,somwhere on school grounds. The wiining flight, even though not trained, implemented a winning plan of dividing intotwo sections. The first searched and found the pilot ( a dummy) and the second prepared the makeshift stretcher andtransported the pilot to the ambulance.

The Wildcat Composite Squadron will actually begin school meetings in August, but area wide meetings for everyone toattend will begin at the high school on June 11, 2009. All area kids 12-18 and adults 18 and older who are US citizensare invited to these meetings and encouraged to join CAP. Meetings will be from 7-8:30 PM on the second and fourthThursdays of the month.


13/20


Wing Members Support Logistics Efforts1

stLt. Erik Lindquist

Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Members of MN Wing answered the call of Lt. Col. PaulAdams, MN Wing Director of Logistics, to support a WingLogistics activity. Approximately 22 cadet and senior membersfrom local squadrons came prepared to work at the Wingsupply depot. The goal is to have a security cage installed at

Wing HQ, and then to restock and square away the uniformdepot for future requisitions. The work has been separatedinto two phases.

The first phase was to move all the uniforms and other itemsout of the area where the installation will occur. After thesecurity cage is installed, the second phase of restocking theuniform depot will occur.

This re-organized supply depot will insure that futurerequisitions can continue to be filled in an efficient manner.

This type of activity may not appear glamorous, but making sure that our cadets and senior officers are supplied withproper uniforms and equipment is an important function for CAP success.

Properly supplied squadrons are more likely to succeed at serving the community, state, and country. Colonel Adamscontinued excellence as Logistics Director has been instrumental in MN Wings continued success.

Kansas Honor Guard Stands Tall

Kansas City Composite Squadrons Honor Guard has been busy. They opened the Kansas City Wizards first gamealong with their B2 Flyover, posted colors at funerals for CAP family members, and recently the Kansas City Royals onJune 13th. They are scheduled for other events in the future and are in demand. Kansas City Composite serves theGreater Kansas City area, and the word is spreading about the team.

Left to Right, C/CMSgt Nicholas Woods, C/Col Daniel Metcalf,C/1

stLt Emily Wilson, and C/1

stLt Austin Ahlgren at Kaufman Stadium

The Honor Guard presents the colorsat the Kansas City Royals Game June 13

th.


14/20


Kansas Squadron Honors MembersMaj Dan MetcalfPublic Affairs Officer, Kansas City Composite Squadron, Kansas Wing

The Kansas City Composite Squadrons 2009 Spring Awards Ceremony was recently held to honor members for theirachievements over the past year.

The colors were posted by Cadets Daniel Metcalf, Emily WIllson, Jonathan James and Grant Collison.

Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars District 2 Jr Commander George Nunamakerpresented the VFWs Cadet NCO of the Year Award to Cadet Samuel Chaverin (l) and the

VFW Cadet Officer of the Year Award to Cadet 2nd

Lt Grant Collison.

Retired Army Major General Bill Treu presentedthe Air Force Sergeants Association Cadet NCO

of the Year to Cadet Nathanial Chaverin

Capt Catherine Metcalf and 1st

Lt William James received CommandersCommendation AwardsC/Col Daniel Metcalf received the Cadet Advisory Council Service ribbonCapt Cathy Metcalf received the Torch Award.

Cadet Nelson Collet received the Mary Feik AchievementCadet Jonathan James was promoted to C/CMSgtCadet Emily Nicholson was promoted to C/AMNPatricia Crocket was promoted to 2

ndLt.

1st Lt William James, Capt Catherine Metcalf, Maj Dan Metcalf andCadets Nicholas Woods, Daniel Metcalf, Nathaniel Chaverin, SamuelChaverin, Maverick Moore, Austin Ahlgren, Emily Willson, JonathanJames received the Community Service Ribbons additional devices tothe ribbon.

2009 Cadet Academic Awards for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or more wereawarded to Joseph Crockett, Grant Collison, Samuel Chaverin, Lawton

Huffman and Maverick Moore.

4.0 GPA awards went to Nathanial Chaverin, Austin Ahlgren, Joseph Vusich, and Daniel Metcalf.

Cadet Staff appointments for the next 6 months were also announced during the ceremony.

Retired Army Major General Bill Treu presentedthe Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award

to Cadet Jonathan James (r)


15/20


CAP Assists with Control Tower Tours and Luncheon1

stLt Erik Lindquist


Viking Squadron members continue to serve the Flying Cloud Airport (EdenPrairie, MN) community. Recently the local FAA air controllers union and theFAA managers association jointly hosted their annual open house luncheon atthe Eden Prairie Flying Cloud Airport control tower. These two groups pay for theopen house lunch.

It is a good will event that is intended to put faces behind the radio voiceseverybody hears/talks to when using the airport. It also promotes airportcommunity awareness and friendships. Also open to the public, the majority ofattendees are from the FCM community. There were approximately 100 visitorsto this years event. In addition to the lunch, people in attendance areencouraged to tour the control tower in order to get a first hand view of theoperations and facility.

Viking squadron members escorted these visitors while in the control towerfacility. They also shared information about some of the features and operationsof the tower while walking up the four flights of stairs. From the control towervantage point, visitors could view the inbound and outbound aircraft traffic and

how they were instructed by ground and air control. They could also view thenew airport construction. Perched atop the Minnesota River bluff, the views ofthe river valley and surrounding areas are very enjoyable on clear sunny days.

Participating in local community events like these has helped Viking squadronpromote itself and the Civil Air Patrol among the local community. It is one of thereasons why Viking continues to maintain great working relationships with the

local FAA (main) office, local FAA (tower), and local MAC personnel.

Lt Col Barney Uhlig (L), 2d Lt John Rinken (M), and C/SMSgt LydiaWiff (R) discussing the operations of the tower and the airport. 2d Lt John Rinken (L) and C/CMSgt Alex Bee look on at the toweroperations. Airport construction can be seen in the foreground.

View of the Flying Cloud Airport controltower and people in attendance at the

open house luncheon.


16/20


CAP conducts search and rescue exerciseJean Ruzicka, Park Rapids (MN) Enterprise

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) planes from across the regiondescended into the Walker Airport Saturday to take partin a SAREX search and rescue exercise.

Lt. Col. Tom Weston, North Central Region vicecommander, arrived from his home on Long Lake towelcome the CAP seniors and cadets arriving for theexercise.

Weston (pictured above), retired Air Force who movedto Hubbard County a year ago, explained his role wasadministrative for the exercise. He was grounded,

serving as mission radio operator, communicating withteams from across the state. Getting to know theregion staff, explained Weston, a Wadena MedicalCenter physicians assistant.

But the vice commander of the seven-state area whoslogged 23 years with the CAP said he enjoys leavingthe earths surface. I still want to get into the fun.

Walker served as the mission base for the operation,but planes were deployed from across the state,explained Capt. Robin Helgager, commander of theNorthland Squadron, Bemidji Area CAP.

The exercise, she said, simulates an actual mission,

such as photoreconnaissance after a natural disaster.The pilots in Cessna 172s and 182s may be asked tophotograph bridges or roads to assess damage, forexample.

The benefit of the aircraft is its ability to fly low andslowly, to better see whats on the ground, Helgagerexplained.

The photos are downloaded from the aircraft tocomputers, which can then be e-mailed to publicagencies, such as lawenforcement.

CAP planes were the only non-military aircraft allowedin the air after the 9-11 attacks, Helgager said. TheCAP took the initial aerial photos of the destruction.

Meanwhile, the ground team, comprised of seniors andcadets, was ready for 24-hour deployment out in thewoods. Each wore packs holding a whistle, flag, tape,first aid equipment, a radio, rope, extra socks and otherequipment.

Their job is to keep their eyes on the ground, Helgagersaid.

A compass, not a GPS, is the navigational instrument ofchoice, Helager said.

Continued on Page 18


17/20


Minnesota SAREX Continued from Page 17

GPS batteries can run down, she said, citing an incidentthree years ago when a dog trainers instrument failedand a 14-year-old cadet, armed with a compass andmap, determined the location.

Cadets Rebekah, 15, and Kristin, 17, Schrader(pictured above) of Lake George arrived for theexercise, both members of the ground crew for over ayear.

Rebekah Schrader explained line search protocol, eyesto the ground, walking side by side, searching forforeign objects. When an item is found, an echo yell ofdiscovery is sent down the line, the leader arriving toinvestigate.

Several of the Bemidji CAP cadets participated in theRed Lake search for two missing children, Helgagersaid. CAP worked with Beltrami Emergency Services toshoot aerial photographs of recent flooding in thecounty.

An Air Crew Debriefs after a flight.

A hard landing can set off a planes emergency locatingtransmitter, which is coordinated via satellite. If the pilotis unaware, and the ELT is not deactivated, a signal issent, alerting the CAP.

Many a missing plane has been found in the hangar,Helgager said. The Walker Airport is home to the Tri -County (seniors only) CAP which is comprised of Cass,Hubbard and Beltrami county members.

The Park Rapids Airport composite (seniors andcadets) disbanded several years ago, former CAP pilotDave Konshok said. A lot of kids who went through theprogram received a good foundation.

Its a phenomenal experience for cadets, Helgagersaid. Ages 12 to 21 are eligible for the program,teaching discipline, chain of command and respect.

And they are trained to fly and fly planes at no cost.

St. Croix Commander Adds CFII to His Current List of Pilot Ratings

On Monday, 01 June 2009, the St. Croix Composite SquadronCommander, Capt. David Yost was notified by the FederalAviation Administration that he has achieved his Certified FlightInstructor Instrument (CFII) rating to his current list of pilot skills.

Capt. Yost has been a member of the St. Croix CompositeSquadron and a member of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since January

2004. He became a CAP airplane instructor back in November2007. He also has been serving as Squadron Commander sinceAugust 2008.

In addition to his pilot ratings, Capt. Yost is also a qualifiedmission pilot, observer, scanner, flight line marshaller, groundteam member, skills evaluator and holds technician ratings inboth safety and flight operations.


18/20


KANSAS WING MEMBERS COMPLETE CERT TRAININGLt Col Dennis PearsonEmergency Services Officer, Kansas Wing

18 Members of the Kansas Wing completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Olathe, KS.

CERT is part of the national Citizen Corps under the Department of HomelandSecurity. Lt Col Scott Harvey, Capt James Vano, and C/CMSgt Isaac Vanocoordinated this CERT class with the Olathe Fire Department to include CAPmembers.

CERT training prepares members to first help themselves during and after adisaster/emergency situation, then those nearby, next the neighborhood, andfinally joining other CERT members at a Staging Area as a team to assist otheremergency responders in the area save lives and protect property.

Often there arent enough law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel to respondto a major incident covering a large area for many hours, and sometimes days.According to the CERT manual members will be able to do the greatest goodfor the greatest number of victims after a disaster, while protecting themselvesfrom becoming a victim.

The following topics were covered during the 20 hour course: Disasterpreparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light SAR operations,CERT organization, disaster psychology, basic terrorism awareness, basic

HAZMAT awareness, and ended in a disaster simulation exercise.

Newly certified CERT members include

Lt Col Craig Butter, Lt Col Vernon Nelson, Maj Roger Eaton, Maj Phillip Aye, Maj Ronald Schlesener. Capt James Vano,1st Lt Karen R. Pearson, 1st Lt Dana Snyder, 1st Lt Sherman Yacher, Cadets Levi Browning, Dustin Houston, TriciaLarson, Aubry Eaton, Muriel Eaton, Brandon Larson, Jonathan Morris, Alex Rex and Isaac Vano.

The training was conducted by the Olathe Fire Department.

Photos by Major Roger Eaton.


19/20


Squadron Participates in 1st Observance at New Veterans Memorial1

stLt Erik Lindquist


Cannons fired and planes flew at the EdenPrairie Veterans Memorial at Purgatory CreekPark. Members of Viking Squadrons honorguard were on hand to participate in the first

Memorial Day Observance held at this newVeterans Memorial. Many other members of thesquadron attended in support. The high visibilityof the squadrons participation left a very positiveimpression on the community, its veterans, andits city officials. With strong gusting winds, thehonor guard required to hold the flags in placeduring the ceremony. This actually provided animpressive show of presence for the squadron.With the discipline of the changing of the guardat Arlington Cemetery, the cadets rotated the flag

holding responsibility in a very professional military manner, before eventually retiring the colors at the conclusion of theceremony.

Hundreds attended the event, which honored three Eden Prairie Veterans: One who served in WW2, another that waskilled in action in Vietnam, and another who was injured by an IED while fighting in Afghanistan last year. There wasalso a three-volley cannon salute of civil war-era cannon by Battery I of the 1st U.S. Artillery, and a missing manformation flyover by T6 Thunder fighter planes.

The crowd also enjoyed many wonderful speeches, and patriotic songs. The professionalism shown by the Viking cadethonor guard was highly praised by many people in attendance.

The squadron is also very pleased with the visibility it received in the local newspaper and local television coverage,which is beneficial to the squadron and Civil Air Patrol community image.


20/20

North Central Region News June 2009P 20

Nebraska Members Demonstrate Survival SkillsSM Fran KnoxSeward Composite Squadron, Nebraska Wing

Members of the Nebraska Wings Seward Composite Squadron were invited to hold a Wilderness SurvivalDemonstration at the Branched Oak Recreation Park. There were approximately 14 future 4-H Leaders, 2 interns andseveral adults participating.

The Cadets demonstrated skills for making a fire, setting up various shelters and some first aide techniques. The 4-H

members also received a presentation on the Civil Air Patrol. The squadron has been asked to teach AerospaceEducation to the 4-H members, ages 8-12, at the end of July.

In conclusion the Squadron is very excited about these opportunities and we are looking forward to many moreexperiences with 4-H.

Minnesota Wing to hold annual summer Ground Team Training

The Minnesota Wings Ground Team Academy will be held 14-16 August 2009 at Camp Ripley. This will be a 3 dayactivity that will focus on providing quality training and standardization for all levels of ground team from start to end. Thecourse will start at 0900 hours on Friday 14 August 2009 and run until 1200 hours on Sunday 16 August 2009. Allmembers of North Central Region are welcome to attend.

The academy will be broken into three levels of training. Below is a brief description of the minimum we plan to cover ineach 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, PhoneAlerts, 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/Land Navigation,ELT Searches, CISM, Team Paperwork.

For more information please contact Lt Col Wilberg ay [email protected]

In Next Months NCR News

Coverage of the Minnesota and Missouri Wing Encampments!

Coverage of the National Flight Academy in Nebraska

Coverage of the Public Affairs Officers Academy

Announcement of the 2009 NCR Balsem Awards

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!!!

North Central Region - Jun 2009

Documents

Transcript of North Central Region - Jun 2009