Northern Flights. Tomorrows Leaders Today!

Transcription

1 Northern Flights The Official Magazine of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol WINTER - SPRING 2010 Tomorrows Leaders Today! Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jeff Dvorak and Air Force Academy Cadet 3 rd Class Andy Haus. Both are former Minnesota Wing Cadets and they are excelling in the US military. See how in this issue.

2 Northern Flights Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol 6275 Crossman Lane Inver Grove Heights, MN Colonel Thomas Theis Commander, Minnesota Wing Northern Flights Winter-Spring 2010 Editorial Supplied by Major Al Pabon National Public Affairs Team Leader CAP National Headquarters Northern Flights is the authorized publication of the Minnesota Wing of Civil Air Patrol and is edited by the Minnesota Wing Headquarters Office. It is published by a private firm which is in no way connected to the United States Air Force or the Civil Air Patrol. Opinions expressed in the articles and advertisements in this magazine are the sole responsibility of the contributors and are in no way endorsed by the United States Government, the United States Air Force, or the Civil Air Patrol Corporation. This publication is published three times a year. Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteer organization. Federally chartered by Congress under 36 U.S.C , which is dedicated to emergency services, aerospace education and motivation of America s youth to the highest ideals of leadership and public service through cadet programs. Funds received by the advertising sales are used to support this publication and to support various CAP activities throughout the State of Minnesota. For information on advertising rates and space, please call: Year in Review Minnesota Wing Celebrates a Successful 2009 Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing completed a successful and intensive year of operations and activities in The year started on a sad note with the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Krause, a 62-year Minnesota CAP member and World War II hero from the Mankato area, who died in late February. Krause was one of the C-47 pilots that flew critically needed supplies over The Hump, a dangerous 530-mile long passage over the Himalayan Mountains where nearly 1,000 men and 600 planes were lost. Krause flew 72 missions over The Hump. Among his many military awards were two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Purple Heart. Finding fun ways to beat the Minnesota winter blues wasn t hard for the 200 Wing members and their families that turned out in early March for the

3 annual Lock-In and Volleyball Tournament held in St. Cloud. Starting with a bevy of teams competing in a volleyball tournament, the weekend led to lots of food, rock climbing, flight simulators, movies, games, swimming, dodge ball, and shooting hoops at St. Cloud State University s state of the art student recreation center. Cadets from Viking Squadron took top volleyball honors, with a cadet team from St. Croix Squadron finishing second. At the conclusion of the event, it was a tired but happy group exclaiming: Awesome. Excellent. It rocked, as well as, We ll be back again next year! Wing Conference in Alexandria, as well as Memorial Day. A highlight from the Wing Conference was Captain Bill Menkevich receiving the Federal Aviation Administration s (FAA) Wright Brother s Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe flying. We are very happy and proud that the FAA honored a member of the Anoka Squadron for 50 years of safe flying an impressive achievement, says Major Don Sorenson, Group 2 commander of the Minnesota Wing. Bill sets an example for all of us to follow that flying can be 100 percent safe given good planning, sound judgment and attention to detail. We salute Bill on this well-deserved award. May also means Memorial Day, a busy time for many Wing Color Guards. The Wing s operations tempo picked up dramatically in late March when approximately 200 members were called to fight flooding in the Fargo/Moorhead area. The assistance of Civil Air Patrol was much appreciated and lifted our spirits, said Fargo resident, Kent Wanner. Phil McShane, also of Fargo, had plenty of praise for CAP as well, particularly the cadets working in his neighborhood. What marvelous young people. They were polite, hardworking, and their sense of community was just amazing. What an example and inspiration to all of us. May included two major events: the annual C/Amn Peter Spicer of St. Cloud Squadron had the honor of carrying the POW/MIA flag while joining the crack Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Guard during festivities at the State 3 3

4 Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. That was awesome, Spicer said as he helped post and retire the colors. Despite being the shortest member of the military honor guard, Cadet Spicer stood tall among the nearly 12-hundred people attending the event. The little guy did real well on a sacred day for all war veterans, said Todd Goodrich, a Navy Gulf War veteran and member of the Minnesota Patriot Guard. He stood tall and did his duty, just like a true veteran. search and rescue operations, anytime, anyplace. After some classroom instruction on land navigation, tracking ELTs, conducting a line search, working with search dogs and first aid training, the cadets and senior officers spent several days in the recesses of Camp Ripley s 53,000 acres honing their newly acquired skills under a variety of search and rescue scenarios. June and July are big months for cadets with the annual encampment at Camp Ripley and the annual Flight Academy in Mankato. The June encampment consisted of 86 Basic Cadets, 17 Staff Development Squadron cadets, and 28 Cadet Staff members. Nearly 30 Senior Officers and volunteers were also there. Cadets and staff from Missouri, North Dakota, as well as dozen from Iowa, participated in the event. Minnesota has a well-earned reputation as one of the best run encampments in the nation, said 2nd Lt. Carol Hinkle of the Burlington (Iowa) Composite Squadron. I learned so much being there. The July flight academy drew 25 cadet pilots in training from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Georgia and put them behind the controls of either a Super Blanik L-23 glider or Cessna 172 aircraft. Nearly 30 Senior Officers supervised the activity. If you were among the 90 cadets and senior officers who attended Minnesota Wing s annual Ground Team Academy you possess the skills to perform Ground Team Academy is an intensive event designed to help prepare our members mentally, physically and technically to deal with life threatening emergencies, said Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, Ground Team Academy commander. Last year, Minnesota Wing logged 75 actual or training missions totaling nearly 15,000 personnel hours, 469 air sorties, 789 air hours and one save. Minnesota Wing s BlackCAP Emergency Services College celebrated 25 years in September with a turnout of 130 members on a brilliant fall day. Created by the Red Wing Squadron in 1984, BlackCAP is devoted to teaching the search and rescue procedures that enable Civil Air Patrol wings everywhere to save nearly 100 lives every year. Cadre at the event wears a special black cap. 4 4

5 Among the course offerings were flight line marshalling, field first aid, use of radios and direction finding equipment, line searches, transitioning from a search to a rescue operation, and handling the news media. Public affairs seems to be a Minnesota specialty. Minnesota Wing submitted the most news releases to CAP National Headquarters in 2009 with nearly 60 submissions. 1st Lt. George Supan of Anoka, 1st Lt. Erik Lindquist of Viking, and 1st Lt. Scott Richardson of St. Croix, as well as C/CMSgt Lydia Wiff of Viking is among a talented pool of Wing public information officers. Minnesota was also home to the North Central Region s public information officer of the year, Major Richard Sprouse of Group II Headquarters. distinguished graduate was Cadet Staff Sergeant Caitlin Albrecht of North Hennepin Squadron. November 11 was Veterans Day, and squadrons across the state participated in a number of events. Community involvement is an integral part of many Wing activities. Minnesota Wing members were at the forefront of another major operational mission in November when a pilot and plane were reported missing in northern Minnesota. The pilot, Andrew Lindberg, died in the crash discovered southwest of Bemidji. Over the course of four days, nearly 400 Civil Air Patrol members from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota wings, including ground team members and pilots, were involved in the search. They used 18 CAP aircraft. Cadets from North Hennepin Squadron took numerous honors during Minnesota Wing s annual Color Guard Competition held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley. Minnesota Wing s Leadership Academy (MLA) had a full house during its annual session at Camp Ripley in October, graduating 16 cadets from the Basic Commissioned Officers Course (BCOC) and 34 cadets from the Noncommissioned Officer School (NCOS). The MLA prepares cadets to become leaders through academic study and practical excises focusing on improving communications and interpersonal skills, affirmation of the leadership skills the cadets already have, as well as provide them ready resources that will help them deal with the challenges confronted by most young leaders. The distinguished graduate of the BCOC seminar was Cadet Second Lieutenant David Nelson of Red Wing Squadron. For the NCOS seminar, the The North Hennepin Color Guard placed first in Indoor Practical Drill, Outdoor Practical Drill, Standard Drill, Mile Run, Male Fleet Foot competition, Inspection, Panel Quiz, and Written Test. The North Hennepin Color Guard consisting of C/A1C Garan Williams, C/SrA Sam Kessler, C/SSgt Jasmine Sands, C/MSgt Kris Grimaldi, and C/A1C Mitch Hanson (alternate) will represent Minnesota Wing during the North Central Region Continued on page

6 North Hennepin Squadron Cadets Dominate Color Guard Competition Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Cadets practice flag etiquette in the snow during the 2009 Minnesota Wing Color Guard Competition. (Photo courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PIO) Cadets from North Hennepin Squadron took numerous honors during Minnesota Wing s annual Color Guard Competition held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley. The North Hennepin Color Guard placed first in Indoor Practical Drill, Outdoor Practical Drill, Standard Drill, Mile Run, Male Fleet Foot competition, Inspection, Panel Quiz, and Written Test. The North Hennepin Color Guard consisting of C/A1C Garan Williams, C/SrA Sam Kessler, C/SSgt Jasmine Sands, C/MSgt Kris Grimaldi, and C/A1C Mitch Hanson (alternate) will represent Minnesota Wing during the North Central Region Color Guard Competition in early A team from the squadron won Minnesota and North Central Region Color Guard Competitions in Color Guard details typically include posting the colors at sporting events, military celebrations, veterans funerals and a variety of other appropriate occasions. North Hennepin was consistently challenged for the top spot by Color Guards from Anoka and Viking Squadrons. C/Amn Zophia Raleigh of Anoka Squadron took top honors in the Female Fleet Foot category, while C/TSgt Gideon Wiff of Viking Squadron had the best individual score in the Written Test competition. Anoka also took the Team Spirit Award. The purpose of the competition is: 1. Provide incentive and motivation for cadets to train and attain goals in leadership, aerospace, physical fitness and teamwork. 2. Provide an opportunity for cadets to increase esprit de corps through Excellence in training and performance. 3. To provide public validation of the objectives of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (CAP). The cadets that choose to be part this competition show great dedication by making sure they understand the basics of Drill and Ceremony, such as flag etiquette, which is so critical when our cadets are out in public performing as Color Guard, said Major Janelle Gates, Chief of Staff- Training, Minnesota Wing. When cadets take that extra step to show that they care about what they re doing, are willing to put themselves up for critical critique, and First rifle, C/SrA Sam Kessler of North Hennepin Squadron, leads the way for other members of the Color Guard. (Photo courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PIO) 7 7

7 NHS Color Guard Cont.- Year in Review Continued from page 5... Color Guard Competition in early A team from the squadron won both Minnesota and North Central Region Color Guard Competitions last year before attending National Cadet Competition in Oregon. C/Capt Peter Mayhew of Anoka Squadron was one of the cadet staffers during the 2009 Minnesota Wing Color Guard Competition. (Photo courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PIO) are ready to carry on the military traditions of honor and respect, that says a lot about our youth. THANK YOU! In what is now very much a holiday tradition, Civil Air Patrol is partnering with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization with a mission to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of our nation s veterans. The Southeast Composite Squadron had a successful first year participating in the program placing about 170 wreaths in Rochester. (L-R) Members of the Anoka and Viking Squadrons share congratulations during the Panel Quiz portion of the 2009 Minnesota Wing Color Guard Competition. (Photo courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PIO) All in all, a great year! 9 9

8 Mankato Squadron Participates in CyberPatriot II Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group II While most people were sleeping in on a Saturday morning last November 7, a small group of cadets from the Mankato Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol were participating in CyerPatriot II, the largest simultaneous worldwide high school cyber defense competition ever staged. Basically, the cadets learned how to prevent people from putting viruses on computers, said Senior Master Sergeant David Dlugiewicz, the squadron s aerospace education officer. The Mankato cadets spent most of the day trying to uncover 20 things that compromised a computer operating system as part of a hands-on exercise to interest young adults in math, science and technology. Their competition included 200 high school teams from 41 states and Japan competing over the Internet. Over two weeks, that group was narrowed to 36 teams for the second round or Medalist Flight competition on Nov. 21. Dlugiewicz said the Mankato team experienced some technical problems throughout the first Senior Master Sergeant David Dlugiewicz, Mankato Squadron aerospace education officer, and cadets participating in CyerPatriot II the largest simultaneous worldwide high school cyber defense competition ever staged. (Photo courtesy Mankato Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol) two rounds. After 3 hours of the second round, the cadets had only fixed one item according to the testing software. At that point, the cadets decided that they wanted to make sure their gear was together if they were needed for a ground team so they stopped after about four hours instead of completing all six. The Mankato team did not qualify for the 3rd round of the competition, but Dlugiewicz w a s p r o u d o f t h e c a d e t s Overall, I was impressed with the cadets performance and their decision to try again in round two. There were many teams that opted not to participate in round two at all

9 Wreaths Across America at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery 1st Lt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron & Group 3 It was a cold day but their hearts were warm and heavy Hundreds showed up for the Wreaths Across America at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota on December 12, Minnesota, US Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing, Commander, CAP members from several Squadrons, the Patriot Guard along with guests attended the ceremonies. CAP, Maj. Rich Geis, MC ed the event which included presentation of Wreaths at the military memorial flags. Guest and CAP members placed over 1000 wreaths at graves of NCR Color Guard Team, North Hennepin Composite Squadron and Lt. Gov. Molnau: (L-R) C/Capt Nic Trombley, C/CMSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/MSgt Frank Albrecht, Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, C/CMSgt Reuben Miller and C/TSgt Caitlin Albrecht (picture by Lt. Suzanne Albrecht). Rifles (picture by 1st Lt. George Supan). Veterans who gave the greatest of all sacrifices for our freedom. The Colors were presented by the Minnesota Wing Color Guard from North Hennepin Composite Squadron. MN Wing Chaplain, Lt. Col. Don Mikitta did the invocation and Chaplain, Maj. Robert McLawhorn provided the benediction. Rep Bachmann (picture by 1st Lt. George Supan)

10 Maj. Richard Geis, Ft. Snelling Squadron (picture by 1st Lt. George Supan). CAP members escorted family members or special guests who placed wreaths at the flag poles and markers for each of the branches of the military. At the completion of the ceremonies Taps was played along with a volley of rifle fires. After the formal ceremonies wreaths were placed by the grave markers at a sections of the cemetery by CAP members and anyone who was in attendance. Some placed wreaths at individual graves of family members and loved ones who have served their Country. Cadet Bill Davis accepts a wreath on behalf of his brother, former cadet, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jake Davis who is now serving in Washington, D.C. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to pay tribute to those who have served. We Remembered, We Honored and We Shared with Cadets through our teachings. Assisting with wreath Cadet Cadet 2nd Lt. Matt Frame, Anoka Composite Squadron (picture by 1st Lt. George Supan). Cadet Bill Davis accepts a wreath (picture by Lt. Suzanne Albrecht). Too many magazines around your house? Leave this one in a public place as a recruiting tool! 13 13

11 Good Feelings From Wreaths Across America Linger on for Minnesota Squadron Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group II December s annual Wreaths Across America event is long gone, but not forgotten by members of the Southeast Squadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. I was really impressed by the squadron s high participation in this first year effort, and hope we can lay a wreath at every veteran s grave in Rochester in the future, said Second Lieutenant Gene Enos, squadron deputy commander. We re already discussing plans for There are four cemeteries in Rochester containing the graves of more than 1,000 veterans. In its first year of participation in the nationwide event, the squadron placed 170 wreaths at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Most of the wreaths were secured through squadron-solicited donations. ABOVE: Cadet Elias Rosedahl lays a wreath on the grave a veteran at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Minn., as part of Wreaths Across America. (Photo courtesy of Chaplain (Maj.) Curtis Martin, Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron). LEFT: Major Richard Baker renders a salute during the Wreaths Across America event held at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Minn. (Photo courtesy of Chaplain (Maj.) Curtis Martin, Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron)

12 C/Amn Timothy O Reilly of Crow Wing Squadron places a wreath during a cold, windy Wreaths Across America ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minnesota. (photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing). Squadrons Combine Efforts During Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Veterans Cemetery Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 C/A1C Jessica Holmes of Crow Wing Squadron waits for the Wreaths Across America ceremony to get underway at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minnesota. (photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing). On a cold, windy central Minnesota morning, as geese winged their way to southern climates, wreaths warmed over 300 snow covered graves at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley as part of Wreaths Across America. Members of the Crow Wing and St. Cloud squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol combined efforts to distribute the wreaths. They were joined by the Minnesota Patriot Guard, as well as other veterans organizations. The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs conducted a brief ceremony placing seven wreaths, representing each branch of service, the Merchant Marines, Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company started placing wreaths on the headstones of fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, the tradition continues as the Civil Air Patrol, the Patriot Guard Riders and other civic organizations place wreaths during a special observance at each of the over 230 State and National Cemeteries, and Veterans Monuments nationwide. LEFT: C/2nd Lt Ben Leaf of St. Cloud Squadron prepares to lay a wreath at one of 300 graves at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn., as part of Wreaths Across America. (photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing)

13 Former MN Civil Air Patrol Member is Now the Best of the Best 1st Lt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron Cadet 3rd Class Andrew Haus, who attended St. Francis, MN High School is named best of the best at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Co. Cadets with the Class of 2012 received awards for outstanding performance as freshmen during the annual Liaison Officer Director s conference in Colorado Spring January 14, C a d e t H a u s w a s C a d e t C o m m a n d e r a t t h e A n o k a Composite Squadron of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol before being accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadet Haus was ranked fourth in his class militarily, had a 3.8 mid-semester GPA and earned a 445 of 500 possible points on his physical fitness test. In addition, he was a class representative for Cadet Squadron 04 and dedicated his spring break to Habitat for Humanity. I think my biggest accomplishment was simply keeping up good grades, said Haus. Academics are everything here, and I m definitely not a genius in any way. I have never worked so hard on schoolwork, but it really paid off. The award ceremony gives liaison officer directors a chance to recognize the outstanding achievements and hard work that cadets put into the Academy, said Larry Jones, acting director (L-R) Paula Gould, wife of Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Mike Gould; Cadet 3rd Class Andrew Haus; Larry Jones, acting director of admissions. (Photo taken by Rachel Boettcher) of admissions. These are the same cadets our Academy liaison officers mentored and helped get to the Academy two years ago, said Jones. M e m b e r s o f t h e A n o k a C o m p o s i t e Squadron are very excited to see one of their own become the best of the best, said Capt. Shelly Supan, Commander. 10% of the new Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy are former Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol

14 Deployed Marine, CAP Member Sees Similar Leadership Challenges Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer Group II, Minnesota Wing Many of the leadership challenges facing Civil Air Patrol members are the same ones confronting members of today s military says Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Jeff Dvorak of Sauk Rapids, Minn. From September 14, 2009, the Minnesota Wing - St. Cloud Squadron first lieutenant has been running convoys as a member of Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 at Al Asad Airbase Iraq. The unit was tasked with assisting retrograding the Marine Corps side of operations in Iraq to the U.S. Army, which they successfully accomplished January 23, US Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Jeff Dvorak, a CAP first lieutenant with the Minnesota Wing s St. Cloud Squadron working communications during a convoy in Iraq. (Photo provided by LCPL Dvorak) US Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Jeff Dvorak, a CAP first lieutenant with the Minnesota Wing s St. Cloud Squadron, working comm on a convoy in Iraq. The headset allows him to talk to the convoy assets while a handset, right ear, allows him to talk to Marine tactical air supporting the convoy. (Photo provided by LCPL Dvorak) This mission has our unit moving equipment from place to place, as well as setting up refueling points for helicopters, repairing landing sites, and hauling fuel to remote locations, Dvorak said. We were so efficient in doing this that our deployment was shortened by several months! He s expected back home shortly. Dvorak transitioned to the senior officer side of CAP after a successful cadet experience that showcased his Emergency Services skills, particularly as a Ground Team Leader. To help pay for college he enlisted in the Marine Reserve two years ago. He was attending St. Cloud State University 18 18

15 when he was selected to augment Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, based in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, for its mission to Iraq. Convoy duty was intense and stressful, but there were moments of humor as well. I watched a Marine known for being clumsy, get down from a 7-ton truck, and catch his weapon sling on a fire extinguisher which then began spraying purple fire suppressant everywhere. This Marine tried to stem the flow by sticking his finger in the nozzle. It was one of the funniest things I had seen in a long time, Dvorak said. Dvorak said what he learned about leadership as a CAP cadet served him well as a deployed Marine. The Minnesota Leadership Academy s Basic Commissioned Office Course (BCOC) and Major Sprouse s series Learning to Lead specifically, applied and were confirmed while I was in Iraq, Dvorak said. 1. In CAP, a leader s first priority is taking care of their cadets. In the Marines, this meant doing simple things like making sure everyone was properly fed, housed and getting enough rest. Also, treating everyone fairly. 2. BCOC emphasized setting clear goals and objectives. Dvorak said Marine s always have a plan of action so personnel and equipment are not sitting idly by. 3. Make sure your people receive praise and formal recognition regularly. 4. Know your job. He said there s nothing worse than an incompetent leader who hasn t taken the time to learn their profession. 5. Be confidant. Don t be the timid leader who gives orders phrased as questions. US Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Jeff Dvorak, a CAP first lieutenant with the Minnesota Wing s St. Cloud Squadron, on convoy duty in Iraq. (Photo provided by LCPL Dvorak) a leader, take your subordinates suggestions into account, and if they are better than yours show your maturity and change your course of action. 7. An ineffective, poor leader screams and yells. Instead, set high standards and expectations, and enforce them. Leadership challenges that come up in CAP are the same as the ones faced by today s military, Dvorak said. He said the biggest differences between CAP and the Marines are pay and the laws that apply on the military side, laws that increase the consequences of both positive and negative actions. The experience in Iraq has been eye opening, both as a follower and as a potential leader, Dvorak said. There is so much one can learn just by paying attention and then applying what you have learned. I look forward to getting back to the squadron in St. Cloud and doing just that. 6. Give respect to get respect. Dvorak said it s an old cliché, but true. As 19 19

16 Minnesota Wing Enjoys Another Winter Blast Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group II The annual Lock-in and Volleyball tournament hosted March 6-7 by the St. Cloud Composite Squadron and Minnesota Wing has become a mainstay for Minnesota members of the Civil Air Patrol wanting a break from the long winter and an opportunity to have some fun with other families and friends from across the state. The event held at St. Cloud State University drew nearly 250 people this year. It was also an opportunity for Major Pat Cruze, St. Cloud Squadron commander, and one of the organizers of the highly popular event, to get out some valuable information to potential members of CAP, as well as thank all wing members for their efforts throughout the year. Wing members invite friends and family along so it s a great time to share a lot of good information about the opportunities CAP provides and do The rock climb is always a popular event during the Minnesota Wing Lock-In/Volleyball Tournament held annually at St. Cloud State University. (Photo courtesy Major Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) a little recruiting, as well as give them a taste of some of the fun events that occur during the year, Cruze said. It s also a great event to keep current cadet and senior members from across the state connected to what is going on in their squadrons. The event centers around the volleyball tournament earlier in the day, but there are lots of other fun activities during the overnight lock-in such as swimming, movies, board games, dodge ball and basketball. The state of the art flight simulators provided by the university s nationally recognized aviation department put cadets behind the controls of various aircraft. Continued on page A cadet prepares to serve during the 2010 Minnesota Wing Lock-In/Volleyball Tournament held annually at St. Cloud State University. (Photo courtesy Major Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) 21 21

17 Team Minnesota is Mission Ready Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group II Members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol underwent a U. S. Air Force e v a l u a t i o n A p r i l 1 7 a n d r e c e i v e d S u c c e s s f u l, Excellent and Outstanding r a t i n g s, r e s p e c t i v e l y. We are pleased to report that Minnesota Wing has successfully completed its two-year operations evaluation by the Air Force and is mission ready, said Maj. Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wing s emergency services director and incident commander of the USAF evaluation. Nearly 120 CAP members and 12 aircraft participated in the evaluation, which assessed areas critical or important A cadet performs flight line marshalling during the USAF evaluation held in Mankato, Minn., on April 17, Nearly 120 CAP members and 12 aircraft participated in the event. (Photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) Lt. Col. Thomas Hollenhorst is interviewed by KEYC-TV during the USAF evaluation held in Mankato, Minn., on April 17, (Photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) to assure the health and performance of Civil Air Patrol Wings everywhere. I congratulate you on the successful completion of this, as well. For all those who received Excellent or Outstanding ratings, I m extremely proud of you, said Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander. While the overall rating was Successful, Pieper and Theis acknowledged there s always work to do. However, both agreed with the Air Force evaluators that Minnesota Wing is ready to serve when called. Successful means that we are ready. We stand on our readiness, we do what we need to do 22 22

18 to be ready at a moment s notice to deploy our air and ground resources wherever they are needed and whenever they are needed, Pieper said. We meet the standards set forth by the Air Force, but I say with confidence that as Minnesotans we not only want to meet but exceed standards and we will continue to work to that end. Every moment of the day hours a day, seven days a week Minnesota Wing stands ready to serve locally, regionally, and nationally, Col. Theis said. 2nd Lt. Greg Erickson readies an aircraft for a mission during the USAF evaluation held at in Mankato, Minn., on April 17, (Photo courtesy Maj. Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) Winter Blast Continued from page 21 While many people were having fun playing volleyball or the many other activities, some were climbing the walls. The rock climbing wall is a very popular event. Most people head straight for the wall as soon as they get here, Cruze said, but we hear it every year, it s all a blast. There was also plenty of pizza, sloppy joe s, hotdogs, chips, beverages, and other assorted foods and treats thanks to the generous donations of numerous vendors in the St. Cloud area. All in all, it was a great time and good, clean family fun for everyone who attended with many of the attendees already looking forward to next year s event. Minnesota Wing Commander Col. Tom Theis (far right) joins members of the North Hennepin Squadron, winners of the volleyball competition. (Photo courtesy Major Richard Sprouse, Group II PIO, Minnesota Wing) 23 23

19 Flood Flight is on again in North Dakota and Minnesota Major Richard Sprouse Public Information Officer 2010 Flood Operations-Minnesota Minnesota Wing (Standing with shovel) C/Capt Lydia Stone and C/2nd Lt Ben Leaf (holding sandbag), both of St. Cloud (Minn.) Squadron sandbagging south of Moorhead, Minn. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Steven Parker, St. Cloud Squadron, Minnesota Wing) Members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol sandbagging south of Moorhead, Minn. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Steven Parker, St. Cloud Squadron, Minnesota Wing) It s go time. With that, 75 members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol are on the ground in the Fargo/Moorhead area filling sandbags and building dikes in areas threatened by the rising Red River. We ve been checking and packing our gear, and finalizing our call-down list for the past week in anticipation of getting the call, said First Lieutenant Steven Parker, St. Cloud Squadron s Emergency Services officer. Parker, a former CAP cadet, is a full-time student at St. Cloud State University who will be commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant in May. Twelve cadets and two senior officers departed St. Cloud Airport at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday for the three-hour trip to the Fargo/Moorhead area. The St. Cloud Squadron was working Wednesday south of Moorhead, Minn., with CAP members from Anoka and North Hennepin squadrons laying sandbags in flood prone areas. A man in his 70 s greeted the CAP vans as they rolled up. He was awfully glad to see us, Parker said. This is a situation where a community is in need of our support, we re here to help in any way we can. The ride to the site and a quick reconnaissance of the area told CAP members all they needed to know about what they re facing. Waterways running high and the saturated ground have created ideal conditions for flooding, Parker said. We re going to be busy. Hutchinson, Red Wing, St. Croix, Mankato and St. Paul Squadrons have similar missions at other locations. Other Minnesota Squadrons are in route. Several senior officers and cadets are working at the mission base in Fargo Airport. Weather conditions brought both relief and 25 25

20 concern to Parker. The weather is ideal for working outside, sunny and in the upper 40s, a far cry from the blizzard conditions we experienced during last year s record flood, Parker said. Ice jams on the Red River north of Fargo have slowed the rushing waters, but the warmer temperatures and sunshine will hasten their melt. That concerns everyone here, Parker said. We re watching. It s all we can do. The Red River in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota is expected to crest about 20 feet above flood stage and three feet below last year s record crest by March 20. Major Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wing s Emergency Services director, said Minnesota air crews are standing by to assist. We just finished up a series of training missions in anticipation of supporting disaster relief efforts in the Red River Valley, as well as other areas of Minnesota Members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol sandbagging south of Moorhead, Minn. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Steven Parker, St. Cloud Squadron, Minnesota Wing) (Foreground) 1st Lieutenant Jeff Dvorak, St. Cloud Squadron, recently returned from a deployment to Iraq with the Marine Corps, sandbags south of Moorhead, Minn. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Steven Parker, St. Cloud Squadron, Minnesota Wing) threatened with flooding. The flood fight is on again in North Dakota and Minnesota. It s go time. The Minnesota Wing consists of 23 squadrons located in every area of the state, with more than 1,300 members and 17 light aircraft. Minnesota Wing routinely flies thousands of hours per year of operational flights, and contributes some 10,000 + hours to search and rescue, counter drug, disaster preparedness, Homeland Security and other humanitarian mission flying. For more information on Minnesota CAP go to: Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 72 lives in fiscal year Its volunteers play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 23,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for nearly 70 years

21 CAP Aircrews Wrap Successful Flooding Response CAP Gippsland GA-8 Airvans equipped with the ARCHER hyperspectral imaging system set on the tarmac at Fargo s Hector International Airport. The Airvans were used to fly sorties in support of federal and state emergency management agencies involved in the recent flood response in the Red River Valley. In all, CAP aircrews from seven Midwest states made 160 ARCHER and still photography flights in support of the mission. (Photo by Lt. Col. John Barsness, Minnesota Wing) Flights document Midwest states critical infrastructure concerns Major Richard Sprouse Public Information Officer 2010 Flood Operations-Minnesota Minnesota Wing FARGO, N.D. Civil Air Patrol aircraft and personnel from seven Midwest states have returned home after providing nearly 360 hours of flight time supporting disaster relief efforts in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Our mission is complete, said Illinois Wing Maj. Eric Templeton, who directed CAP s ARCHER flights over the Red River Valley as well as other parts of North Dakota from the organization s flood response mission base at Fargo s Hector International Airport. I d like to express my personal thanks to everyone who directly and indirectly supported our activities, especially those who covered for us back home. Acting as an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP sent aircrews from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin to the Fargo mission base. The aircrews flew 160 still photography and ARCHER flights, delivering 1,100 images and 1,270 gigabytes of ARCHER information to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the North Dakota Emergency Operations Center, U.S. Geological Service, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral 27 27

22 Three ARCHER-equipped Gippsland GA-8 Airvans are prepped for flight at Fargo s Hector International Airport, the mission base for Civil Air Patrol s recent flood response in the Red River Valley. The hyperspectral imaging system aboard four CAP Airvans was used to assist federal and state emergency management officials responding to the flooding in the upper Midwest. In all, CAP aircrews from seven Midwest states made 160 ARCHER and still photography flights in support of the mission. (Photo by Lt. Col. Troy C. Krabbenhoft, North Dakota Wing) Enhanced Reconnaissance, or ARCHER, is flown aboard CAP s Australian-built Gippsland GA-8 aircraft. Developed a few years ago specifically for Civil Air Patrol to aid in search and rescue, homeland security and disaster relief, ARCHER is one of the most sophisticated non-classified airborne imaging systems in the world. It provides hyperspectral imaging capabilities through a highresolution camera onboard each CAP Airvan. Federal and state emergency management officials used ARCHER images taken in North Dakota and Minnesota to determine the extent of the flood inundation along the Red River as well as other rivers and tributaries as they crested and to help analyze the integrity of several earthen dams. The images also helped officials improve the snow melt models used to predict water levels for the river and its tributaries. This provided more than just situational awareness, said Capt. Nash Pherson, a Minnesota Wing volunteer who helped coordinate the ARCHER flights. We were able to rapidly provide highresolution imagery that could be pulled into the mapping systems used by emergency response decision-makers. More than 30 CAP members utilizing four GA-8 Airvans and 12 other aircraft supported ARCHER. Each agency was very happy with the speed and quality of the data it received from ARCHER, said Templeton, adding, North Dakota officials are interested in some longerterm tasking activities to support other needs of the state. While ARCHER was out collecting data, other aircrews often used the 12 support planes at the Fargo mission base to provide ice jam patrols all over the state as well as still images of rivers and tributaries, said Lt. Col. Bill Kay, the incident commander for North Dakota Wing. Our crews worked the Missouri, Knife, Heart and Cannonball rivers in central North Dakota, while others flew the James, Sheyenne, North Red, Forest and Park rivers on the eastern side of the state from the North Dakota-South Dakota border to Canada. We are still doing that even today, albeit at a lesser degree. Similar activities were repeated in South Dakota, on the rivers and tributaries in the Mount Rushmore State. Capt. John Seten, South Dakota Wing s incident commander, said aircrews provided overflights of flooded areas of the state and took geographically tagged aerial photographs of ice jams and flood damage for the state s Office of Emergency Management