minnesota wing - jun 2009

8/9/2019 Minnesota Wing - Jun 2009

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MINNESOTA W

SUMMER2009

Northern Fligh

CITIZENS SERVING C


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NorthernFlights

Minnesota WingCivil Air Patrol

6275 Crossman LaneInver Grove Heights, MN 55076

[email protected]

Colonel Thomas TheisCommander, Minnesota Wing

Northern Flights Summer 2009Editorial Supplied by

Maj. Al Pabon, Director of Public AffairsNorth Central Region, CAP

Northern Flights is the authorized publicationof the Minnesota Wing of Civil Air Patrol andis edited by the Minnesota Wing HeadquartersOffice. It is published by a private firm whichis in no way connected to the United States AirForce or the Civil Air Patrol. Opinions expressedin the articles and advertisements in this magazineare the sole responsibility of the contributorsand are in no way endorsed by the United StatesGovernment, the United States Air Force, or theCivil Air Patrol Corporation. This publication ispublished three times a year.

Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteerorganization. Federally chartered by Congressunder 36 U.S.C. 20 -208, which is dedicatedto emergency services, aerospace education andmotivation of Americas youth to the highest

ideals of leadership and public service throughcadet programs. Funds received by the advertisingsales are used to support this publication and tosupport various CAP activities throughout theState of Minnesota.

For information on advertising ratesand space, please call:

1-800-635-6036

F loods are an annual occurrence in theNorthern Plains and when the springthaw arrives so do the floods. The RedRiver flood brought record flood levels to theFargo-Moorhead area resulting in super saturatedgrounds and the Red River cresting at a recordheight.

Originally predicted to reach a level of near43 feet at Fargo by March 29, the river crested at40.82 feet at 2: 5 a.m. March 28th and started aslow decline.

Members of Minnesota Wing responded toa call from North Dakota Wing to help withSandbagging Operations in the Fargo-MoorheadArea. They hit the ground on Monday March 23rdand literally minutes after checking in they wereoff sandbagging.

A big highlight of the rst few days was the

effort to save a local radio station.Four Disaster Relief teams were working

with members of the community to protect radiostation KFGO Radio in Fargo and its transmittingantenna/equipment. The station is a major sourceof information during emergencies for the resi-dents of the Fargo-Moorhead area.

If this building goes under, the city and localcommunities lose vital radio communications.People call into the station and tell them status of their situations and vital communication of emer-gency messages are sent via this medium. said Lt.Col. Troy Krabbenhoft, the North Dakota WingPublic Affairs Of cer.

Their efforts enabled the station to remain onthe air and serving the community.

Minnesota WingResponds to

Major Flooding

COVER IMAGE: Members of Minnesota Wing help to save Radio Station KFGO in Fargo.


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One of the areas in whichour squadrons were assignedwas the Copper eld Court Cul-de-Sac. We were present overthree consecutive days. The rstwas an almost summer-like daywith the base being put down forthe sandbag barrier to the riverextending from an overpass tothe south into the neighborhood.The river was about 30 yardsfrom the barrier down a gentleslope, and by days end a baseof about four feet and height of

4 feet above normal river levelwas well-underway. The CAPpresence lasted about 6 hoursthat day.

The following day was anear blizzard condition, about30 degrees colder with a drivingwind. The river was two-thirdscloser to the barrier. Our cadetsand seniors worked well andseemed not to be very concerned

with the cold. I am sure that

The road to Crookston, MN closed due to ooding.

Members of Minnesota

Wing assist in Sandbagging Operations in

Moorhead, MN

The I-94 bridge connecting Fargo and Moorhead.Courtesy North Dakota Wing.

the physical exertion kept uswarm. The many neighborswere always about asking if weneeded anything. Their garageswere open with coffee and hotchocolate and many snacks

available all the day long. Thesandbag barrier was completedthat afternoon.

The third day, we returnedto touch up and increase the


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height of the barrier to 42 feet.The river was at the base of our

barrier at the 38 foot level abovenormal river height. A nal plas -tic cover was placed over thebarrier. It remained cold and wetthat day with light snow.

Throughout these three days,many neighbors commented onthe organization of our mem-bers and the helpful attitudedisplayed. They were grateful,so grateful for everyone who

helped protect their homes.M e a n w h i l e t h e F a rg o -

C/SSgt. Jarek Connolly and a resident placing sandbags at the Copper eld Court Cul-de-Sac. Minnesota Wing cadets assist with

Sandbagging Operations in Moorhead,Minnesota.

Cadets taking a break during

Sandbagging Operations in Fargo,ND.

Members of the Northland Squadron at the Mission Base.

Moorhead area effec t ively

became an island with most of the roads going in and out of thearea being nearly impassable.

On Wednesday March 25thoperations continued with manymembers lling sandbags at theFargo Dome stadium and othersites in the Fargo area.

It is inspiring to see the vol-unteer spirit and sense of missionin the midst of this emergency,

said Col. Karl Altenburg, com-mander of the North Dakota

Wing. All personnel, especiallythe cadets, continue to impressthe community with their will-ingness and ability to serve.

Give them some directionand they hop to it.

That s what Fargo, NDresident Kent Wanner had to sayabout members of the Minnesotaand North Dakota wings of theCivil Air Patrol responding tothe record flooding along theRed River separating Fargo andMoorhead, MN.

S i n c e e a r l y M o n d a y,Wanner and h is ne ighborsof the Riverwood HousingDevelopment have been battlingthe rising river with sandbagsalmost round the clock.

This is a disaster thatsaffecting all of us and the assis-tance of Civil Air Patrol is muchappreciated. I can tell you wereall a little tired and nervous, butyour assistance is much appreci-ated and has lifted our spirits.

Phil McShane, who also


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lives in the development, had plenty of praise forCAP as well.

Who are those marvelous young people?Theyre polite, hardworking and their sense of community is amazing, what an example andinspiration to all of us, McShane said.

The scope of this years event and the reactionof the people is something that C/SMSgt. HannaOlson of Anoka Squadron will always remember.

Its unbelievable how high the water is,Olson said, its also unbelievable how everyone ispulling together.

Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of NorthHennepin Squadron said that despite the circum-stances theres lots of positive interaction betweenCAP members.

Its been great socializing with membersof both the Minnesota and North Dakota wing,Trombley said.

There was even an extra bene t for Trombley.Theres a cadet in our squadron that I didnt

know very well, but after living in the same areafor a few days we got to know each other prettywell. Interesting how a common cause like thisbrings strangers together.

Col. Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing com-mander said this is a situation where an area needsand appreciates CAPs assistance.

We will continue to sup-port our citizens in their timeof need, Altenburg said. Ourmembers will work tirelessly tosupport our local responders andcommunities in the Red RiverValley.

The weather did not cooper-ate as it was snowing duringmuch of the day by members

just took it in stride.Late on Thursday March

26th Col. Karl Altenburg, NorthDakota Wing Commander made

the decision to move the Fargo Mission Commandpost to Casselton, ND as City Of cials in Fargo,ND issued a statement that all major roads wouldbe closed around the city.

Minnesota Wings ground teams were movedto Minnesota State University at Moorhead to rallytheir members. Once accounted for, they departedfor home station.

All ground operations were suspended untilfurther notice. This decision was made to allowcadets to remain with their families so they con-tinue to help at home.

I am very proud of the members of CivilAir Patrol who came from all parts of the state tohelp in this time of need, said Minnesota WingCommander Col. Thomas Theis.

The region is maintaining a website chroni-cling the CAP efforts in the 2009 Floods. Ithas updates, images, releases, as well as firstperson accounts of the ood operations. MinnesotaWing also has an album of flood images. Theycan be accessed at: http://www.ncrpao.org/spe-cials/2009_floods/index.htm and http://www.mncap.org/pictures/2009/ oods.cfm

Thanks to Major Don Dalton, Capt. RichardSprouse, Capt. Richard Geis, and 2nd Lt. AlanTrombley for their contributions to this story.

Cadets taking a break during Sandbagging Operations in Fargo, ND.


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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 heard a cadet say,

Ive never seen a ood But today I think I may.

Nearing our destinationThe water showed its power,Flowing in felds and ditches

And surrounding a radio tower.

Finally at our checkpoint,Our IC gave the orders,

So we joined another detailTo sandbag around some houses.

Those sandbags, they were heavy But we passed them right along,

And soon the dike was high enoughSo we shouted out a song.

Some cadets flled sandbagsSome 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 wed met

Who were very nice to know.

We didnt see the ood Of the river they call Red,

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

We Didnt See The Flood By 2nd Lt. Linda Dilley


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We had great representation from MinnesotaWing. Chaplain David Myers of NorthlandSquadron and Character Development InstructionOf cers (CDIOs) Anna Marie Bistodeau of WingHeadquarters, Jonathan Johnson of Red Wingtraining in Emergency Services, and David Mayof St. Paul attended the three day event.

Over the three days, we trained in EmergencyServices, Cadet Programs, and AerospaceEducation upgrading ministry skills and learnedwhat is new in the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corpfrom the Chief of Chaplain, Region Chaplainand Region Emergency Services Director provedbene cial for the 30 attendees.

Next years event is scheduled for 9-22 Apr2010 at Bellevue, NE.

Chaplain Lt. Col. Don Mikitta, Wing Chaplain

Chaplains Complete Service Staff College

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

Just before the holiday season began the Squadron and Group Commanders gathered with the WingExecutive Team for the annual Commanders Workshop.

Over 3 days 44 of the Wings key leaders met and discussed a variety of issues as well as being ableto spend time together and discuss issues and concerns as peers and colleagues.

WingLeadershipGathers for

Growth,Learning and Revitalization

Col. Theis and Group 1 Commander Lt. Col.Dave Odette promote Paulette Odette to the grade of Major at the 2008 Commanders Workshop.

Theis promotes Wing Legal Of cer Kevin nlevy to the grade of Lt. Col. during the 2008 mmanders Workshop.

Lt. Col. Mike Moen congratulates Matt Barrett on his promotion to Major at the 2008 Commanders Workshop.


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Twenty Civil Air Patrolm e m b e r s f r o m s q u a d r o n sthroughout the s ta te cametogether for a two-day SquadronLeadership School at Lake ElmoAirport. The members werefrom Anoka, Duluth, Mankato,North Hennepin, St. Cloud,St. Croix, Valley, and VikingSquadrons. Having a diversegroup from different areas andbackgrounds added to the valueof the two-days.

The presenters were the bestin the State and shared their

1st Lt. George Supan Public Affairs Of cer, Group 3

Minnesota Wing members attendSquadron Leadership School

experiences along with thecourse material throughout thedays.

Col. Steve Miller, formerMinnesota Wing Commander,shared information about beingwing commander. Lt . Col .Charlotte Miller, Wing Chief of Staff for Mission Support, addedinformation from her employ-ment. Lt. Col. Tom Kettell, for-mer Wing, Vice Commander,who does professional develop-ment across the country enlight-ened us.

Lt. Col. Mike Moen, Group 3Commander and Wing Directorof Professional Development,identi ed how each CAP mem -ber is impacted through whatwe do and say. Capt. DavidYost, Commander, St. CroixComposite Squadron, identi edhow squadrons fit into and arethe heart of CAP. Capt. DavidMansheffer, Anoka CompositeS q u a d r o n , P r o f e s s i o n a lDevelopment Officer, sharedhow important senior membersare. Not just volunteers, they areof cers in CAP.

Maj. David Kenan, hostSt. Croix, Maj. Don Sorenson,A n o k a a n d C a p t . S t e f a nSylvander, St. Croix Squadronscoordinated the team of talentedpresenters.

Each attendee will be a bet-ter Officer and Leader in theirrespective squadrons.

Lt. Col. Mike Moen andCourse Director Maj. DavidKenan presented certi cates tothe class on the nial day.

Lt. Col. Tom Kettell, Minnesota Wing IG, making a point at the SLS.


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New Group ThreeCommander

Installed1st Lt. George Supan,

Public Affairs Of cer, Group 3

The hangar at North Hennepin CompositeSquadron on March 3, 2009 was lled to capacity.CAP members were standing in the hallway lead-ing to the hangar.

for Cadets to earn a new grade and be promotedwhile having Col. Theis, other CAP members, andtheir families in attendance.

The Squadron had promotions within the Cadetprogram. Lt. Col. Hollenhorst, honored and withassistance by family members who changed gradeon 0 Cadets. One Cadet was so small in size, butbig in pride, that Lt. Col. Hollenhorst bent downlow to return the Cadets salute.

Seeing the progression of the Cadets in one of the six squadrons that Lt. Col. Johnson is now inCommand of in Group 3, we know they will allachieve the CAP missions

Brovold assumes

command of Minnesota Wings

Group IICapt. Richard Sprouse

Public Affairs Of cer, Group 2

Maj. Ryan Brovold has been named com -mander of Group II of the Minnesota Wing of theCivil Air Patrol (CAP).

Group 2 includes 245 CAP members fromAnoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, andWesota Squadrons.

Brovold , who res ides in Becker, hadbeen serving as commander of the St. CloudComposite Squadron before accepting the GroupII command.

According to National Headquarters a group

Lt. Col. Michael Moen relinquished commandof Group 3 and Lt. Col. Richard Johnson was givencommand of Group 3 during the ceremonies.

Family, friends, and CAP members arrivedearly at the Squadron in Crystal, MN filling theseating area, some stood along the walls in thehangar, and others were in the hallway leading tothe meeting area.

Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst, North HennepinSquadron, Commander, who hosted and was the MCfor the event welcomed family, friends, and CAPmembers along with a number of distinguish guests.

Lt. Col. Moen thanked the Group 3 members fortheir support over the years of his time as Commander.He congratulated Lt. Col. Johnson on accepting theposition along with assuring the group of Lt. Col.Johnsons leadership abilities to carry on.

Lt. Col. Johnson accepted the command alongwith asking for continual support of the membersto accomplish our three missions of Aerospace,Emergency Services, and the Cadet program.

Another very important part of the night was

Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing, Commander, thanked Lt.Col. Moen for his services in leading Group 3.

Col. Tom Theis presiding at the Group 3 Change of Command Ceremony with (L) Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst, Lt.Col. Dick Johnson and (R) Lt. Col. Mike Moen. Ph t by 2ndLt. Ruben Tahir


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commander representsthe wing commander intheir group and is respon-sible for ensuring thatobjectives, policies, andoperational directivesare effectively executedwithin the group.

In addition to exer-cising command overthe five units in Group

II, Brovold will be expected to promote the objec -tives and purposes of CAP by encouraging theachievement of established goals and programsby all units and by establishing new goals andprograms within the group in support of theobjectives.

Brovold, 35, has been a CAP member sinceDecember 200 . He was named Minnesota WingsSquadron Commander of the Year in 2008. Alsothat year he received a community service awardfrom the Air Force Association.

Brovold is a certi ed CAP Mission Pilot andGround Team Leader. His CAP specialty tracksinclude Operations, Aerospace Education, andProfessional Development.

Brovold grew up in Erskine, Minn. He earneda bachelors degree in political science and amasters degree in technology/career technicaleducation from Bemidji State University.

He also has a masters degree in space studiesfrom the University of North Dakota where hesnow pursuing a PhD in educational leadership.Hes currently the academic dean at RasmussenCollege in St. Cloud.

St. Cloud Squadrongets new commanderSir, I relinquish command.Sir, I assume command.

With those words, Major Ryan Brovold relin -quished command of the St. Cloud CompositeSquadron of the Civil Air Patrol to Captain Blane

Pierson in a Change-of-Command Ceremony,March 2 at the St. Cloud Armory.

Lt. Col. Mike Moen, Minnesota Wing vicecommander, presided over the ceremony.

One of the nest CAP traditions we have is the

Major Ryan Brovold

Major Ryan Brovold passes the Command of St. Cloud Squadron to Capt. Blane Pierson.

seamless passing of command from one squadroncommander to another, said Lt. Col. Moen.

We celebrate the achievements of the outgoingcommander and we also know the dedicated seniorofficers, cadets, and family members of the St.Cloud Composite Squadron will carry on the tradi-tion of excellence under the new commander.

Captain Pierson, a CAP member since age 2,had previously served as deputy commander of thesquadrons senior members. He has also served as thesquadrons deputy commander of cadets, emergencyservices of cer, and information technology of cer.

It takes a team to be a successful squadronso I ask for the support and cooperation of everysenior of cer, cadet, and parent in this squadron,Pierson said.

I realize the importance of responsibilities andduties of the position Ive been appointed to. Asyour commander, my responsibility and my prom-ise to you is to provide an environment that allowsevery member of this squadron to succeed. It is anhonor to assume command of this squadron.


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Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadronhad the unique opportunity to visit state of the artfacilities at an Air Force base, as well as viewstatic displays of Air Force heritage during a recentvisit to the Omaha area.

After a nine-hour drive to Offutt Air ForceBase, the 15 cadets and 5 senior members got achance to stretch their legs a bit by playing someUltimate Frisbee with members of the CurtisLemay, Offutt Composite Squadron before spend-ing the night at nearby Camp Ashland, a NationalGuard base.

The following morning the St. Cloud Squadrontoured Offutt Air Force Base, including theAerospace Physiology Education Center learn-ing about the possible disorientation pilots aresubjected to when operating at high altitudes. Thesquadron watched a video of pilots suffering fromaltitude hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the blood)before entering a hypobaric chamber where avia-tors receive training to combat the illness.

It was then off to the Air Force WeatherAgency where the $2 -million computer com-plex provides climatological data to a variety of

Captain Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Of cer, Group 2

All Photos courtesy of Capt. Richard Sprouse

Base and MuseumVisit Open

Squadrons Eyes to

the Possibilities

TSgt. Jimmie Smith of the 55th Operations Group shows survival gear to Cadet John Dvorak.

national defense and allied customers.The cadets and senior officers learned about

pilot survival equipment and nuclear/biologicalcontamination from members of the 55th OperationsGroup. Everyone was given an opportunity for somehands-on exploration of the equipment.

Afterwards, the St. Cloud Squadron was givena K-9 demonstration where they met Viharone of the four dogs stationed at Offutt. ThreeK-9 units from Offutt are currently deployed in theGlobal War on Terrorism.

After a full day at Offutt it was then back to thevans and a short trip to the Strategic Air & SpaceMuseum near Ashland where they spent the nightbefore a day viewing static displays celebratingaviation and space travel. Here, everyone hadthe opportunity to view and examine long retiredaircraft as well as mock-ups where they couldfamiliarize themselves with the controls of aircraftsuch as the B52 bomber.

The highlight of the museum visit was squad-ron member, Lt. Col. Jim Schlicks (Col., USAFretired), captivating personal account of his timeas a B52 navigator. His inspiring presentationprompted several cadets to personally seek him outduring breaks to ask about a career in the Air Forceor advice on attending the Air Force Academy.

The trip was a unique opportunity for futureleaders to see and hear about possible career pathsin air and space.

Overall, everyone felt the trip was a huge suc-cess because of the knowledge they gained aboutAir Force heritage and Offutts involvement in theAir Forces mission.

Cadets of the St. Cloud Squadron during a visit to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb.


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Minnesota Wing held its annual conferenceon May st and 2nd at the Arrowwood Resort in

Alexandria, MN.Members came together for a weekend of train-ing, fellowship, and recognition. An old friend of Minnesota Wing, Mr. Gerry Rozenswieg of CAPNational Headquarters represented headquartersand North Central Region Vice Commander (andMinnesota Resident) Col. Tom Weston repre -sented the region.

During the conference several awards werepresented:LONGEVITY AWARDS 20 Years

Capt. Steven L. AndersonLt. Col. Timothy GoodnerMaj. Charles P. SchumacherCapt. Mark W. ShorterMaj. Andrew BrowningCapt. Douglas McGrawCapt. Edward KlimaMaj. Antonio RossiniCapt. Paul W. BartzLONGEVITY AWARDS 30 YearsLt. Col. Chris A. Gerlach

Maj. Rolf S. Carlson (below)

LONGEVITY AWARDS 40 YearsLt. Col. John R. QuillingCapt. Michael W. HuttnerCapt. Kevin E. SwansonSpecialist of the Year AwardsThe Awardees received an Achievement AwardAdministration - SM Patricia SchraderAerospace Education Capt. David CoatesCadet Programs - st Lt. Norine Olson

Minnesota Wing Members Recognized atAnnual Conference

Chaplain Maj. Robert McLawhornCharacter Development Instruction Of cer - 1st

Lt. Jonathan JohnsonCommunications Capt. Dutch Van VrankenEmergency Services - st Lt. Robby Sandberg(below)

Finance - st Lt. Janelle VanceLogistics - st Lt. Tommy HeibertOperations Capt. David CarlstromProfessional Development - st Lt. DonaldHelgagerPublic Affairs - st Lt. George SupanSafety - 1st Lt. Karen BarrieCommanders Commendation Awards - Lt.Col. David Odette, Lt. Col. Michael Moen, Lt.Col. Dennis Yeager, Major Ryan Brovold, Capt.Richard Sprouse (pictured below), Capt. RichardYeager, and 1st Lt Nanette Berg

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Lifesaving Awards Maj. Gerald Kleene, 2ndLt. Karen Kleene, SM Raymond Majkrzak, st Lt.Janelle Vance and C/SSgt. Eric HeinonenWing Awards:Cof n Memorial Award Lt. Col. Paul AdamsDunbar Award - st Lt. Dutch Van Vranken

Sindelar Award Capt. James MillerFamily of the Year - The Olson Family, Russ,Norine, Veronica, and KaelynCadet NCO of the Year - C/2nd Lt. Peter MayhewCadet Commander - C/2nd Lt. Ethan K HelgagerWing Staff member of the Year Lt. Col. Paul AdamsCadet of the Year - C/Maj. Billy Hoffman (below)

CAP-USAF Torch Award - s t Lt . KarenAnderson

Senior Member of the Year Lt. Col. James RuttenCommander of the Year Lt. Col. Brent HalwegSquadron of Merit St. Croix SquadronSquadron of the Year - Viking Squadron

Senior Member of the Year Lt. Col. Bill Rutten

Lt. Col. Rutten has been and continues to bea valuable resource for the members of St. CroixComposite Squadron (STX) and the MinnesotaWing. He has shown himself to be a thoroughlydedicated mem-ber of the CivilAir Patrol, com-m i t t e d t o i t smissions.

In no casehas he failed tostep up and dothe job at hand

to the best of his ability. He has been steadfastwhether the mission at hand has been an ELTsearch, missing airplane, flood relief, or just anexercise, he has always been there doing his part.We all have personally learned a great deal fromhim and his experience.

Rutten has been a CAP member since 990.He served as St. Croix Squadron unit commanderfrom 2004-2008, serving an extra year beyond thestandard 3-year term. During this time he con-stantly led and pushed members to excel in orderto make St. Croix a Squadron of Distinction.

He currently serves as the St. Croix SquadronAdministrative Of cer and as an Advisor to thecommander. He also serves as an assistant forLogistics, Communications, Testing, ProfessionalDevelopment, and Personnel Of cer and provides

valuable experience and guidance to other mem-bers learning these positions. He is always willingto help and mentor other senior members in avariety of jobs.

Lt. Col. Rutten is a MN Wing IncidentCommander and teaches the Incident CommandSystem to squadron members and others beyondour unit. He leads by example. For instance, hehas already completed all the ICS courses neces-sary to continue as an Incident Commander.

He also serves as the chairman of the MN Wing

08 Task Force, serves on the St. Croix unit FinanceCommittee, and is a Flight Release Of cer.

Rutten has been an organizer for our Squadronand has been instrumental in our Squadrons partici-pation in the 2008 Shrine Circus with the St. PaulShiners (traf c management as a fund-raiser).

He is also responsible for and led the projectto install a new VHF radio antenna on our hangarbuilding and functions as the liaison between thesquadron and our landlord.

Squadron of Merit St. Croix SquadronThe Squadron of Merit Award is an annual award

established to recognize the top cadet or CompositeSquadrons in each Wing. The same criterion usedto select the Squadron of Distinction, which wasawarded to the Viking Composite Squadron, wasused to determine Squadron of Merit Award.

At the Conference banquet our Squadron

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prestigious award.

Commander of the Year Lt.Col. Brent Halweg

Lt. Col. Brent E. Halweg, Viking SquadronCommander, was recognized with the Squadron

Commander of the Year Award. Colonel Halwegis an inspirational leader who leads by example.Viking squad-r o n i s v e r yproud of theirc o m m a n d e rfor this veryd e s e r v i n gr e c o g n i t i o n .Col . Halwegi s a r e t i r e d

A i r F o r c eoff i ce r p i lo tw h o s e r v e din the act ivea n d r e s e r v eAir Force fortwenty years. He was an Air Force CAP-RAPof cer for Viking Squadron for two years.

He joined the Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003. He served as Viking Squadron AerospaceEducation Of cer from 2003 until he was appointed

as the squadrons commander in December 200 .As squadron commander, he continues to promoteexcellence within the squadron. Lt. ColonelHalweg has been employed by Northwest Airlinesfrom 989 to present. He served as a DC 9Captain/Instructor Pilot from 989 2008. In June2008 he became an Airbus Captain.

Commander, Capt. David Yost accepted the Squadronof Merit Award on behalf of the entire unit.

Capt. Yost had commented, Congratulationsare in order to all of the members of the St. CroixComposite Squadron for their hard work and

dedications that has earned our Squadron thisprestigious award.The St. Croix Composite Squadron received a

distinctive certi cate and a streamer to be attached toour Squadron Flag as a symbol of our achievement.

Squadron of the Year Viking Composite Squadron

Viking Composite Squadron was recognized

with the Minnesota Wing Squadron of the YearAward. The Squadron of Distinction Award rec-ognizes the top composite squadrons in each CivilAir Patrol wing for their excellence in supportingCAP and its missions. Viking Squadron is veryhonored with this recognition. The members of Viking squadron continue to strive for excellencethrough their hard work and dedication, and it isthis team effort that has earned our squadron this

Major Alan Matson presented the Federal Aviation Administrations Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to Capt.William Menkevich.


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The city of St. Paul put together a going awayparty for ,034 troops of the Minnesota ArmyNational Guards 34th Infantry Division, alsoknown as the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls will command coalition mili -tary operations in eight of 8 provinces or aboutone-third of the country. The scope of this mis-sion is unprecedented, according to DivisionCommander Major General Richard Nash. The34th Infantry Division will be in charge of over

6,000 multinational troops helping to secure

Iraq. They will be replacing the 0th MountainDivision, which is an active duty division out of Ft.Drum, New York.

Serving both the troops and their families,around 8,000 people showed up at the River Centrein St. Paul on Tuesday evening, February th. Afull steak dinner was provided following a specialceremony with their infantry Generals and theGovernor of Minnesota. Upon completion of theceremony the troops reunited with their familiesand joined together for one of the largest single

Major James KlineCommander, Fort Snelling Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Serving Our Troops

served meal in history of convention service in St.Paul. The meal was nearly 2 times larger thanwhat was hosted here for last years RepublicanNational Convention.

A call for volunteers went out months ago andword got to the Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron.Six volunteers from the squadron arrived on


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Monday, February 0th to assist in the setting upthe room for the next night.

Major James Kline, Lt. Col. Tony Tarpy andhis wife Patty, Captain Richard Geis, Cadet IsaacLancaster and his brother, Gabriel Lancasterhelped setting up over 8,000 dinner place settings.It was a hard chore but with 200 other volunteersthat night over 50 tables were set up and dressedfor rst-class dinner for Minnesotas BEST saidLt. Col. Tarpy.

On Tuesday, February th the day beganby volunteer check in at 2:30pm, those in atten-dance from Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron:Major James A. Kline and his wife Pam, Lt. Col.Tony Tarpy and his wife Patty, Captain RichardGeis, Cadet Isaac Lancaster and his brother,Gabriel Lancaster, Cadet Commander DavidKendal and Cadet Treye Harrison. We were asmall part of a major volunteer operation thatlasted until 9:30pm.

At 6:00pm the troops and their families weredismissed from the ceremony and headed for thedinner area. We were ready! Within an hour wehad everyone seated and full Steak dinners ontheir plates. Many local businesses, restaurants andthe City of St. Paul helped contribute toward thiswonderful event.

Come 8:30pm most of the troops had gonehome with their families and we began the hugeprocess of cleaning up, picking up all the chairsand tables again down to a bare oor.

This was a small price of volunteering forwhat these brave troops will be doing for us.While serving during the height of the rush it was

so busy we didnt have time to say thank you toeach soldier who came to our table but we tried asmuch as we could.

But what placed a lump in my throat wastoward the end when we started to clean up, I

kept getting pats on my back and when I lookedaround to acknowledge them, they were Soldierssaying Thank you for doing this for them.

These soldiers who were leaving their familiesand going into harms way to ght for world peaceand freedom were reaching their hand upon usand saying thank you. Left a lot of us with mistyeyes, as we continued to clean up. This was trulya most rewarding experience and I would not havemissed it for the world.

We wish you the best, our fighting 34th

Infantry, the Red Bulls of Minnesota!

Members of the Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron at the 34th Infantry Division Deployment Celebration.

Lt. Col. Tony Tarpy prepares desert for the troops.


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reservoir. Team 2 was rst to arrive. Together theyset up rope operations and recovered both pilotswho were found on steep sandy/snowy terrain.Both ground teams were in constant radio contactwith mission base giving regular progress reports.

Again we headed out into the weather andelements to practice our skills. We had a very good

turn out. 20 cadets and seniors braved the chill of February to spend 2 hours outside preparing tohelp people in need. An added element was tossedin at the last minute, 4 inches of new snow.

The roads had not been plowed and 4-wheel

St. Paul Composite Squadron cadets andseniors again headed out into the cold winter formore emergency services training at the MinnesotaNational Guards Arden Hills Army Training Site.

The mission? An ELT Search with 2 missingand possibly injured pilots.

1st Lt. Paul Markegard Emergency Services Of cer, St. Paul Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

St. Paul Trains to SaveLives in the Cold

The teams set out independently using directionnders, map, and compass to determine bearings

of the signal. The teams using triangulation wereable to narrow the search to a small area near the

drive was the order of the day. Poor GT- wasforced to march about a /2 mile to the scenebecause ye old one wheel wonder would not makeit up the road. But they did it! I never heard onecomplaint. We got some tough cadets.

We practiced radio direction finding, linessearches, hasty searches, rst aid (C/Lt. Fox wasmost honored to wear a C-collar during his rescue)and our now infamous RADAA skills. We alsodivided up into teams and built improvised shelterusing what we had at the time.


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A Color Guard from North Hennepin Squadroncompeted against Color Guards representingneighboring states at the North Central RegionsCadet Competition.

By winning the competition the team goeson to represent the states of North CentralRegion at the Civil Air Patrols National CadetCompetition (NCC.)

The Minnesota Wings Color Guard teamconsists of C/SrAmn. Frank Albrecht, C/SrAmn.Caitlin Albrecht, C/Amn. Jasmine Sands, NewHope; C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller, Buffalo; andC/MSgt. Matthew Bruffey, Plymouth.

The NCC will take place from July 9th tothe 13th in McMinnville, Oregon at the Lin eldCollege and Evergreen Air & Space Museum.Approximately 50 of Civil Air Patrols highly-skilled cadets will compete in the 2009 NationalCadet Competition.

Each of CAPs eight regions will be representedby a four-person color guard and a 3-person drillteam. Cadet drill teams and color guards earned theright to attend this prestigious national competitionby winning local, state and regional competitions.

At the competition cadets will demonstratetheir skills in events that involve precision, includ-ing innovative and standard drill movements,indoor and outdoor posting of the American agand creativity and knowledge of aerospace-relatedtopics, including a written exam and panel quiz,as well as physical fitness challenges involvingvolleyball and a mile run.

Inspections and drill competition will be judgedby the Air Force Honor Guard; and volleyballprofessionals will judge the volleyball competitionaccording to USA Volleyball Domestic IndoorCompetition rules.

The overall winners of color guard and drillteam competitions will earn the U.S. Air ForceChief of Staff Sweepstakes Trophy. Top cadets inseveral categories will also be honored. Last years

North Hennepin Cadets to Compete atNational Cadet Competition

2nd Lt. Suzanne Albrecht Public Affairs Of cer, North Hennepin Composite Squadron

champions were the Southeast Regions colorguard and Southwest Regions drill team.

While most of their hometown neighborschose to stay inside their homes to avoid the TwinCitys unusually chilly June temperature andrain on Saturday, June 6th, the Minnesota WingColor Guard Team, who are members of the CivilAir Patrol North Hennepin Composite Squadronbased out of Crystal Airport, and their competitorscharged onto the track at Camp Ripley for a 6:30a.m. mile run.

Individual team members were also recognizedfor their excellence.

Sixteen year old C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller of Buffalo was awarded the Male Fleet Foot trophyfor completing his mile in 4 minute 50 seconds.

C/SrAmn. Caitlin Albrecht, , was awardedthe Female Fleet Foot trophy for completing a 5minute 6 second mile.

The team also won awards for Indoor PracticalDrill, Standard Drill, and Physical Fitness.

C/2nd Lt. David Blessman of New Hope,C/ st Lt . David Chanski and C/Capt. NicTrombley of Maple Grove served as judges forthe regional competition.

The 2009 North Central Region Color Guard: (L-R) C/ SrAmn. Caitlin Albrecht, C/Amn. Jasmine Sands, C/SSgt.Frank Albrecht, C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller, C/SMSgt. Matthew Bruffey,


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U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) calls CadetMaster Sergeant Emily Tholen to inform her that she would bereceiving information from the U.S. Air Force.

Rep. McCollum did not say what the information was. I was sosurprised I did not know what to say other than, Thank You, saidTholen. As the days went by Cadet Tholen was anxiously waiting.

The U.S. Air Force notice from Col. Chevalier Cleaves, Directorof Admissions at the Academy arrived with good news. C/MSgt.

Emily Tholen will be entering the U.S. Air Force Academy starting in June of 2009, as a member of theClass of 2013. You will be joining a select group of our nations nest young people as you take thischallenging and rewarding step toward becoming a professional Air Force of cer, stated Col. Cleaves.

There are presidential, advanced, and regular appointments. Cadet Tholen received an advancedappointment by Rep. Betty McCollum. Being a CAP member was a big advantage, said Cadet Tholen.She was one of 9,200 applicants.

Capt. Andy Bosshart, Commander, Anoka Composite Squadron said, The Squadron Members areproud, but will miss Cadet Tholen, when they send her off to the Academy in June, to study and become aLeader of Tomorrow. He also added, Cadet Tholen is the second Air Force Academy appointment thisyear and the third in two years from the Squadron.

Its been great having Cadet Tholen as a member of the Anoka Squadron and with great pride we willsend you to the Academy, said st Lt. Shelly Supan, Deputy Commander at the Squadron meeting March

, 2009. Your leadership is an example to the other Cadets, said Supan.In 2007, during a ceremony in Rep. McCollums of ce in St. Paul, Cadet Tholen received the CAP

Disaster Relief ribbon with the V device for her valor and service along with a U.S. Flag that Rep.McCollum had own over the U.S. Capital. That was an honor. The call, I was so excited to personallyspeak with Rep. McCollum from Washington, DC, said Tholen.

Tholen has participated on a number of CAPmissions including responding to the requestfor help with the flooded area in SoutheasternMinnesota in August of 200 , for which shereceived the ribbon. Tholen was featured in theCAP Volunteer magazine March April 2008issue in the article, Undercut, Floods, Mudslides,Wash Away Homes, Lives.

The 2008 CAP picture of the year included thenC/SSgt. Emily Tholen helping citizens during the

ood in 2007. The current CAP slogan CitizensServing Communities: Above and Beyond is aresult of the picture. The picture was included inthe 200 CAP annual report to Congress.

U.S. Air ForceInformation is Comingfor a Minnesota Cadet

1st Lt. George Supan Public Affairs Of cer, Anoka County Composite Squadron

C/MSgt. Emily Tholen with the Air Force Academy letter.


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been honored with this project in Minnesota. Asmany of you may know, the program was extendedthroughout the United States at each states nationalcemetery from the program begun at ArlingtonNational Cemetery in Virginia in 992 by theWorcester Wreath Company of Maine. We havegrown from some forty participants in 2006 at FortSnelling National Cemetery, to many hundreds of people throughout Minnesota in 2008.

At Fort Snelling National Cemetery, wreathswere placed at each military service branch memo-rial flagpole surrounding the main flagpole onMallon Road. Gold Star families of SSgt JamesWosika, Jr., Thomas Burnett, Jr., and LanceCorporal Scott Modeen with Howard Wilson,

This was a brisk December day, yet many inour community - Blue Star families, Gold Starfamilies, active military personnel, local policedepartments, Patriot Guard, VFW and AmericanLegion posts, church congregations, scoutingtroops and CAP squadrons - came to participate inthe wreath laying and dedication on Saturday, thethirteenth, remembering our military service menand women across the State of Minnesota. WreathsAcross America ceremonies were conducted andwreaths placed on gravesites at eight locationsthroughout our state.Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little FallsSoldiers Field Veterans Memorial - RochesterOakwood Cemetery RochesterOakwood Cemetery 2 RochesterCalvary Cemetery RochesterGrandview Memorial Cemetery - RochesterGreenwood Cemetery BemidjiFort Snelling National Cemetery - Minneapolis

Minnesota Wing proudly participated inWreaths Across America events in Minneapolis,Brainerd, and Camp Ripley.

MinneapolisThis is the third season that our veterans have

Capt. Richard Geis Public Affairs Of cer, Minnesota Wing

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Our goal was to honor the veterans, teach ouryoung people to remember, encourage our activeduty members that are here, and provide meaning-ful service to the community, said Capt. RobinHelgager, deputy commander.

After the ceremony, cadets placed purchasedwreaths at graves and rendered salutes.

Best told the cadets to take a moment to visita gravesite, write down information on the personburied there, and research the name.

You will nd they were real Americans withfamilies mothers and fathers, sons and daugh-ters, brothers and sister, aunts and uncles, he said.They were and are more than a statistic.

and honor those who have fought to preserve ourway of life. Approximately 40,000 veterans livewithin 5 miles of the cemetery.

A poignant moment occurred when one of the nearly 245 wreaths was placed at the grave of Sergeant Jacob P ngsten, a Crow Wing Squadronmember who died in 2005 while serving with theUS Army in Germany.

Jake was a great young man. He had a posi-tive attitude and was always smiling.

He was a great role model for the cadets insquadron, said Lt. Col. Bob Johnson of CrowWing Squadron.

Pfingstens parents, Captains Tom and BethP ngsten, and his sister, C/2nd Lt. Sarah P ngsten,are active members of the squadron.

The nearly 245 wreaths were about a 3,400percent increase from the seven placed at thecemetery last year. The Minnesota Patriot Guardprovided 5 wreaths with another 68 coming fromCrow Wing and St. Cloud squadron sponsors.

Still, Ramler hopes the effort will be even moresuccessful next year.

Its a big increase from last year and a greatincentive to do even better in 2009. Its the veryleast we can do to honor our veterans.

The 3 -acre Minnesota State VeteransCemetery near Camp Ripley was opened in 994and is the resting place to 3,000 veterans and eli-gible family members. 334 burials were conductedthere during the past fiscal year, a percentincrease from the previous year.Camp Ripley

Several veterans organizations, the MinnesotaPatriot Guard and members of the Crow Wingand St. Cloud Squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol

participated Saturday, December 3 in WreathsAcross America at the State Veterans Cemeterynear Camp Ripley.

First Lieutenant George Ramler of St. CloudSquadron said the central Minnesota squadronswere proud to be part of the event. There are asigni cant amount of veterans in central Minnesotaand we want to honor them, Ramler said. Wealso want our cadets to learn the value of freedom

minnesota wing - jun 2009

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