Northern Flights

The Official Magazine of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol

WINTER 2011

Winter Survival
Civil Air Patrol conducts Emergency Services Missions in all kinds of conditions and circumstances. Even in the middle of winter. Find out how over 50 members of Minnesota Wing prepare for that eventuality at the Winter Survival Weekend!
Photo credit Ray Majkrzak

Northern Flights
Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol 6275 Crossman Lane Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 651-291-0462 gsupan@mncap.org Colonel Thomas Theis Commander, Minnesota Wing Northern Flights Winter 2011 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. 20-208, which is dedicated to emergency services, aerospace education and motivation of Americas 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.

Reflections
on 2010
Col. Thomas Theis Commander Minnesota Wing With the coming of the New Year, its time to reflect on some of the accomplishments we experienced in 200. Each of our 256 members and 23 squadrons made significant and important contributions to aerospace education and cadet programs, and at the same time, continuing to provide vital emergency services support at the local, state, region and national levels. While CAPs primary missions of aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services is distinctly unique, attitude, professionalism and dedication is a common bond throughout each. We assisted our communities and neighbors communities in disaster relief operations such as those in the Red River Valley, where Minnesota Wing aircrews accumulated more than 00 hours of flight time and 85 ground team members providing more than 3,000 hours of service. Fifty members who just graduated from Minnesota Wings Ground Team Academy at Arden Hills Army Training Site were called into action 75 miles away after severe storms went through the St. Cloud area. During an Air Force evaluated mission, Minnesota Wing received Successful, Excellent and Outstanding ratings after the US Air Force evaluation in April at Mankato. Nearly 20 members and
Continued on page 11 . . . 

For information on advertising rates and space, please call: 1-800-635-6036



Members complete Winter Survival Exercise

Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg Incident Commander, Winter Survival Weekend Over 50 members from nine units across Minnesota gathered January 7-9 for the 8th Annual Winter Survival Weekend held near Lake George, MN. The goal of the exercise was to help members enhance their ability to survive and conduct search operations in extreme cold weather conditions. Friday evening, members hiked out into the woods and setup shelters to protect themselves from the 0 below zero temperatures. Saturday, members awoke and improved their shelters for a few hours before conducting search training for most of the afternoon. Members rotated in teams amongst various stations where they practiced skills including emergency beacon searches, missing person searches and air to ground coordination skills before returning to camp for dinner. Aircrews were provided by the Northland and Duluth Squadrons. After moving around in up to 3 feet of fresh snow all day, several cadets were asking if they could go to bed at 7:00 pm. Saturday evening, the decision was made to
L-R C/TSgt. Joe Rogers, C/2nd Lt, Jeremaih Hoffman L-R C/Amn Tyrell Hough, C/TSgt. Joe Rogers (with map), C/A1C Anna Boote

pull all members from the field due to forecasts of -25 and lower. Members stayed the night at a local CAP members house and the local town hall for the night. One cadet was overheard saying, Sometimes knowing how to survive means knowing when to get out of the woods. Sunday morning members returned to the woods for breakfast before packing up camp and hiking back out of the woods. Once out of the woods, they were presented their patches for successfully completing the weekend and given bag lunches provided by Northland Squadron before departing for home. Maj. Paul Pieper, MN Wing Emergency Services Officer who also served as the safety officer for the exercise said, Overall, it was a great exercise. Many of our members learned valuable skills that they can apply to any future search missions that we are tasked with. Best of all, it was all done in a very safe manner with no injuries.
L-R C/2nd Lt. Rebekah Schrader, C/TSgt. Mary Rogers

News from the people and squadrons of Minnesota Wing

Tri-County member promoted to Captain
Capt. Jim Harris Recruiting & Retention Officer, Tri-County Squadron Chief. In this same time period, Capt. Harris pursued professional development by completing the ICS 300, ICS 400 and the Basic Officers Courses. In addition to being the squadron finance officer, Dianne works in recruiting and fund raising.

Mankato Cadet Earns Award and Promotion

Capt. Jim Harris (L) and Lt. Col. Keith Bischoff (R) promoting 1st Lt. Dianne Harris to Captain. Photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Wannarka.

st Lt. Diane Harris was promoted to Captain at a promotion ceremony held at the Walker Airport by Group  Commander, Lt. Col. Keith Bischoff. At the conclusion of the ceremony Lt. Col. Bischoff presented Capt. Harris with the Gen. Benjamin Davis Jr. Leadership Award. Capt. Harris joined Civil Air Patrol in 993. As a scanner she has participated on numerous aircraft searches for missing children, hunters, boaters and aircraft. She is qualified as a mission radio operator and mission staff assistant. During the past year she improved her ability to support CAPs missions by becoming qualified as a Admin/Finance Section
5

C/2nd Lt. Jarek Connolly (center), the cadet commander of Mankato Squadron was recently recognized with the Mitchell Award and was promoted to the grade of C/2nd Lt. by Squadron Commander Major Jo Ellen Peters (left) and the Group 4 Commander Major Jeff Bartelt (right).

CAP, ACE, AEX and Adopt-A-School new to Minnesota Schools

Capt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron Capt. Shelly Supan, Commander of Anoka County Composite Squadron presented Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) and Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) at a Blaine Airport Promotion Group (BAPG) meeting on Jan. 3th, 20. Students will learn about Aerospace, aircraft and flight through the use of the CAP, ACE and AEX programs. The University Ave Magnet School in Blaine will introduce the ACE program this fall and the Spring Lake Park School will start the AEX program this spring. These are the first schools in Minnesota to offer the programs. The BAPG Adopt-A-School program goal is to bring teachers and students to the Anoka-Blaine Airport to educate students about aircraft, visit the Golden Wings Museum and see aircraft used today at the airport along with the services to maintain the aircraft. There are many different aircraft at the airport.

Back (L-R) Col. Tom Theis, Frank Karnauskas, Richard Sprouse, Mary Albright, Don Helgager, Carrie Niemann, Bob Faundeen Front (L-R) Stephen Wall, Deb Gallioux, Colleen McArthur, Amy Pahr, Jared Scribner, JD Teter, Susan Blessman (missing Brian Mishmash from Iowa Wing)

Cadet Program Leaders increase skills and network at TLC

Capt. Susan Blessman Director of Cadet Programs, Minnesota Wing In survey after survey cadets tell us that the number one factor affecting cadet life is the quality of the senior members who lead them. The key to providing our cadets excellent adult leadership is providing practical training to those officers. Thirteen senior members from Bemidji to Cedar Rapids, IA, braved the winter road conditions to increase their knowledge and understanding of leading cadets and administering the Cadet Program at the squadron level at the Training Leaders of Cadets course (TLC). TLC is a course of instruction developed by National Headquarters so Cadet Programs Officers learn how to become better mentors of cadets and more effective managers of cadet squadrons. The 2-day course is a component of the Cadet
7

Programs Officer Specialty Track in the Senior Member Professional Development Program. The course was held at the 93th Airlift Wing based at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, in mid January. A variety of instructors led discussions and shared information from strategic goals to the basics of running a weekly meeting. The instructors included st Lt. Alan Trombley, Capt. Norine Olson, st Lt. Don Helgager, Major Brian Freseman, Lt. Col. Don Mikitta, Capt. Nash Pherson, and Lt. Col. James Garlough. Minnesota Wing Commander, Col. Tom Theis added a higher echelon perspective as well as his emphasis on the importance of the Cadet Program and presented an update of the new CAPR 52-6.

Public Affairs Officers recognized for Excellence

Major Al Pabon National Public Affairs Team Leader, CAP National Headquarters Each year Civil Air Patrol recognizes the outstanding work of its Public Affairs Officers with the CAP Public Affairs Awards. The awards recognize PAOs for their contributions in eight areas of Public Affairs work. This years recipients were announced at the National Conference in San Diego and Minnesota Wing was well represented with several of its Public Affairs Officers recognized.
7

First, C/2nd Lt. Lydia Wiff of Viking Squadron was recognized with the Award of Excellence in the Writing for Media category for her article Minnesota Cadet Enjoys Opportunity of a Lifetime. st Lt. Erik Lindquist was recognized with a Certificate of Merit in the Newsletter category for the Viking Composite Squadrons Viking Voice Newsletter. The Award of Excellence in the Newsletter category went to st Lt. Scott Richardson for the St. Croix Composite Squadron The Aviator Newsletter. Group 3 Public Affairs Officer, Capt. George Supan was recognized with the Certificate of Merit for his work as the Public Information Officer on the Andrew Lindberg missing aircraft search last year. Minnesota Wing was very well represented at the PAO Awards in that  of their outstanding PAOs were recognized, said Major Al Pabon, the National Public Affairs Team Leader and former Minnesota Wing Public Affairs Officer. The work of these PAOs is some of the very best and set the standard for the whole Civil Air Patrol, said Pabon at the recognition event. All of the entries were judged by an outside group of communications and media professionals including an active duty Air Force Public Affairs NCO. The PAOs were recognized at their local squadrons by the Minnesota Wing Commander, Col. Tom Theis. Please go to this link for complete coverage of the Public Affairs Awards from CAP National HQ. http://www.capvolunteernow.com/news.cfm/ cap_honors_top_public_affairs_officers_with_ balsem_awards?show=news&newsID=8688

North Hennepin Cadets receive milestone awards and promotions

C/2nd Lt. Caitlin Albrecht and C/2nd Lt. Reuben Miller of the North Hennepin Squadron were pre-

sented the General Billy Mitchell Award at a ceremony during the North Hennepin Squadron Annual Banquet on January 7th. The awards were presented by Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Dick Johnson.

St. Croix & St. Paul Squadrons Hosts Combined Curry Camp
1st Lt. Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Composite Squadron St. Croix and St. Paul Squadrons held their first joint Curry Camp. Curry Camp is designed to help new cadets to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) wade through their basic informational training needed to achieve their first stripe. When a cadet receives
9

Reinsberg, Rebecca Rogers, Douglas Vetter, Johathan Wolff from St. Croix Squadron.

St. Croix Celebrates Mitchell Award Recipient

1st Lt. Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Composite Squadron At a very well attended ceremony C/CMSgt. Michael Weston received the Mitchell Award and was promoted to the grade of C/2nd Lt. by Minnesota Wing, Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Richard Johnson.

(L-R) Back row: Alan Larson, Emily Esser, Nathan Hietala, Sean Blaser, Douglas Vetter, Robert Moser (L-R) Front Row: Kyle Reinsberg, Joy Horn, Johnathan Wolff, Forbes Gefre, Rebecca Rogers, Jacob Kummer.

their first promotion or stripe to Airman, they also receive their Gen. J.F. Curry ribbon. Twelve cadets signed up between the two squadrons for this intensive two-day training sessions which took them through subjects such as; Emergency Services, Communications, Moral Leadership, Drill training, Physical Training requirements, Customs & Courtesys, Cadet protection policies and presentation of flying. The Cadet staff were: Commander, C/1st Lt. Derek Fox; Deputy Commander, C/2nd Lt. Nicholas Tunell; Executive, C/2nd Lt. Nathan Kilgore; Logistical Officers, C/2nd Lt. Grady Bell & C/2nd Lt. David Trudeau; First Sergeant, C/CMSgt. Joseph Pahr; Flight Commander, C/CMSgt. Tunell; Flight Sergeants, C/SSgt. Mohammad Battah & C/SSgt. Ryan Malcolm; Administration, C/Amn. Valerie Kolyadenko; Public Affairs, C/SSgt. Caitlin Niemann. Cadet Support Staff and Instructors were: C/ SMSgt. Kyle Sebesta, C/CMSgt. Joseph Pahr, C/ CMSgt. Chase Tunell, C/CMSgt. Kirsch, C/TSgt. McKaylen Hannigan, C/SSgt. Catlin Neimann, C/SrA Anthony Johnson, C/2nd Lt. Grady Bell. Senior staff members & instructors were: Capt. Jay Sliwinski, Capt. Paul Marketgard, st Lt. Amy Pahr, st Lt. Carrie Niemann, st Lt. Jeff Leif, st Lt. Charles Jents, st Lt. Scott Richardson, 2nd Lt. Cassey Sommer, 2nd Lt. Keith Sebesta. Camp graduates and newly minted Cadet Airmen were; Sean Blaser, Nathan Hietala, Emily Esser from St. Paul Squadron & Forbes Gefre, Joy Horn, Jacob Kummer, Alan Larson, Robert Moser, Kyle
0

(L-R) Minnesota Wing, Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Richard Johnson presents the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2nd Lt.) Michael Weston

Many of Westons family members and guests were in attendance to watch this fine young cadet receive his award. Some of his family members included his mother, grandmother, sister, his host family and few close friends. When I asked his family what they thought about this evening, they all said how proud and excited they were for him and how the CAP has been a positive influence in his life. Minnesota Air National Guard, CMSgt. Chief Steven Campos presented Cadet Weston with a special gift, a chiefs coin. This coin represents excellence, duty, honor and the highest values in the U.S. Air Force.

0

Commanders Column
Continued from page 1 . . .

2 aircraft participated which evaluated our preparedness and ability to perform to the standards and expectation of the Air Force evaluators. We actively supported our aerospace missions by conducting several rocket launches and supporting air shows throughout the Wing. Our Aerospace Directorate sponsored a Aerospace Education Member (AEM) Contest wherein 18 free teacher memberships at $35 each were provided. Squadrons have increased the frequency of first-time orientation flights, providing the motivation of our youth to get more involved in aviation and aerospace careers. Approximately 70 cadets and senior members from the Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud and St. Paul squadrons assisted with the Great Minnesota Air Show at the St. Cloud Regional Airport which drew nearly 70,000 people in addition to the air shows at the Duluth and Anoka Airports. Minnesota Wing continues support of its glider operations at the Mankato Airport, which is part of the North Central Regions Glider Center of Excellence program. Our summer encampment at Camp Ripley attracted 6 cadet and senior members. Thirty-four cadets completed the Minnesota Wing Leadership Academy which provided academic study and practical exercises focusing on improving communications and interpersonal skills. The North Hennepin Squadrons Color Guard and drill team took top honors at the Minnesota Wing Cadet Competition and will be representing the Wing at Region Cadet Competition this summer. Our safety program has shown great improvement this Fiscal Year with a minimum number of reported incidents. This reduction can be attributed largely to the focus of our operations section who have been promoting safe operations of our aircraft and vehicles, being mindful of situational awareness and remaining focused on what it is were doing at all times. Our members are our most valuable asset. Without your support and


involvement, it will be difficult to accomplish our goals and missions. Congratulations to Maj. Janelle Gates, Lt. Col. Paul Adams, Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst and Lt. Col. Brent Halweg for completing Level 5 and earning the coveted Gill Robb Wilson Award, the highest achievement in the senior program. A huge effort was accomplished by our Communication officers, led by Major Wayne Sherman in updating, maintaining our radio gear and installing 5 new small refrigerator sized repeaters throughout the state. Many antennas had to be updated or repaired on water towers and roof tops. A monumental task! Our finance section is keeping our heads above water and continue putting a tremendous amount of hours by ensuring our bills are paid in a timely manner and that our records are maintained in accordance with acceptable accounting practices, which continues Civil Air Patrol the coveted status of an unqualified audit, which basically means we are able to account for 00% of our funds. Weve been fortunate enough to update several of our worn out vehicles with brand new ones. Several of our aging units computers and accessories have also been upgraded. Early this summer during our Compliance Inspection, Minnesota Wing received an overall assessment of Successful, evaluating Aerospace Education, Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, Mission Support and Command areas of our program. Performance met mission requirements. Available resources and programs were efficiently managed The sections which were attained the highest ratings of the inspection, Highly Successful was Aircraft Management, Cadet Program, Chaplain Corps and Supply. We have been and continue to be a very active Wing. It is impossible to address all the things we have done and accomplished in this limited space. To those who are dedicated to their work in support of the missions of Civil Air Patrol, Thank you for all you do!



Three brothers complete Minnesota Leadership Academy

Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Minnesota Leadership Academy

Noncommissioned Officer School cadets hone their drill and ceremony skills during the 2010 Minnesota Leadership Academy.

(L-R) Basic Commissioned Officer students C/CMSgt.s Luke Rosedahl of Southeast Minnesota Squadron, Gideon Wiff of Viking Squadron, and Sam Hansen of 130th Squadron test their problem solving and team work skills during an exercise at the 2010 Minnesota Leadership Academy.

Three brothers, each Cadet Chief Master Sergeants with the Southeast Minnesota Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, recently completed the Minnesota Leadership Academy (MLA) together, two graduating with honors. Elias and Parker Rosedahl attended the Noncommissioned Officer School (NCOS) at MLA, while older brother Luke attended the Basic Commissioned Officer Course (BCOC). The three of us going together was a really great chance to not only bond a little more and spend some time together, but also maximize how much we as a group learned. Because we each picked different things out of the classes, and took different notes, we learned a lot more as a group than we would have individually. We also identified different aspects of the training which stood out to us individually, so we are each prepared to give classes on different subjects to further the knowledge of our squadron as a whole, said C/CMSgt. Luke
3

Rosedahl, BCOC distinguished honor graduate. The MLA is part of the Minnesota Wings Integrated Leadership Program, which provides cadets continuous training and development from cadet basic to cadet colonel. Character development, project management, ethics, and leading by example are major components of BCOC, while the NCOS addresses elements such as drill and ceremony, human behavior modification, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution. I had an awesome time at BCOC! Thank you to all the great staff and my fellow students for making it such a great learning experience and so much fun, said Luke Rosedahl. Cadets Elias and Parker Rosedahl gave high marks to NCOS: It was an amazing experience from a leadership and squadron perspective, and, going as brothers made MLA even more fun and special. MLA prepares cadets to become leaders through
3

NCOS distinguished honor graduate C/SSgt. Zophia Raleigh of Anoka Squadron.

BCOC distinguished honor graduate C/CMSgt. Luke Rosedahl of Southeast Composite Squadron.

academic study and practical excises focusing on improving communications and interpersonal skills, affirming the leadership skills the cadets already possess, as well as providing cadets with ready resources that will help them deal with the challenges confronted by most young leaders. Each class had a number of honor graduates selected for overall academy performance and

Colonel Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, addresses NCOS cadets prior to graduation at the 2010 Minnesota Leadership Academy.

leadership excellence. The cadets were presented their awards by Colonel Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander. While Luke Rosedahl was named the BCOC distinguished honor graduate, other BCOC cadets recognized for excellence included C/CMSgt. Joe Brown, Anoka Squadron, Alpha Seminar, and C/CMSgt. Grant Bauer, Anoka Squadron The NCOS seminar distinguished honor graduate was Cadet Staff Sergeant Zophia Raleigh of Anoka Squadron. Other NCOS cadets recognized for excellence included C/CMSgt. Parker Rosedahl of Southeast Squadron, Alpha seminar; C/SrA Daniel Hall, Viking Squadron, Bravo seminar; and C/TSgt. Franco Luciano, Hutchinson Squadron, Charlie seminar. Cadet Hall also took top honors in the presentation category. Theis said as leaders, the 3 BCOC graduates and 2 NCOS graduates are expected to return to their squadrons and impart the knowledge, skills, confidence, and leadership qualities developed through the MLA.
5

5

CAP Responds to Southern Minnesota Flooding

1st Lt. Colleen McArthur Assistant Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron Air Crews and Ground Teams were dispatched to Southern Minnesota following late September flooding. Ground team members converged on New Richmond to sand bag. Air crews flew missions to assist local ES management and law enforcement damage assessment and clean up planning. Cottonwood County Emergency Services Manager, Kim Hall was able to tour her county with the help of Pilot James Jepsen and Merlyn Smeenk. Pilot John Brindley, John Vanderhoof and John Barsness flew an imaging mission for St. Peters Chief of Police Matt Peters.

A CAP ground team preparing for a sortie in New Richmond, MN. Photo by Lt. Col. Nick Modders.

Images included the areas north and south of St. Peter along Hwy. 69 including Hwy. 22 and Hwy. 99 bridges. Pilot Mark Shorter, James Williamson, and Paul Wannarka provided the Beltrami County Emergency Services Manager with state and county road assessments.

An image taken by a CAP Aircrew of the damage to Minnesota Highway 52.

6

6

Minnesota Wing Members Aid in Disaster Relief Exercise

C/2nd Lt. Lydia I. Wiff, Viking Composite Squadron Iraq. Each patient was given paperwork with his/hers medical information and had their vitals taken during the flight. After landing, CAP members were walked to two hangars where patient reception was set up for the second part of the day. After a lunch break, members were ready to go at it again. CAP members were loaded onto stretchers on a static C-30 and were given a piece of paper with their injury and personal information. The point of this exercise was to practice taking stretchers off the aircraft, transporting them to the patient reception area and triage. Patients were given cots and treated for their various injuries while their personal data was being entered into the database. Soon after, patients were loaded into ambulances and transported to the hospital. The primary goal of the exercise was to ensure that each organization was prepared to respond, receive and care for potential victims of future catastrophic natural disasters or terrorist events. Overall, the exercise went well and has furthered prepared sister organizations to work together in the event of disaster.

What happens when 25 members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and 00+ other members of various disaster relief organizations get together to train? You get the Minneapolis VA Medical Center National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Federal Coordinating Center (FCC) Patient Reception Area (PRA) 2010 Exercise. Members of several Emergency Medical Service organizations including the VA Medical Center, local hospitals, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Minnesota Disaster Medical Assistance Team established casualty reception operations at the 33rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard in the event of a real disaster. Minneapolis is one of 80 cities in the U.S. that host medical relief to disaster patients that cannot be hospitalized in the immediate area of the disaster. After an opening briefing, CAP members were bused to the C-30E they would be flying in. After a short flight briefing, eleven volunteers were strapped into stretchers for the flight. The mission simulated picking up wounded soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan and transporting to Balad,
7

7

Grand Rapids Squadron Hosts New Years Drug Demand Reduction Lock-In
1st Lt. Nan Berg Deputy Commander for Cadets, Grand Rapids Squadron Braving the weather, unplowed roads and an impending storm was a challenge for participants that attended the Drug Demand Reduction Lock-In at the Grand Rapids Civil Air Patrol Squadron Campus on New Years Eve, but the knowledge gained, and prizes earned made it all worthwhile. Thirteen cadets and guests participated in informational sessions and competitive activities throughout the day. The goal of the event was to prepare the participants to serve in a leadership capacity to reduce the demand for illegal drugs in their community. By joining into competitive flights, (complete with their own battle standard, or guidon) the participants were given the opportunity to win the stash of prizes collected from area businesses, as well. The activities complimented the topics of the sessions, and kept the event exciting and fun. The winning flight in each activity was awarded points, and in the end, the flight with the most points was the honor flight and winner. An extensive informational session on tobacco, known as a gateway drug, was also presented. It included many visuals that were effective in assisting the participants to fully understand the dangers involved in tobacco use, as well as its far reaching effects on society through the burden of rising healthcare costs. In another session, the competitive flights produced infomercials to demonstrate their views on substance abuse after listening to a presentation about the important role they play in forming a drug free society. A session with Grand Rapids Police Sergeant Jeff Carlson, and Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Jason Engeldinger, utilized a PowerPoint presentation, a film, and information on various drug abuse and safety scenarios. The police officers encouraged the participants to be proactive in Drug Demand Reduction.
9

Cadet Jedidiah Bergwearing the fatal vision goggles during the 2010 Grand Rapids DDR Lock in.

This is great! Assist your peers, through your positive actions, said Trooper Engeldinger, The choices you make do make a difference. He encouraged the participants to keep on the right path and continue to make wise choices and to stay informed. Cadets Benjamin Jokela, Aliksandr VanReeseJasso, Abraham Berg, and Colleen Grotte formed the flight that called themselves The Winners, and when the competition was over, they were indeed the winners of the stash of prizes. However, Cadet Libby Berg won the door prize, a Pool Party donated by Timberlake Lodge, a local fun spot with an indoor water park. By the end of the event, it was clear that all the participants were winners. They seized the opportunity to prepare themselves to be semper vigilans in the war on drugs, and paved the way for a substance abuse free community.
9

SSE numbers largest in years

Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment *All photos courtesy of Maj Richard Sprouse A record number of applicants were on hand for the 20 Minnesota Wing encampment Staff Selection Exercise (SSE) held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley. This is the most we have ever seen, and it wasnt just the quantity, but the quality of the cadets that impressed everyone associated with the SSE, said Capt. Nash Pherson, 20 Encampment commander, as 61 applicants competed for 28 cadet cadre positions with the 13th Cadet Training Group (CTG). Unfortunately, not everyone can be selected, but it speaks well of the interest and commitment of our cadets, and is a positive sign for staffing future encampments, said Pherson, who served as the 2010 Encampment commander. C/Capt. David Nelson, 13th CTG commander, encouraged the applicants to give 110% as they were evaluated on drill & ceremony, oral communications, uniform appearance, encampment knowledge, and leadership. We asked the applicants to show us what you got and we were not let down, said Nelson. 3th CTG selections included: 25th Cadet Training Squadron Commander: 1st Sergeant: Alpha Commander: Alpha Sergeant: Bravo Commander: Bravo Sergeant: Charlie Commander: Charlie Sergeant: C/Maj. David Chanski North Hennepin C/CMSgt. Simone Ramler St. Cloud C/1st Lt. Ben Leaf St. Cloud C/TSgt. Zophia Raleigh - Anoka C/Capt. Travis Parker North Hennepin C/CMSgt. Jacob Jones Duluth C/2nd Lt. Mark Farrand Anoka C/CMSgt. Kris Grimaldi North Hennepin

26th Cadet Training Squadron Commander: 1st Sergeant: Delta Commander: Delta Sergeant: Echo Commander: Echo Sergeant: Foxtrot Commander: Foxtrot Sergeant: C/2nd Lt. Dane Bjorkman Anoka C/CMSgt. Grant Bauer Anoka C/CMSgt. Caitlin Albrecht North Hennepin C/CMSgt. Steven Zingsheim Anoka C/MSgt. Frank Albrecht North Hennepin C/CMSgt. Joe Brown Anoka C/Capt. Lydia Stone St. Cloud C/CMSgt. Jake Teter North Hennepin

(L-R) C/Lt. Col. Amanda Folberg, 13th CTG executive officer, and C/Maj. David Chanski, 25th CTS commander, do a uniform inspection of C/TSgt. Sam Kessler during the SSE held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley.

20

20

Some of the 61 cadet applicants at the SSE held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley.

Capt. Nash Pherson, 2011 Encampment commander welcomes cadets to the SSE held December 4-5 at Camp Ripley.

Support Staff Leadership: Standards/Evaluation: Standards/Evaluation: Admin: Logistics: PAO: Duty Officer: Duty NCO: IT: Dining Services: Dining Services: SDS Deputy: C/2nd Lt. Libby Berg Grand Rapids C/2nd Lt. David Trudeau St. Croix C/CMSgt. Reuben Miller North Hennepin C/CMSgt. Matthew Johnson Viking C/2nd Lt. Mike Weston St. Croix C/2nd Lt. Elias Rosedahl - Southeast C/2nd Lt. Don Raleigh Anoka C/TSgt. Megan Halek North Hennepin C/2nd Lt. Matthew Bruffey North Hennepin C/2nd Lt. Jeremiah Hoffman Crow Wing C/TSgt. Sam Kessler North Hennepin C/2nd Lt. Grady Bell St. Croix

The 20 Minnesota Wing encampment is scheduled for June -8th at Camp Ripley.

Cadets await inspection at the SSE held at Camp Ripley.

Cadets are inspected during the 13th CTG SSE.

2

2

The Awards and Command (l to r) Back row: Lt. Col. Don Sorenson, Group II, Commander; Lt. Col. Mike Moen, MN Wing, Vice Commander; Col. Tom Theis, MN Wing, Commander; Capt. Shelly Supan, Squadron Commander; 1st Lt. Don Raleigh, Deputy Commander for Seniors; Lt. Col. Don Mikitta, MN Wing, Chaplin Front row: C/2nd Lt. Donald Raleigh III; C/2nd Lt. Jonathan Whitcomb; C/Capt. Matt Frame; Maj. Bill Menkevich

Minnesota Squadron Awards, Earhart, two Mitchells, three 2nd Lieutenants and Grover Loening
Capt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron Photos taken by Capt. George Supan November 16th was very special as C/Capt. Matt Frame receiving the Amelia Earhart Award while C/2nd Lieutenants Donald W. Raleigh III and Jonathan E. Whitcomb were presented the Gen. Billy Mitchell Awards, 2nd Lieutenants Craig Borchardt, Mike Kenny and Ted Persing were formally presented their Lieutenant bars and Maj. Bill Menkevich received the Grover Loening award. All of the MN Wing Command and Chaplin were in attendance as presenters and guests which is unusual that they were able to attend an event at the same time. They were Wing Commander, Col. Tom Theis, Vice Commander, Lt. Col. Mike Moen, Lt. Col. Don Sorenson, Group II Commander; Chaplin, Lt. Col. Don Mikitta along with the Squadron Commander, Capt. Shelly Supan. Col. Tom Theis presented C/Capt. Matt
23

Frame the Amelia Earhart Award by congratulation him and saying, there are only a small percentage of the Cadets who reach the third highest award level in CAP. Keep up the good work and Im sure you will reach the second highest award real soon. Lt. Col. Don Sorenson presented the Mitchell Awards to C/2nd Lieutenants Donald Raleigh III and Jonathan Whitcomb. The Mitchell Award is also a Major Award and for Whitcomb it took him many years to accomplish but he did not give up, said Sorenson. In my earlier years in CAP I did not push myself to advance as I should have, said Whitcomb. When I saw the younger Cadets passing me by I put more effort into CAP and it paid off. Group II Commander, Lt. Col. Don Sorenson presented the Grover Loening award to Maj. Bill
23

Menkevich. Bill shared with the Cadets the meaning of the award. Capt. Shelly Supan, Commander and st Lt. Don Raleigh, Deputy Commander for Seniors, awarded the 2nd Lt. Bars to Craig Borchardt, Mike Kenny and Ted Persing. Lt. Kenny said, Ted and I received our Mitchell Awards the same night when we were Cadets. This is another special event at Anoka Squadron. The Awards event was emceed by Now 2nd Lt. Ted Persing.
Mitchell Award to C/2nd Lt. Donald Raleigh III (l to r) C/2nd Lt. Donald Raleigh III; Col. Tom Theis, MN Wing, Commander; Lt. Col. Don Sorenson, Group II, Commander

Amelia Earhart Award to C/Capt. Matt Frame (l to r) C/Capt. Matt Frame; Lt. Col. Don Sorenson, Group II, Commander

Mitchell Award to C/2nd Lt. Jonathan Whitcomb (l to r) Lt. Col. Don Sorenson, Group II, Commander; C/2nd Lt. Jonathan Whitcomb

25

25

Fort Snelling Cadet Receives Eaker Award

Capt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Group 3 Photos taken by SM Keith Knuth Minnesota winter arrived and so did a new C/Lt. Col. Amanda Folberg from Minneapolis to the Fort Snelling Cadet Squadron, Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol on Nov. 22nd, 200 for the presentation of her Ira C. Eaker Award. C/Lt. Col. Folberg started her CAP carrer in the Wisconsin Wing in 2006 and transferred to the Minnesota Wing, Fort Snelling Cadet Squadron in the cold of the winter this past January. Colonel Paul Adams, US Marine Corps, (Retired) and Minnesota Wing Director of Lt. Col. Joel Fortenberry congratulating C/Lt. Col. Amanda Folberg. Logistics presented the Ira C. Eaker Award to C/Lt. Col. (l-r) Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, Group III Commander, Minnesota Wing, CAP; Lt. of Col. Joel Fortenberry, Detachment Commander US Air Force ROTC University Amanda Folberg. Minnesota; Capt. Richard Geis, Fort Snelling Squadron Commander, Minnesota Wing, CAP; C/Lt. Col. Amanda Folberg The Ira C. Eaker Award is the second highest award a cadet can earn in the Civil Air Patrol. There is a very small percent of the Cadets who C/Lt. Col. Folberg who is attending University achieve this award. of Minnesota-Twin Cities as a Sophomore studySpecial guest at the presentation included Lt. ing Psychology, is the assistant leadership officer/ Col. Joel Fortenberry, Detachment Commander advisor to the Cadet Commander at the Squadron. US Air Force ROTC University of Minnesota and She also tutors at Ramsey Jr. High School and Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, Group III Commander. said, I love biking, ice skating, cooking, reading, Folberg has a long list of accomplishment and as well as playing my flute and my saxophone. activities she has attended over the past years in After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school CAP. They include winter encampment at Nellis to study the biological bases of leadership. Air Force Base in Nevada, attended and staffed the Wisconsin Encampments for three years, 5 National Cadet Special Activities included EAA Spread Your Wings, Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course in Colorado, Blue Beret, Civic Leadership Academy and Cadet Officer School.
26 26

Red Wing Cadet is also an Eagle Scout

Col. Tom Theis Commander, Minnesota Wing Recently I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a Boy Scout Court of Honor Ceremony honoring C/2nd Lt. Davis Peterson as he was presented with the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 9, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase Col. Tom Theis with Eagle Scout Once an (and C/2nd Lt.) Davis Peterson after Eagle, always Peterson received the Eagle Scout Award. Photo by Chaplain Don Mikitta. an Eagle. Requirements include earning at least 2 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. C/2nd Lt. Peterson is a member of Troop 93 of the Northern Star Councils Eagle River District and also serves as a Cadet Flight Commander in Red Wing Squadron. I was joined at this impressive ceremony by Ch., Lt. Col. Don Mikitta and his
27

Cass County Sheriffs Office

Sheriff Paul D. Laney and staff proudly support the many men and women of Civil Air Patrol who give of themselves to save others.

Keep up the good work!

701-241-5800 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND

wife Nancy. It was a pleasure to be part of the accomplishments of this cadet and to meet his parents, family and his fellow scouts and scouting leaders. Congratulations again Cadet Peterson!

27

What makes the Cadet Program so great?

CADETS!
1st Lt. Amy Pahr Deputy Commander for Cadets, St. Paul Composite Squadron Let it be known that the first Cadet in many years in the St. Paul Composite Squadron was promoted to the grade of C/Capt. Please join me in congratulating our highest ranking officer in our cadet cadre C/Capt. Derek Fox. C/Capt. Fox passed the last of his Earhart Award tests, and has fulfilled all the requirements involved. He has worked very hard, especially this last year, to attain this grade. He is serving as Cadet C/Capt. Derek Fox Commander a n d h a s achieved a higher level of organization and camaraderie within the ranks. He has moved into the Phase  of the Cadet Program. Thank you all for helping me get where I am said C/Capt. Fox. It is so true especially to the Cadets that have continued to help him as their cadet commander by way of your support, encouragement and devotion. It is also true of the Senior Members who continue to faithfully support the Cadet Program. None of us can succeed alone in Civil Air Patrol. It is truly
29

a team oriented organization. I am also pleased to announce the C/CMSgt. Joseph Pahr has relinquished his year-long, stalled-flight of sorts in the Chief grade, and officially battled out and earned promotion to C/2nd Lt. passing the Billy Mitchell Award test! So, he will no longer serve as First Sergeant. He is however, assuming position of Cadet Drug Demand Reduction Officer and moving into a mentoring position to help Cadets with testing. Congratulations on this long awaited achievement C/2nd Lt. Pahr. Lastly, we recognized the advancement of one of our newest and very active members, the brand new C/A1C Stephen Kirsch. He has been diligently working on his achievements and has been a very active participant in all areas of our Cadet Programs. His achievement brings him one step closer to being a Cadet NCO. Congratulations C/A1C Kirsch!

C/2nd Lt. Joseph Pahr is presented the Mitchell Award by Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Dick Johnson.

29

Wreaths Across America, Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minn.

Minnesota Veterans Honored

Major Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 *All pictures courtesy of Maj. Richard Sprouse, PAO, Group II Headquarters, Minnesota Wing (Little Falls, Minn.) Frigid winds and blowing snow couldnt prevent members of the St. Cloud and Crow Wing squadrons of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol from helping place ,765 wreaths at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, Minn., on Saturday, December , as part of Wreaths Across America. The weather conditions were difficult, but everyone did a fantastic job, said Major Pat Cruze, St. Cloud Squadron commander. The St. Cloud Squadron sponsored 32 wreaths at the cemetery. Spearheading the St. Cloud Squadrons Wreaths Across America efforts this year were Cadet Airman Matt Gruber with 66 wreaths, and Cadet Airman Rachel Lukkarila with 3 wreaths. They were joined by brothers, Cadet st Lieutenant Korben Weidenborner and Cadet Senior Airman Hayden Weidenborner, with 7 wreaths. Cadet Gruber bypassed social media venues and got his sponsorships the old fashioned way. I knocked on doors in my neighborhood,
30

C/Amn Matt Gruber of St. Cloud Squadron worked hard for 66 sponsorships during the Wreaths Across America event held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, Minn.

30

asked family and friends, and even got people where I go to school to buy a wreath. When I explained that the wreaths would be placed on the graves of veterans they were more than happy to be a sponsor, Gruber said. The St. Cloud Squadron was also privileged to join two Minnesota families placing wreaths at the resting places of their loved ones: Sergeant Kurt Kruize, who died in Iraq earlier this year, and Specialist George Cauley, who died in Afghanistan in late 2009. Cemetery director Dave Swantek said the Wreaths Across America program has experienced phenomenal growth here since 2006. The first year we placed only 5 wreaths at the cemetery. Today the number is ,765, or a 300 percent increase! Another example of the patriotism exhibited in Central Minnesota. Despite single digit temperatures, 5-7 inches of fresh snow on the ground, and winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour, the event was praised by the nearly 00 people who braved the weather to attend.

C/CMSgt. Josiah Wieters of St. Cloud Squadron renders a salute after placing a wreath on the grave of a veteran during the Wreaths Across America event at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minn.

By the time we were finished there was a wreath on about every third grave; the cemetery looked beautiful, said Cruze. The Little Falls ceremony was one of approximately 00 similar ceremonies held across the nation.

Members of the Crow Wing Squadron at the Wreaths Across America ceremony held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minn.

3

3

St. Croix Color Guard Performs at Veterans Day Memorial

1st Lt. Scott Richardson Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Composite Squadron On Thursday,  November 200, members of the St. Croix Squadron participated in the Annual Woodbury Veterans Day Memorial held at the Woodbury City Hall Campus. The St. Croix Squadron has been involved with the Woodbury Veterans Memorial since its dedication on Veterans Day 2008. At the invitation of the Woodburys veteran groups, Commander Tom Grezek of the American Legion post 50, known as the Fighting 50st and Commander Bob Fritsche of Woodbury VFW Post 902, the St. Croix Squadron Color Guard Cadets were asked once again to aid in the flag presentation ceremonies honoring Americas Veterans and military institutions. With the combined efforts of our CAP Cadets, Woodbury High School JROTC Cadets and many veterans from both organizations the presentation was a success. The main part of this ceremony is to replace the service flags, which are flown all year long and are showing much wear-n-tear by this time of the year. The members are tasked to parade in the new flags and present them to a veteran of each service and hoist the flag up the pole, which the local veterans band plays that services anthem. The Woodbury Veterans Memorial flies 0 flags total, all of the service flags, which are; Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard plus the MIA/POW and the National, State and Woodbury flags. The memorial also sells pavers for dedications to veterans of all services, which are engraved into the granite pavers. The ceremony was hosted by Commander Tom Grezek, Dick Stafford and had such notable guest speakers such as Woodbury Mayor, Bill Hargis, St. Ambrose of Woodburys, Father Tom Walker and keynote speaker Retired Gen. John Schuster. The music was played by the community brass band conducted by Tom Halfpenny. The Civil Air Patrol members who turned out to support this 3rd annual event were; C/Amn Valeriya Kolyadenko, C/Amn Lucas Biniek, C/TSgt. Ryan Malcolm, C/CMSgt. Ethan Pike, st Lt. Amy Phar, st Lt. Scott Richardson & Maj. Stefan Sylvander.
St Croix Color Guard (L-R) C/Amn Valeriya Kolyadenko, C/Amn Lucas Biniek, C/TSgt. Ryan Malcolm, C/CMSgt. Ethan Pike, 1st Lt. Amy Pahr, 1st Lt. Scott Richardson, Maj. Stefan Sylvander

32

32