The official publication of Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol February 2006
St. Paul organizes a hot time in Hudson for wing members
Capt. Paul Pieper, an information source while St. Paul Squadron standing next to the barri- More than 30 Minnesota cades, explaining to Wing cadets participated in onlookers why the balloons the 2006 Hudson Hot Air weren’t flying. Affair in Hudson, Wis. During the day, the cadets This is the 17th year of the were joined by senior mem- event, which is usually held bers from various the first full weekend in squadrons, including February. The Minnesota Anoka, North Hennepin, Hot Air Balloon Viking, Valley and 130th, Association and local busi- as well as St. Paul. This nesses sponsor the event. allowed a rotation of three teams to take turns at an St. Paul Squadron has been all-you-can-eat breakfast involved for quite some provided by the Masonic time, with the origins a dis- Temple. tant memory. Last year, other Minnesota squadrons Other events also took were invited. This year, that place on site throughout the number grew. event. Various vendors dis- played arts and crafts. The weekend started Friday Members of the Minnesota night with a parade led by Kite Society exhibited their the Minnesota Wing CAP skills in maneuvering over- Color Guard. Other CAP St. Paul Squadron organized Minnesota Wing’s partic- ipation in the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair, held size kites with minimum members also participated size people. Have you ever in the parade by walking a Feb. 3-5, in Hudson, Wis. Photo by Capt. Paul Piper seen a giant frog fly? This safety line along the parade and a breakfast roll, the With a brisk 5 degrees might be something to think route, preventing children CAP members were off to below zero wind-chill, the about for Black Cap. from running into the street. the launch field at E.P. cadets completed their task The afternoon also included When the parades of bal- Rock School. After a for- swiftly. At the 6:30 a.m. Smooshboard Races. loon gondolas pass by, they mation, the cadets quickly pilot meeting, it was decid- Smooshboard racing is pull on their burners to light set-up barricades in antici- ed to cancel the morning where teams must race up the night and warm up pation of the coming launch due to high winds. against each other in a dou- the spectators. launch. The entrances to the (The maximum wind speed ble elimination event by field were restricted to the can only be 10 miles per Saturday morning began moving forward and turning balloon pilots, their crew hour. ) with a 5 a.m. wake-up call. in a coordinated fashion on and the vendors for the The cadets then turned into After a quick cup of juice Balloons / Page 3 event. Page 2 WingTips February 2006
Commander’s Column: Air Force budget cuts affect CAP
by Col. Steve Miller, of Defense recently issued m National Headquarter’s wing commander a budget decision that cut support and conduct of The new Gippsland deeply into many existing cadet special activities (N607CP) has arrived. Air Force programs and will be significantly This plane is a single- made sweeping manpower curtailed engine, eight-seat plane. cuts to Air Force officer, m Since first year cadet The Gippsland will be enlisted and civilian end attrition is 50 percent, equipped with the strength. expect the uniform pro- ARCHER hyper-spectral As a result, CAP's funding gram to be appropriate- imaging system. for fiscal year 2007 is pro- ly resized We have two check pilots posed for a nearly 15 per- m The orientation-flight who have completed the cent cut, a reduction of program will be Cessna training. They are $3.667 million to our oper- Col. Steve Miller reduced, but not elimi- Capts. Mike Hartell and ations and maintenance line nated Cliff Tamplin. in various searches. If you item. We hope our efforts would like to take a look at to work with senior Air m Other non-core pro- The ARCHER system Force and Congressional grams and support by should arrive in late April the new Gippsland, contact leaders will reduce this National Headquarters or May. By the end of our wing administrator, funding cut, but we know employees will be cur- February, we will have two Kirsty McCracken at 651- CAP will most likely take tailed or eliminated out- members trained on the 291-0462. some level of funding cut, right ARCHER system, Lt. Col You may or may not have and it will be significant! Doug Killian and Capt. heard the rumors regarding m We will not be able to Working within the system, sustain the current level Doug Ployhar. CAP's funding. The follow- we will fight to restore as of support received This new technology is cut- ing summary was sent from much funding as possible, from National ting edge and should posi- Maj. Gen. Antonio Pineda but CAP will come out of Headquarters. Many tion CAP to more effective- to members of the CAP this "transformed." Our functions will truly ly conduct ground searches National Board. focus will be on core mis- have to become volun- and to assist other agencies The Office of the Secretary sions, to eliminate any teer lead function or program that You could expect our air- does not directly support craft fleet to be resized to WingTips is a publication of them, but, at the same time, actual requirement, but, Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol, realizing our core missions surprisingly, we may con- U.S. Air Force Auxiliary will require a new focus. tinue to see Congressional 6275 Crossman Lane As for programmatic cuts: plus-ups in procurement, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 allowing us to replace www.mncap.org m Outreach programs of older, more maintenance wingtips@mncap.org aerospace education intensive C-172s, 182s with The views expressed, either written or implied, are not neces- special programs that the modern, glass cockpit sarily those of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol or affect a small audience C-182. Minnesota Wing. Submissions should be sent to the above email address. m International Air Cadet Overall, our 15 percent Exchange, or IACE, Wing Commander: Col. Steve Miller reduction is right in line will be severely Wing Public Affairs Officer: Capt. Al Pabon Wingtips Editor: Maj. Shannon Bauer reduced Editorial / Page 4 Page 3 WingTips February 2006
Balloons / from Page 1
a large set of skis upon which four sets of bindings are placed. There were three CAP teams this year, including the “GI Janes,” “Team Awesome” and “Blitzkrieg.” Of the three teams, Blitzkrieg was able to stomp the competition and make their way to the final race. However, expe- rience and a home team advantage left them finish- ing second in the event. After a late afternoon lunch with monster hamburgers and french-fry mountains, an opportunity to go Geo- Three Minnesota Wing teams competed in smooshboard racing during the 2006 Hot caching became available. Air Affair. Smooshboard racing is where teams must race against each other in a 1st Lt. Scott Johnson and double elimination event by moving forward and turning in a coordinated fashion Capt. Tyra Cerny, both St. on a large set of skis upon which four sets of bindings are placed. Photo by Capt. Paul Squadron, led a dozen Paul Pieper cadets to a nearby park to practice high-tech hide- evening included a mix. was then given a guided this event: including, from and-seek. The evening ended with tour, while they watched as St. Paul Squadron, project In Geo-caching, individuals pizza. another balloon was pre- officer Capt. Michael place containers in public Sunday began like pared then inflated. Rehbein, cadet project and locations around the world. Saturday. The decision was McMahon said he command officers C/Lt. They post the coordinates not made at the 6:30 a.m. impressed the crew when Kaitlin Bogen, and C/Sgt. of latitude and longitude on pilots’ meeting. Everyone he identified the tail num- Tim Quayle, day-time assis- the Internet, and others go gathered at the field. By ber for the balloon. tance Lt. Col. Charles Graf, and find them using clues 7:30 a.m., the winds were Taking turns, the cadets Capt. Cliff Tamplin, Lt. given online and with the marginal; hence, the deci- were instructed to go in Gary Schaedler, Johnson Global Positioning System, sion to fly was left to the groups on safety patrol (a and Cerny; from Viking or GPS. pilots discretion. An offer fancy excuse to go meander Squadron, Capt. Ronn of a ride was made. With a among the balloons). After Winkler; and from Anoka, Saturday evening included Maj. Don Sorenson and 1st the Moon Glow and Ring random pick, Cadet Mike most of the balloons lifted McMahon, St. Paul off, a call was given to take Lt. Andy Bosshart. And, a Of Fire. Balloon pilots cir- very special thank you to cled their vehicles and had Squadron, would be stand- down the barricades. This ing by. included the end of our 1st Lt. Karen Anderson, the choice of inflating the 130th, who assisted with balloon envelope or just As decision time came, the work. the overnight location. firing the burner. In very pilot for the balloon Many thanks go out to the windy conditions, pilots McMahon was to ride in cadets and seniors who Thank you to the many only fire their burners. This chose safety. McMahon planned and participated in cadets who participated. February 2006 WingTips Page 4
Editorial / from Page 2
with other cuts across Air difference. These upcom- University. We were not ing months will require all unfairly singled out. We of us to rededicate our- continue to work within selves to the mission and established procedures to goals of CAP. Success will mitigate our cut. require the collective We promise to explore and efforts of the entire wing. implement greater effi- As I tell our cadets and am ciencies, both at National now telling you, when Headquarters and across something unexpected CAP to better utilize the occurs, “We will adapt, funding we do receive, but adjust and overcome this the direction of CAP will situation.” change, that's inevitable. Tuesday, the 28th, I head All options are being to Washington, D.C., for explored. Please share the Winter National Board Capt. Mark McCormick, Worthington Squadron, pres- your thoughts, but I ask meeting. These budget ents Maj. Barney Harstad (center) and Lt. Col. for a spirit of cooperation. cuts and personnel/pro- Warren Rohwer (right), both Worthington Squadron, Now is not the time to gram changes will be dis- with recognition for achievement and their CAP retire- hunker down and strike cussed in length at this ment certificates. He also wished them well in their out at the Air Force just to meeting. When I return, I retirement from CAP. Photo by Capt. Joe Bradfield achieve our ends! With a will send to the unit com- consolidated, joint posi- tion, we will weather this manders' mail list a sum- mary of the important Worthington recognizes budget storm the best we points/decisions. All mem- two-new wing retirees can. bers will have access to As the commander of changes as they are placed by Capt. Joe Bradfield, Worthington Squadron Minnesota Wing, there on the National Two long time CAP members familiar to many throughout will be no "knee jerk" Headquarters home page. Minnesota Wing received special recognition for their reaction to this situation. A positive attitude can retirement from CAP during the Worthington Composite We can and will weather carry us through this situa- Squadron's annual Christmas party, Dec. 19. this fiscal storm. As tion. A positive attitude is Maj. Barney Harstad and Lt. Col. Warren Rowher, both Pineda mentioned, things contagious and especially Worthington Squadron, received retirement certificates. will change. We have great needed in tough times. members in Minnesota, These are tough times. Rowher was praised for longevity of service. Having who joined CAP to make a joined the Worthington Squadron more than 50 years ago, -Semper Vigilans a short break in the squadron's history, unfortunately, keeps him from the distinction awards members who serve Where are they now? without interruption for 50 years. Air Force Capt Matt Swanson, formerly a Mankato What both of these men contributed to CAP is beyond Squadron cadet, was selected as the 494th Fighter description. They are in large part the reason for the exis- Squadron’s Company Grade Officer of the Year. The tence of the squadron today, having seen it through some 494 FS, 'Mighty Black Panthers,' is one of two lean years, membership-wise. They continue to be highly squadrons of F-15Es assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, valued resources to the squadron. 'Liberty Wing,' at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Page 5 WingTips February 2006
Grand Rapids Squadron receives Resusci Anne as donation
by Capt. James Miller, vital local volunteer organi- 192 CPR mannequins to Miller said the Resusci Grand Rapids Squadron zations the basic tools they volunteer rescue units Anne will be a big asset in The National Auto Dealers need to conduct CPR train- across Minnesota. Resusci the squadron. He has and the National Auto ing classes,” said Glen Anne retails for more than applied for training aids in Dealers Charitable Handson of the Minnesota $1,000. the past for Sheriffs County Foundation presented both Auto dealers Association. Dive Team and for the Deer The Minnesota Auto the Grand Rapids Squadron “The National Auto Dealers Dealers Association repre- River Fire Department. and the Hill City Fire Charitable Foundation sents all the franchised new MADA has been a big help Department with a Resusci devotes a great deal of its car and truck dealers in in the past with donations Anne CPR Training resources to this emergency Minnesota, the association for both and would like to Mannequin recently. CPR training program. It is was founded in 1919. thank them for all their Receiving the Annes were a terrific use of resources,” support. Capt. James Miller, Grand he added. Rapids Squadron com- Since 1987 MADA has, in mander, and Bill Nelson, conjunction with the Hill City fire chief. National Auto Dealers “We are pleased to be a part Charitable Foundation and of this program which gives local dealerships, presented
Senior member &
cadet officer promotions Major Ruth Connie, State Legislative Rod Thompson, Grand Rapids Glen Handson, Minnesota Auto dealers Association Captain representative, presents Bill Nelson, Hill City fire chief Heather McNevin, Crow Wing and Capt. James Miller, Grand Rapids Squadron com- Sherrin Vanstrom, Worthington mander, with a Resusci Anne. Photo courtesy Grand 1st Lieutenant Rapids Squadron Fred Hoshal, Grand Rapids Mark Johnson, Duluth Momentous occasions ... Jeffrey Weitemier, Crow Wing C/Capt. Benjamin Banwart, 130th, graduated with a 2nd Lieutenant Bachelor of Science in Business: magna cum laude from Barbara Bischoff, Duluth the Carlson School of Management, University of Carolyn Carlson, Crow Wing Minnesota – Twin Cities, in December 2005. His major Kenneth Schauf, 130th was finance with a minor in accounting. Nichulis Zak, 130th C/Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Sperling, Saint Paul C/Colonel Squadron and former cadet commander, attending the Mark Pomerleau, North Hennepin Aeronautics program at University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, acquired his instrument rating. C/Captain The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will appear at the Cory Titus, Viking Duluth, Minn., Air Show July 8-9.