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“Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond”

North Central Region News


Volume 2009 June

The 2009 North Central Region Color Guard

Lt Col Erik Ludlow


NCR Cadet Competition Director

The region’s Cadet Competition was held at Camp Ripley, MN located in Central Minnesota near Little Falls early in
June.

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

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

Continued on Page 3

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 1
Safety is Job 1
Col Steve Kuddes
Commander, North Central Region

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

Wing and Squadron commanders need to make it a priority to have their safety officers
look at the accidents in their Wings and units, and then develop a program to help
eliminate future accidents.

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

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

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

Editor’s Note: CAP National Headquarters has recently posted a letter from Major General Amy Courter on the
“Increased Safety Requirements for Cadet Activities”. All members should review this important letter. It can be found
online at this link:

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

Local Civil Air Patrol Commander Passes Away


2d Lt Jason Fink
Public Affairs Officer, Nebraska Wing

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

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

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

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

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 2
Cadets Compete to Represent NCR at National Competition
Continued from Front Page

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

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

Several individuals were also recognized for their efforts:


Outstanding Staff: Maj Janelle Gates, MN Wing, Administration Officer
Outstanding Cadet: C/CMSGT Timothy Italiano, ND Wing Color Guard Commander
Highest Written Score: C/CMSGT Ryan Tweedt, NE Wing
Fleet Foot, Male: C/SMSGT Rueben Miller, MN Wing
Fleet Foot, Female: C/SRA Caitlin Albrecht, MN Wing

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

It should also be noted that the MO Wing Drill Team (Cass


County Composite Sqdn) will be representing North Central
Region as the Drill Team for the 2009 competition. This team is
made up of 13 outstanding cadets and several officers who are
volunteering to assist. Although the team did not have to compete
at the region level, they have been working overtime to get ready
for the drill events. MO Wing will do the North Central Region
proud as they compete against the top cadets from around the
country. Good luck to MO Wing as they compete for top honors.

This year’s competition was one that was a long time in coming. It
was originally planned for Fargo, ND in late April, but the Spring
flooding forced a change in venue to Camp Ripley and volunteers
from MN Wing, including Major Janelle Gates and Capt Norine
Olson stepped up to secure billeting, event location, food and
The North Dakota Wing Color Guard.
much, much more.

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

Lt Col James Peace, the region’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Cadet Programs also added to the competition by flying in
from Texas, bringing with him the written tests.

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

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

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

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 3
Civil Air Patrol keeps skills sharp with Abilene training exercise
Dave Bergmeier
Editor and Publisher Abeline (Kansas) Reflector-Chronicle

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

About 75 volunteers, both men and women, from cadets to veterans participated in exercises that were being evaluated
by the Air Force. Abilene’s National Guard Armory served as a command post. As part of the training, each individual
exercise is not known until Civil Air Patrol members get here.

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

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

Aye’s civilian job is as an online coordinator for Iola-based Allen County


Community College.

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

“We’re not a big wing but we are a good wing that works well together,” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m making sure everyone is safe,” Bahner said.

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

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

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

Continued on Page 5
North Central Region News – June 2009
Page 4
Continued from Page 4

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

In the past couple of years the Civil Air Patrol has been called
into service. In 2007, a widespread blizzard, the tornado at
Greensburg and flooding in southeast Kansas put many hours of
practice into practical application.

While the name Civil Air Patrol indicates the use of aircraft, she
said many important functions are available. A ground team, for
example, helps with searches for missing people, which requires
people to know how to use maps and compasses.
Members working communications during the Evaluated SAREX
in Abilene, KS. The Kansas Civil Air Patrol has 13 units, with five assigned
aircraft and 15 ground vehicles. Aye said one of the planes has state-of-the-art imaging equipment that is valuable in
searches. That equipment helped to recover a missing military plane that had crashed. The planes used in the weekend
training exercises were based at the Abilene Municipal Airport.

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

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

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

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

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

“Every two years we have to be graded and certified,” Hansen said. “I’m responsible for it all. If they do it right, they get
the credit. If it’s wrong, I take that responsibility.”

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

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

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

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

“It’s fun to watch kids go on to become cadets and wing commanders.

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

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 5
The North Central Region Staff College Class of 2009

Are you Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry?


Capt Linette Lahan
Kansas Wing

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

The one week in-residence class is designed to prepare CAP Senior members to serve at the Wing and Region Staff
level. Region Staff College is one of the many items needed to complete Level IV in the Senior Member Professional
Development program and be eligible for promotion to the grade of Lt Col.

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

Directed by Col Mary Donley (left), classes on leadership,


leadership styles and mentoring made up just some of the learning
happening at the course. In addition to the classes, a trip to the
Strategic Air Command museum was enjoyed. So many airplanes,
so much history, so little time.

Classes began the first day with inspirational readings. In addition


to instruction, different exercises in styles of communication were
performed with interesting results and varying degrees of success.
Guest speaker, CAP-USAF North Central Liaison Region
Commander Lt Col Mike Pederson, gave a Liaison update. Col
Kuddes joined the class for a banquet the evening before
graduation. Many lessons, laughs, and fun had by all preceded the
class ending 19 June.

Are you Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry? To find out, plan to


attend next year’s Region Staff College!

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 6
Congresswoman presents Minnesota member with Retirement Certificate
1st Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On a cold windy May morning Minnesota Congresswoman Michele


Bachmann reads a statement that she will read on the U.S. House
floor on May 18, 2009.

“Madame Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Richard


L. Kirchner for his 29 years of service to the Civil Air Patrol Col
Kirchner retired in February after developing the Anoka Composite
Squadron and serving as its Commander three times.

After joining the Civil Air Patrol in 1980, Col Kirchner started the
Anoka Composite Squadron in 1982 with just one member. Today, it
stands at nearly 100 members and ahs produced leaders in the Civil
Air Patrol, The U.S. Air Force, in business and the public sector
across the country. Col Kirchner was involved with every aspect of
the Civil Air Patrol including Emergency Services, Aerospace
Education and the Cadet program to help develop anyone interested
in civil service. I am confident that the Squadron will be lead by other
fine commanders and engage in new and challenging missions in
years to come, standing on the firm foundation laid by Col Kirchner.

It is my privilege to honor lieutenant Colonel Richard L. Kirchner for


Rep. Michelle Bachman presents Lt Col Richard
his three decades of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol and I
Kirchner with his certificate of Retirement. Photo by
SM Lion Templin want to thank Col Kirchner for the role he has played in so many
Minnesota lives. His commitment to honor and duty, country and
community and his nurturing relationship with the members of the Squadron are a model for all of us on how to lead and
teach. We are all so grateful for his service.”

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

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

The Anoka Composite Squadron presented the Colors for


the open ceremonies. The CAP members marshaled
WWII and many other aircraft that arrived during the two
day event. Aircraft included the CAP aircraft, T6’s, B25,
L29 jet, tail draggers, bi-wing, choppers, jets and the big
Albatross.

The Squadron had a recruiting booth and games for the


kids. CAP members from across the State volunteered
there time to help with the event.

Aircraft fly overs were limited on the first day due to the
weather but on Sunday they put on a great show. The lead
pilot in the formations was Col Chuck Datko in his T6 and
L29 jet. He lead several formations with both aircraft.

EAA Chapter 237 sponsored the Blaine Aviation Weekend. President, Kevin Rebman said, “Thank you CAP for all your
work. We couldn’t have done it without your help”. “CAP made the event a success”, said Rebman.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 7
Members of the Magic City Composite Squadron after participating as victims in a Simulated Plane Crash Exercise.

North Dakota Members respond at Simulated Plane Crash Site


1st Lt. Pam Romance
Public Affairs Officer
Magic City Composite Squadron, North Dakota Wing

After the explosion, I lay dazed on the tarmac at the air (left-right) CC/SMSgt Cyrus Romance and C/SMSgt Miles Way
compare their mock injuries.
show and there was an eerie silence. The pungent
smell of jet fuel and smoke from the fiery crash was
everywhere. Then, I could hear the moans of the Even though the simulated plane crash at Minot Air
injured, shouts of the security personnel, and the Force Base’s Northern Neighbors Air show was part of
pealing sirens of emergency response vehicles. the Major Accident Response Exercise on Friday, June
5, 2009, the emergency response teams, medics, and
My mind was racing. I couldn’t move or open my eyes. participants took their jobs seriously.
“Help me!” I kept thinking. “Why were they taking so
long? Help me, I’m hurt!” Magic City Composite Squadron members joined
several volunteers and Minot Air Force Base personnel
to become practice crash victims for the exercise.

Air Force First Lieutenant and Magic City’s Deputy


Commander, Maj. Ben Luther recruited five cadets and
public affairs officer, 1st Lt Pam Romance for the job.

Cadet Commander C/SMSgt Cyrus Romance, and


cadets, C/SMSgt Miles Way, C/SRA Joshua Anderson,
Airman Andrew Staufer, Cadet Tracey Vajda, and CAP
senior members were each given a scenario to follow
by Exercise Evaluation Team Chief, Air Force Major
Ann Perry.

Perry then turned to Air Force Technical Sergeant


Jennifer Gaines who directed her ‘moulage team’ to
prepare the crash victims. Injuries from major body
wounds to minor cuts and bruises were realistically
simulated with theatrical makeup.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 8
As the exercise wrapped up, 1st Lt Pam Romance, who
Continued on Page 10 had presumably died from a simulated massive head
injury was joined by C/SMSgt Romance in the
temporary morgue.

North Dakota Members respond at Simulated Plane “It was so hard to lay there and pretend to be dead
Crash Site when I wanted to get up and start shouting orders,”
Continued from Page 9 remarked C/SMSgt Romance about his first aid training
and leadership instincts. “Why didn’t they (medic
C/SRA Anderson was particularly proud of his fake trainees) know what to do?”
multiple compound fractures. “I think they should put
more blood on my shirt,” Anderson said as Cadet Vajda As with all training, Major Perry reminded the
limped by practicing her fractured ankle. C/SMSgt Way participants, practice shows you how to do things
received a good portion of teasing for what looked like a better. She added that the medics were learning to
huge cut from a prop blade on his forehead. work within the triage framework. “You need to know
what medical resources are available to you for each
“I’m really enjoying the goopy, bloody stuff,” commented emergency,” she continued. “There are limitations in big
C/SMSgt Romance who was acting victim of a fatal disasters. Remember, you are only humans.”
shrapnel wound to the head. C/Amn Staufer poked
Romance’s wounds and enthusiastically agreed, “Eew,
it’s sticky. Way too real.”

Maj Ben Luther studies his simulated wounds.

“We seriously need to get our certifications up-to-date.


My cadets need to know what to do,” stated C/SMSgt
C/SrA Joshua Anderson pretends to suffer from Romance as the Magic City Composite Squadron
his gruesome wounds
members were released to gather at the temporary
emergency headquarters entrance.
After being prepared by the moulage team, the Minot
Civil Air Patrol members were put under the command
C/SrA Anderson shivered and shook the water out of
of USAF Master Sergeant Mario Aceves. “You need to
his wallet, “I didn’t know what ‘decon’ was.” His injuries
remember how to act for each of your injuries,”
included being soaked with jet fuel which won him a trip
instructed Sgt Aceves.
to the decontamination center and a shower. “That
water was cold and I was still strapped to the stretcher!”
He coached his volunteer group to try and make it
realistic for the Minot AFB medical team who were
C/Amn Staufer groaned after being strapped to a litter
going to be using the START triage system meaning
for three hours. His mock broken femur was a delayed
Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment.
treatment injury for triage. C/SMSgt Way’s ugly,
bulging cut and Maj. Luther’s broken arm sent them to a
“It is very important that you know what you should do
make-shift waiting room for minor injuries. But, where
so that the medics can classify you correctly for triage.”
was cadet Vajda? Her fractured ankle should have
said Sgt Aceves. Some of his directions included how
been a minor injury too.
C/Amn Staufer should hold his broken leg and Maj.
Luther should moan in agony over his broken arm.
“I tried to escape in a wheel chair,” laughed Vajda as
she appeared from behind the group.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 9
Minnesota cadet says all veterans deserve a flag on Memorial Day
Capt Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Peter Spicer of St. Cloud, MN wandered through the lush grass of


the State Veterans’ Cemetery near Camp Ripley scanning the
gleaming gravestones in the brilliant sunshine. When he found
what he was looking for he knelt down and gently cradled it with
honor and favor. The headstone marked the graves of Staff
Sergeant Ervin Bauer, a US Army veteran of World War II, and
Vera Bauer, Spicer’s grandparents.

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

C/Amn Peter Spicer of St. Cloud Composite Squadron The cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,500 veterans and
carries the POW/MIA flag while joining members of the their eligible family members, mostly from central Minnesota. As
Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Guard during the
Memorial Day program at the State Veterans’ Cemetery we walked and talked among the red, white and blue flags winking
near Camp Ripley. in the breeze we noted the array of wars carved into the
headstones as the cemetery’s 14th annual Memorial Day
celebration unfolded before us.

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

As if conducting a line search for a missing person or aircraft during a


CAP mission we pushed on until he found his uncle’s grave: Thomas
Dale Musgrove, AZ2, US Navy, Persian Gulf, Nov 26, 1962 – Mar 30,
2008 – Always remembered.

“We all miss him,” Spicer said, “but I guess everyone misses someone
here.”

It had been a full day for C/Amn Spicer, and one he surely won’t forget.

He had attended the event with members of the St. Cloud Squadron’s
cadet color guard. While they were busy with the parade of flags portion
of the program, Spicer had the honor of carrying the POW/MIA flag while
joining the crack Minnesota Military Funeral Honor Guard. “That was
awesome,” Spicer said as he helped post and retire the colors.
C/Amn Peter Spicer of St. Cloud Composite
Squadron visits the resting place of his
Despite being the shortest member of the military honor guard, Cadet grandparents, Ervin and Vera Bauer, buried at the
Spicer stood out among the nearly 12-hundred people attending the State Veterans’ Cemetery near Camp Ripley.
event.

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

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

“It’s nice to know future generations are learning about the meaning of Memorial Day,” Goodrich said. “Sacrifice is
meaningless without remembrance, but your cadets seem to know that.”

Indeed.
North Central Region News – June 2009
Page 10
First Person Perspective: ‘It was the best plane ride of my life”
C/AMN Alex Bottger
Siouxland Composite Squadron, Nebraska Wing

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

I boarded the tanker through the cargo door. It was seemed really dark
inside the plane because my eyes were still adjusting from bright daylight
to darkness. This made it hard to see where I was going.
Once I found my assigned seat, I had to figure out the seat belt
mechanism. The seats were made of red-netting, which I thought was
fairly comfortable.

Like clockwork, as soon as we all got our seat belts on, the APU started up
and, man, was it loud! No sooner did the APU start up, we started taxiing
to the hold short line. With very few windows, I didn’t know whether we
were moving or not while taxiing. But when it was time for the take off, the
thrust of the plane’s engines made everybody lean backwards. It wasn’t
very bumpy on the way up and once we were level flight, we were
allowed to get up and walk around the plane. I got to see the cockpit
and how busy it was.

The best part about the flight was when two B52’s came up to be
refueled. So, when I had a chance, I went down into the boom
operator’s bubble. It was very comfortable down there. When the
planes were coming up to the boom, they were all over the place and
didn’t maintain contact for very long when they did.

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

When we were starting to descend, we had to get all buckled up again


and that’s when it really got bumpy -- you think a bumpy road is bad. Once we were close to ground level, they caught
us off guard and started up the APU again.

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

It was the best plane ride of my life.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 11
New School Based Squadron begins in Kansas Wing
The morning of Wednesday, May 13, 2009 was the Launch Date of a new Civil Air
Patrol unit in Kansas and the first of such units in a Kansas public school. The whole
school and members of the community gathered to celebrate the new program.

Cunningham’s new Mayor, Roberta Kobbe (pictured Left) welcomed the crowd and
encouraged everyone to seek out a way to support the new Civil Air Patrol program
and the other programs currently in or coming to the community.

Superintendent and Civil Air Patrol Captain, Glenn Fortmayer introduced each of the
guest speakers that followed. The first to speak was Colonel Tim Marlar, Director of
Personnel, Kansas National Guard. Col. Marlar described the most rewarding times in
his 38 years of service were when he was participating in service to communities,
particularly in times of natural disasters. He highlighted the value of training in service
to communities in times of emergencies and related it to the training the CAP program
will provide to students and staff of USD 332 and students and adults from the surrounding communities.

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

He cited her as an example of local community members serving in the guard


and the military and the way personnel serve their communities and the nation.
The benefits and opportunities that CAP provides for students and adults wanting
to enter the military were described along with the relationship shared between
the Air National Guard and CAP.

The Kansas Wing was represented by Major Rick Franz


and Major Phil Aye. They teamed up to summarize the
requirements of and opportunities in CAP. The majors
emphasized that CAP was an excellent way to serve the
country for those individuals feeling a need to do
something for our country and communities in these
challenging times.

Major Franz illustrated how CAP is often a family affair and


Major Aye informed the audience that membership was
open to ages 12 and older and any U.S. citizen that has a
desire to serve.

The Launch activities then switched to interactive activities.


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

The final activities consisted of a “Simon says” style drill down for prizes, and a “pre-training test” to perform a mock
rescue of a downed pilot. The last activity requied cadets to construct a stretcher and then find the down pilot,
somwhere on school grounds. The wiining flight, even though not trained, implemented a winning plan of dividing into
two sections. The first searched and found the pilot ( a dummy) and the second prepared the makeshift stretcher and
transported the pilot to the ambulance.

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 12
Wing Members Support Logistics Efforts
1st Lt. Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Members of MN Wing answered the call of Lt. Col. Paul


Adams, MN Wing Director of Logistics, to support a Wing
Logistics activity. Approximately 22 cadet and senior members
from local squadrons came prepared to work at the Wing
supply depot. The goal is to have a security cage installed at
Wing HQ, and then to restock and square away the uniform
depot for future requisitions. The work has been separated
into two phases.

The first phase was to move all the uniforms and other items
out of the area where the installation will occur. After the
security cage is installed, the second phase of restocking the
uniform depot will occur.

This re-organized supply depot will insure that future


requisitions can continue to be filled in an efficient manner.
This type of activity may not appear glamorous, but making sure that our cadets and senior officers are supplied with
proper uniforms and equipment is an important function for CAP success.

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

Kansas Honor Guard Stands Tall


Kansas City Composite Squadron’s Honor Guard has been busy. They opened the Kansas City Wizards first game
along with their “B2 Flyover”, posted colors at funerals for CAP family members, and recently the Kansas City Royals on
June 13th. They are scheduled for other events in the future and are in demand. Kansas City Composite serves the
Greater Kansas City area, and the word is spreading about the team.

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


st st
C/1 Lt Emily Wilson, and C/1 Lt Austin Ahlgren at Kaufman Stadium

The Honor Guard presents the colors


th
at the Kansas City Royals Game June 13 .

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 13
Kansas Squadron Honors Members
Maj Dan Metcalf
Public Affairs Officer, Kansas City Composite Squadron, Kansas Wing

The Kansas City Composite Squadron’s 2009 Spring Awards Ceremony was recently held to honor members for their
achievements over the past year.

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

Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars District 2 Jr Commander George Nunamaker Retired Army Major General Bill Treu presented
presented the VFW’s Cadet NCO of the Year Award to Cadet Samuel Chaverin (l) and the the Air Force Sergeants Association Cadet NCO
nd
VFW Cadet Officer of the Year Award to Cadet 2 Lt Grant Collison. of the Year to Cadet Nathanial Chaverin

Capt Catherine Metcalf and 1st Lt William James received Commanders


Commendation Awards
C/Col Daniel Metcalf received the Cadet Advisory Council Service ribbon
Capt Cathy Metcalf received the Torch Award.

Cadet Nelson Collet received the Mary Feik Achievement


Cadet Jonathan James was promoted to C/CMSgt
Cadet Emily Nicholson was promoted to C/AMN
Patricia Crocket was promoted to 2nd Lt.

1st Lt William James, Capt Catherine Metcalf, Maj Dan Metcalf and
Cadets Nicholas Woods, Daniel Metcalf, Nathaniel Chaverin, Samuel
Chaverin, Maverick Moore, Austin Ahlgren, Emily Willson, Jonathan
James received the Community Service Ribbons additional devices to
the ribbon.
Retired Army Major General Bill Treu presented
the Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award 2009 Cadet Academic Awards for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or more were
to Cadet Jonathan James (r) awarded to Joseph Crockett, Grant Collison, Samuel Chaverin, Lawton
Huffman and Maverick Moore.

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

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 14
CAP Assists with Control Tower Tours and Luncheon
1st Lt Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

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

It is a good will event that is intended to put faces behind the radio voices
everybody hears/talks to when using the airport. It also promotes airport
community awareness and friendships. Also open to the public, the majority of
attendees are from the FCM community. There were approximately 100 visitors
to this year’s event. In addition to the lunch, people in attendance are
encouraged to tour the control tower in order to get a first hand view of the
operations and facility.

Viking squadron members escorted these visitors while in the control tower
facility. They also shared information about some of the features and operations
of the tower while walking up the four flights of stairs. From the control tower
vantage point, visitors could view the inbound and outbound aircraft traffic and
how they were instructed by ground and air control. They could also view the
new airport construction. Perched atop the Minnesota River bluff, the views of
the river valley and surrounding areas are very enjoyable on clear sunny days.

Participating in local community events like these has helped Viking squadron
View of the Flying Cloud Airport control
tower and people in attendance at the promote itself and the Civil Air Patrol among the local community. It is one of the
open house luncheon. reasons why Viking continues to maintain great working relationships with the
local FAA (main) office, local FAA (tower), and local MAC personnel.

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

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 15
CAP conducts search and rescue exercise
Jean Ruzicka, Park Rapids (MN) Enterprise

Walker served as the mission base for the operation,


but planes were deployed from across the state,
explained Capt. Robin Helgager, commander of the
Northland Squadron, Bemidji Area CAP.

The exercise, she said, simulates an actual mission,


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

The benefit of the aircraft is its ability to fly low and


slowly, to better see what’s on the ground, Helgager
explained.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) planes from across the region The photos are downloaded from the aircraft to
descended into the Walker Airport Saturday to take part computers, which can then be e-mailed to public
in a SAREX – search and rescue exercise. agencies, such as law
enforcement.
Lt. Col. Tom Weston, North Central Region vice
commander, arrived from his home on Long Lake to
welcome the CAP seniors and cadets arriving for the
exercise.

CAP planes were the only non-military aircraft allowed


in the air after the 9-11 attacks, Helgager said. The
CAP took the initial aerial photos of the destruction.

Meanwhile, the ground team, comprised of seniors and


cadets, was ready for 24-hour deployment – “out in the
woods.” Each wore packs holding a whistle, flag, tape,
Weston (pictured above), retired Air Force who moved first aid equipment, a radio, rope, extra socks and other
to Hubbard County a year ago, explained his role was equipment.
administrative for the exercise. He was grounded,
serving as mission radio operator, communicating with “Their job is to keep their eyes on the ground,” Helgager
teams from across the state. “Getting to know the said.
region staff,” explained Weston, a Wadena Medical
Center physician’s assistant. A compass, not a GPS, is the navigational instrument of
choice, Helager said.
But the vice commander of the seven-state area –who’s
logged 23 years with the CAP – said he enjoys leaving Continued on Page 18
the earth’s surface. “I still want to get into the fun.”

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 16
Minnesota SAREX – Continued from Page 17

GPS batteries can run down, she said, citing an incident


three years ago when a dog trainer’s instrument failed
and a 14-year-old cadet, armed with a compass and
map, determined the location.

An Air Crew Debriefs after a flight.

A hard landing can set off a plane’s emergency locating


transmitter, which is coordinated via satellite. If the pilot
is unaware, and the ELT is not deactivated, a signal is
sent, alerting the CAP.
Cadets Rebekah, 15, and Kristin, 17, Schrader
Many a “missing plane” has been found in the hangar,
(pictured above) of Lake George arrived for the
Helgager said. The Walker Airport is home to the Tri -
exercise, both members of the ground crew for over a
County (seniors only) CAP which is comprised of Cass,
year.
Hubbard and Beltrami county members.
Rebekah Schrader explained line search protocol, eyes
The Park Rapids Airport composite (seniors and
to the ground, walking side by side, searching for
cadets) disbanded several years ago, former CAP pilot
foreign objects. When an item is found, an echo yell of
Dave Konshok said. “A lot of kids who went through the
discovery is sent down the line, the leader arriving to
program received a good foundation.”
investigate.
“It’s a phenomenal experience for cadets,” Helgager
Several of the Bemidji CAP cadets participated in the
said. Ages 12 to 21 are eligible for the program,
Red Lake search for two missing children, Helgager
teaching discipline, chain of command and respect.
said. CAP worked with Beltrami Emergency Services to
shoot aerial photographs of recent flooding in the
“And they are trained to fly and fly planes at no cost.”
county.

St. Croix Commander Adds CFII to His Current List of Pilot Ratings
On Monday, 01 June 2009, the St. Croix Composite Squadron
Commander, Capt. David Yost was notified by the Federal
Aviation Administration that he has achieved his Certified Flight
Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating to his current list of pilot skills.

Capt. Yost has been a member of the St. Croix Composite


Squadron and a member of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since January
2004. He became a CAP airplane instructor back in November
2007. He also has been serving as Squadron Commander since
August 2008.

In addition to his pilot ratings, Capt. Yost is also a qualified


mission pilot, observer, scanner, flight line marshaller, ground
team member, skills evaluator and holds technician ratings in
both safety and flight operations.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 17
KANSAS WING MEMBERS COMPLETE CERT TRAINING
Lt Col Dennis Pearson
Emergency Services Officer, Kansas Wing

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

CERT is part of the national Citizen Corps under the Department of Homeland
Security. Lt Col Scott Harvey, Capt James Vano, and C/CMSgt Isaac Vano
coordinated this CERT class with the Olathe Fire Department to include CAP
members.

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

Often there aren’t enough law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel to respond
to a major incident covering a large area for many hours, and sometimes days.
According to the CERT manual members “will be able to do the greatest good
for the greatest number of victims after a disaster, while protecting themselves
from becoming a victim”.

The following topics were covered during the 20 hour course: Disaster
preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light SAR operations,
CERT organization, disaster psychology, basic terrorism awareness, basic
HAZMAT awareness, and ended in a disaster simulation exercise.

Newly certified CERT members include

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

The training was conducted by the Olathe Fire Department.

Photos by Major Roger Eaton.

North Central Region News – June 2009


Page 18
Squadron Participates in 1st Observance at New Veteran’s Memorial
1st Lt Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Cannons fired and planes flew at the Eden


Prairie Veteran’s Memorial at Purgatory Creek
Park. Members of Viking Squadron’s honor
guard were on hand to participate in the first
Memorial Day Observance held at this new
Veteran’s Memorial. Many other members of the
squadron attended in support. The high visibility
of the squadron’s participation left a very positive
impression on the community, its veterans, and
its city officials. With strong gusting winds, the
honor guard required to hold the flags in place
during the ceremony. This actually provided an
impressive show of presence for the squadron.
With the discipline of the changing of the guard
at Arlington Cemetery, the cadets rotated the flag
holding responsibility in a very professional military manner, before eventually retiring the colors at the conclusion of the
ceremony.

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

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

The squadron is also very pleased with the visibility it received in the local newspaper and local television coverage,
which is beneficial to the squadron and Civil Air Patrol community image.
North Central Region News – June 2009
Page 19
Nebraska Members Demonstrate Survival Skills
SM Fran Knox
Seward Composite Squadron, Nebraska Wing

Members of the Nebraska Wing’s Seward Composite Squadron were invited to hold a Wilderness Survival
Demonstration at the Branched Oak Recreation Park. There were approximately 14 future 4-H Leaders, 2 interns and
several adults participating.

The Cadets demonstrated skills for making a fire, setting up various shelters and some first aide techniques. The 4-H
members also received a presentation on the Civil Air Patrol. The squadron has been asked to teach Aerospace
Education to the 4-H members, ages 8-12, at the end of July.

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

Minnesota Wing to hold annual summer Ground Team Training


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

The academy will be broken into three levels of training. Below is a brief description of the minimum we plan to cover in
each area of training:

1) Ground Team Member Level 3 / Urban Direction Finding


- Basic Communications User Training, First Aid, Equipment, Hot/Cold Weather Injuries, Fatigue, Compass Use, Phone
Alerts, ELT Search, Basic Map Reading and Natural Hazards.

2) Ground Team Member Level 2


- Advanced Communications User Training, Shelter Building, Survival, Land Navigation, and Canine Operations.

3) Ground Team Member Level 1 / Ground Team Leader


- ICS, Team Management, Field Leadership, Scene Management, Communications, Map Reading/Land Navigation,
ELT Searches, CISM, Team Paperwork.

For more information please contact Lt Col Wilberg ay cwilberg@mncap.org

In Next Month’s NCR News


• Coverage of the Minnesota and Missouri Wing Encampments!
• Coverage of the National Flight Academy in Nebraska
• Coverage of the Public Affairs Officer’s Academy
• Announcement of the 2009 NCR Balsem Awards
• AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!!! ☺
North Central Region News – June 2009
Page 20

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