“Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond”

North Central Region News

Volume 2009 July

Encampments – Competitions - Excellence

The past like it was yesterday!
Col Steve Kuddes
Commander, North Central Region

On July 17th, my wife and I were guests at the Joint Dakota Encampment, hosted by the South
Dakota Wing in Rapid City, SD.

After we arrived, we had the opportunity to accompany the Cadet Staff on room inspections.
Hospital corners, the e-collar on the blanket, smiling pillows, shoes and uniforms lined up
correctly were among the items of inspection.

After graduation lunch, it was off to the parade ground and a Pass and
Review. Flight after flight passing by of Cadets dressed proudly in the Air
Force blue shirt and pants, straight lines and in step.

Then it hit me. Flashbacks of when I was a Cadet at encampments in the

late 1960s and early 1970s. The same room inspections (except they were in
open bay barracks back then) and relief after hours of practice, to pull off the
Pass and Review. I felt like a Cadet all over again.

The excitement and the memories rolled into one. But this time there was
also a tear of happiness to be able to experience it all over again.

As we were introduced to the Officers and Cadets, we found that they came
from multiple Wings and Regions in CAP. Together for just one week of
working and training to perform better in the future.

But they will find out years from now that there is one more thing they will have
forever from that one week.....wonderful memories.

Friends, Fellowship and One CAP. It all happened in just one week.

If you have a chance to attend a Cadet activity like this, I urge you to do so.
The experience and memories are awesome.

My thanks to the Officers and Cadets who allowed me to share their

encampment.

Editor’s Note- We will have a feature on the Joint Dakota Encampment in Next Month’s NCR News. Meanwhile the
encampment has been maintaining a Facebook page that you can see at http://tinyurl.com/JDEncampment
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 1
Missouri Wing’s Cadet Training Group Steps out with Style
Story and Photos by 2d Lt Tom Baker
Public Affairs Officer, 2009 Missouri Summer Encampment
The Missouri Wing Encampment began Friday, the 19th
of June with the checking in of 26 Cadet Staff Members
and 22 Senior Staff Members at Camp Clark, National
Guard Training Camp near Nevada, Missouri.
Due to extended training for a unit going to Iraq by the
Guard Unit, encampment accommodations had to be
changed from the original locations. This meant there
would be one day, Saturday, to get set up for the Basic
Cadets to arrive on Sunday. The staff went to work and
by arrival time, the basic cadets were processed in, and
encampment was under way.
There were 71 basic cadets checked in, with the most
distant wing being represented by a cadet was the
Alaska Wing. Other wings represented were South
Dakota, Minnesota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois.
Missouri had 107 Civil Air Patrol members, counting
seniors and cadets.
This was the beginning of an experience that will last in
memory for years to come. For many it was their first
time away from home without relatives or a friend to
lean on.
Cadets attempting to walk taped line wearing special goggles.
Here they would learn the Core Values of the Civil Air
Patrol along with many other things that will help them
in the life that lies ahead of them. Along with physical
fitness they would learn the value of endurance in their
physical training classes.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 2
Planning, preparation, participation, and self-confidence
were on lists of things to be learned.
Missouri Wing Chief of Staff, Major Erica Williams
explained the relationship of the US Air Force to Civil
Air Patrol and the History of Flight.
The cadets also had classes on rockets, aerospace,
map and compass reading, safety, career opportunities
and emergency services.
The class that seemed to be the most fun was drug
demand reduction class. Capt Tammi Miller, Missouri
Wing Drug Demand Reduction Administrator, taught the
class and had the cadets participate in a simulated
sobriety test.
With the aid of special goggles that, when worn, made
you see like someone intoxicated, the cadets were
asked to walk a line that had been taped on the floor.
They had a lot of fun with little success in walking
straight or following the line.
Missouri Wing reserve Assistance Coordinator, Lt Col
Harvey had a Black Hawk Helicopter flown in for a static
display.
The cadets had the opportunity to question the crew
about the chopper and its capabilities. They also had
the chance to investigate by sitting in it and taking a
close look at the cockpit. They were amazed at how it
all works.
The progress of the cadets was followed closely by the
Cadet Public Affairs Officer, C/2d Lt Arielle Bohnert,
who published a daily newsletter titled “The Aviator”.
Continued on Page 3
Missouri Wing Encampment Continued Graduation day finally arrived and the excitement was
in the air. A banquet was held and the cadets received
The Aviator along with several pictures were posted their Awards. The many proud and excited faces were
daily on a web page that was set up for parents to use. beyond explanation.

Members at encampment also had the ability to receive

e-mail.

Capt Wendal Walsh, Assistant Public Affairs Officer,

also published an article in the newsletter titled, “A
Parents Perspective” that was well received by the
parents.

The cadets endured many hours of drill, pt, and learning

how to make a rack (bed). With the temperature and
humidity, the heat index was mostly in the upper 90’s
and reaching above 100 degrees at time, they learned
the importance of keeping hydrated by drinking plenty
of water. These young cadets pushed on everyday
looking forward to Saturday, the 27th of June,
Left to right; Col John Mais, Missouri Wing Commander, Maj
Graduation Day. Julie Oldham, Encampment Commander, 1st Lt Jennifer Carr,
Commandant of Cadets and C/2d Lt Arielle Bohnert, Cadet
Public Affairs Officer, on the reviewing stand for the pass in
review parade.

Wing Commander, Col John A Mais, was present for

the Pass in Review Parade. As the cadets marched
past the viewing stand, there were many different
feelings expressed by those present. The audience
consisted of families, friends and staff members. You
could see the pride on their faces along with tears on
some. These cadets had grown so much in so many
ways in one week’s time.

They would now sign out from encampment and return

C/Amn Brooklyn Collins receiving her graduation certificate from to their homes with a little different outlook. They would
Major Julie Oldham, Encampment Commander
also become a definite asset to their Squadrons and the
Civil Air Patrol.

For more information on the 2009 Missouri Wing

Encampment including newsletters, photos and more
please go to:

http://www.mocapsgf.net/1ctg/
Kansas Wing Winter Encampment Announced

Officials in Kansas Wing have announced that the wing will be holding its Annual
Encampment from 27 December to 2 January 2010 in Salinas, KS.

Cadets that are interested in serving on staff or would like to participate can contact the
Cadet Commander, C/Lt Col Mitch Edwards at mitchwedwards@yahoo.com for information
on the application process.

We will have more information on the encampment in the next issue of NCR News.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 3
Minnesota encampment tests skills, endurance
Captain Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, 2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment

For most students, summer is a time to unwind from the

rigors of the school year. Not so for the cadets that
attended the 2009 Minnesota Wing encampment at
Camp Ripley from June 20-27.

C/SrA Devyn Phelps, among the 11 Iowa Wing cadets to attend

Encampment in Minnesota, receives some personal instruction
on the 240-B machine gun from Technical Sergeant Dan Payette
of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Payette received his Spaatz
Award in 1998 and was the Encampment cadet commander in
1997 and 1998.

An event that stood out to many occurred during the

Maj Matt Wiskow provides land navigation instruction to C/A1C final inspection of encampment when the cadet staff’s
Kati Jents of St. Croix Squadron during the 2009 Minnesota Wing Standards and Evaluation team inspected the cadets’
Encampment at Camp Ripley. uniforms, living areas, and footlockers.
Each summer, CAP basic cadets from across the state
and region – under the oversight of cadet staff
members – are introduced to new experiences such as
the confidence course, land navigation, and weapons
familiarization, as well as annual offerings in moral
leadership, aerospace and military career opportunities,
physical training, and drill movements.

"While the cadets’ friends were going about their daily

routine, these cadets were here testing the limits of their
abilities and striving to improve," said C/Col Charlie
Cox, 11th CTG commander.

An inspection team moves up and down the rows evaluating

footlocker displays and critiquing uniforms during the 2009
Minnesota Wing Encampment at Camp Ripley.

Continued on Page 7

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 4
Minnesota Wing Encampment Continued “Minnesota has a well-earned reputation as one of the
best run encampments in the nation,” said 2d Lt Carol
A rare 100% overall score was recorded by C/A1C Hinkle of the Burlington (Iowa) Composite Squadron. “I
Zachary Dietz of Viking Squadron. learned so much being here.”

“Encampment taught me self discipline as well as self

confidence to do my best,” Dietz said.

The 11th Cadet Training Group consisted of 86 Basic

Cadets, 17 Staff Development Squadron cadets, and 28
Cadet Staff members. Nearly 30 Senior Officers and
volunteers were also there. Cadets and staff from
Missouri, North Dakota, as well as dozen from Iowa,
participated in the event.

Alpha flight celebrates another victory on their way to the

volleyball championship during the 2009 Minnesota Wing
Encampment at Camp Ripley.

C/Col Cox said he and the staff really enjoyed the

opportunity to work with the basic cadets.

“It’s quite amazing to watch them grow throughout the

Cadets make their way across Camp Ripley’s confidence course
during the 2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment at Camp Ripley.
week,” Cox said. “If these cadets can find the
confidence to tackle and succeed at encampment, they
will have the confidence to take on any problem life
throws at them.”
For more on this year’s encampment including
more images and newsletters please go to
http://www.cadetleadership.org/

2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment Awardees:

Encampment Honor Flight - Charlie Flight
CTG Volleyball Champions – Alpha Flight
Highest average inspection score – Bravo Flight
Highest Drill Competition Score – Charlie Flight

Distinguished Graduates of the CTG – C/TSgt John Ke, St. Paul Squadron; C/SrA Jacob Jones, Duluth Squadron; C/Amn
Jackson Bartlett, St. Croix Squadron; C/A1C Grant Bauer, Anoka Squadron; C/SSgt Tim Winnes, Ft. Snelling Squadron;
C/TSgt John Dvorak, St. Cloud Squadron; C/SSgt Alex Swanson, St. Croix; C/SrA Trevor Klatt, Grand Rapids Squadron;
C/Amn Daniel Fitterer, Mankato Squadron; C/SSgt Frank Albrecht, North Hennepin, C/SMSgt Tim Italiano, North Dakota

Squadron Distinguished Graduate – 21st CTS – C/Amn Megan Halek, North Hennepin
nd th
Squadron Distinguished Graduate – 22 CTS – C/SrA Matt Klugherz, 130 Squadron
Squadron Distinguished Graduate – SDS – C/TSgt Christen Furlong, 130th Squadron
Most Improved Leader – SDS – C/A1C Abdulrahman Haji, Valley Squadron
Encampment Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – C/A1C Jasmine Sands, North Hennepin Squadron
Wing Commander’s Award for Academic Excellence – C/A1C Jasmine Sands
Commandants Award for Leadership – C/Maj Billy Hoffman, 130th Squadron
CTG Command Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt David Johnson, Red Wing Squadron
CTG Support Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt Joshua Carr, Missouri
Field Leadership Excellence Award – SM Gene Enos, Southeast Minnesota Squadron
Senior Support Excellence Award – Capt Richard Sprouse, Group 2

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 5
NCR Cadets Excel at National Competition
Captain Susan Blessman
Deputy Commander for Cadets, North Hennepin Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing
The North Central Region Color Guard with Maj Gen Courter
Photo by Col Tom Theis.
Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose flew again on the
dreams of Minnesota Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets
participating in the National Cadet Competition (NCC),
July 9-12, in McMinnville, Oregon.
Regional Color Guards and Drill Teams gathered at
Linfield College and the Evergreen Aviation and Space
Museum (EASM) there to show the CAP world “the best
of the best” in color guard and drill team competition.
The Spruce Goose is exhibited at the museum. Linfield
College and EASM sponsored the National Cadet
Competition.
The Color Guard ready is ready for the Quiz Bowl.
North Central Region was represented by the
Minnesota Wing’s North Hennepin Squadron Color
Guard comprised of C/SSgt Frank Albrecht,
Commander; C/SMSgt Matthew Bruffey, First Rifle;
C/SMSgt Reuben Miller, Second Flag; C/SrA Caitlin
Albrecht, Second Rifle; and Alternate C/A1C Jasmine
Sands. Albrecht led the team in the various competitive
challenges including Standard Drill, Indoor Practical,
Outdoor Practical, Panel Quiz, Written Test, Inspection
and Mile Run.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 6
Of the seven events the team competed in, they
achieved and proudly accepted the award for Second
Place in Panel Quiz. C/SrA Caitlin Albrecht had the
fastest time for the mile run among females earning her
the “Female Fleet Foot” Award. C/SMSgt Reuben Miller
was honored by participating in the National Color
Guard, which is composed of one member from each
region.
Escorts for the team were 1st Lt. Alan Trombley and
Capt. Susan Blessman. Trombley and 2nd Lt. Suzanne
Albrecht sponsored the team with coaching help from
C/Capt. Nic Trombley and C/1st Lt. David Chanski.
The team was encouraged by the presence of MN Wing
Commander Col Thomas Theis, representing the North
Central Region, and Major Janelle Gates, Minnesota
Wing’s Cadet Program Director who served on the NCC
staff.
The Color Guard with their escorts, left 1st Lt. Alan Trombley
and right Capt. Susan Blessman.
‘I would like to thank all the seniors and cadets who
supported the North Hennepin Squadron's Color Guard
team these past several months. They won the
Minnesota Wing and North Central Region Competition,
earning a place at the National Competition in Oregon,
July 9-12. Although the team didn't place in the top 3,
they made a gallant effort.’ Said Col Theis.
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum challenged the
cadets with a museum scavenger hunt, presented an
IMAX 3-D presentation about the moon landing, and
offered the use of their facilities for several competition
events. Linfield College provided quarters, access to
their cafeteria, and the use of the gymnasium and track.
More information about the 2009 National Cadet
Competition including pictures can be found at the
NCC’s website http://ncc.ncsas.com/
Iowa Members Receive Governor’s Awards

Iowa Governor Chet Culver recognizes members of the East Iowa Capt Michael Oerregaard of the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron accepts
Cadet Squadron with the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award. the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award from Iowa Governor Chet Culver on
behalf of the squadron.

It is in times of need when we can experience people coming together as a community to support each other, but in
Cedar Rapids and many towns in Iowa, the flood of 2008 represented one of the worst disasters ever experienced in the
state’s history.

Civil Air Patrol members, Seniors and Cadets played a vital role during those difficult times, providing photography,
transportation to state senators, government agencies representatives and providing ground volunteer services in
support of the Red Cross and the Linn County Emergency Operations Center.

Iowa Wing’s East Iowa Cadet and Cedar Rapids Senior Squadrons received the 2009 Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award
at a ceremony in Marion Ohio. The squadrons were recognized for their outstanding service during the 2008 flood and
tornado disasters by Iowa Governor Chet Culver.

The Governor’s Volunteer Awards were established in 1982 to honor and recognize volunteers for the commitment,
service, and time that they contribute to Iowa's government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

“The devotion of these volunteers helps Iowa consistently remain in the top 10 states in the nation for its volunteerism
rate,” said Governor Culver in a press release to the community announcing the awards.

Thanks to Lt Col Erik Schneider, 2d Lt Francisco Molina and Major Maurieen Braddock for their contributions to this
story.

NCR NEWS is the official newsletter of the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol. The
views expressed, either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air
Force or the Civil Air Patrol. Submissions are welcome and can be sent to
pao@ncr.cap.gov

Receive an e-mail notification each month letting you know that the latest edition of
NCR News has been published by going to
http://lists.ncrpao.org/mailman/listinfo/ncrnews

Col Steve Kuddes, Region Commander Major Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 7
First Person Perspective: CAP mission training put to use in Iraq
Major Bradley Sanker
Missouri Wing

The status board shows sixteen teams spread out over a region the size of Texas. Radios are squawking, instant
messaging software is pinging status updates for each team. Around the room the phones are ringing with different
requests for service and updates on weather conditions. The scene looks like a makeshift mission base for a SAREX,
the difference is the location and the people. I am sitting in the Air Force Tactical Operations Center (TOC)-Kuwait and
instead of tracking ground teams I am tracking logistics convoys moving supplies and equipment in and out of Iraq.

As a TOC controller it’s my responsibility to ensure the convoy teams are rolling
safely through the theater of operation with as little incident as possible. The mission
is a whole lot more dangerous, but the scenario is as familiar as the many missions
controlling the movement of ground teams at mission base.

I have been a member of CAP since I was 14. I am also an Air Force TSgt stationed
at Scott AFB. I am a Vehicle Dispatch Operator currently deployed in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our team of over 300 Air Force personnel operates the
only Air Force convoys in Iraq in support of Army logistics movements.

During my 21 years as a CAP member I never thought I would be utilizing my skills

that I learned during CAP missions to support combat missions in Iraq. But let me tell
you the training has certainly paid off.

I know from experience that’s its challenging to look and a map and try to understand
what a ground team is doing when I have never seen their location. But that experience has helped develop a keen
understanding of command and control while tracking convoys. My years of talking over CAP radios and interpreting
topographical and aeronautical maps have also paid off. I now find myself walking senior leaders through scenarios
utilizing the very skills CAP taught me.

I am at the half way mark of my deployment and soon I will be back in my own home and I will once again be waiting for
that late night call in support of a CAP mission. When that time comes I know I will be ready. Just has CAP has trained
me to provide mission support; the Air Force has honed my skills and made me a better situational manager.

I look forward to returning home and once again serving my country both in my job and as a volunteer in CAP.

Cass County Completes Weekend Model Rocketry Program

Capt Tammi Miller
Public Affairs Officer, Cass County Composite Squadron, Missouri Wing

Six Cass County Composite Squadron cadets completed

the entire Civil Air Patrol Model Rocketry program during a
weekend-long event. 1st Lt Mark Miller coordinated the
two-day experience where cadets built, tested, and
launched rockets from all three phases – Redstone, Titan
and Saturn.

Instructors 1st Lt Miller and 1st Lt Ted Hatfield felt the

successful launch and recovery of all model rockets were
the pinnacle to an outstanding weekend. “This was one of
the best activities that I have been a part of, mainly due to
the enthusiasm and interest of the cadets,” Lt Miller stated.

Completing the program and receiving the model rocketry

badge were: C/CMSgt Daniel Caron, C/SMSgt Luke
Wood, C/SrA Trenton Eckerle, C/A1C Aaron Gerry, C/AB
Brent Garten, and C/AB Jacob Wright. Assisting 1st Lt
Mark Miller and 2d Lt Ted Hatfield was C/2d Lt Jordan
Hargis.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 8
Public Affairs Practitioners Gather for Training, Fellowship and Growth
19 Public Affairs Officers from 3 of Civil Air Patrol’s
regions gathered in Nebraska from June 26th to 28th for
3 days of training and personal growth at the North
Central Region Public Affairs Academy held at Camp
Ashland, NE.
The inaugural academy was actually 2 courses that
focused on the basics of CAP’s Public Affairs Program.
First was the North Central Region’s PAO Basic Course
(PAOBC).
The PAOBC was developed to share basic information
and resources for the new squadron PAO in the areas
of Public Affairs Planning, Press Release Writing,
Newsletter Development, Use of the Internet and
Community Outreach.
The second was a “Mission Information Officer
Workshop” built around a simulated missing aircraft
search mission that focused the students on the
necessary tasks that a Mission Information Officer must
do to be successful on an actual mission.
The workshop looked at everything from what the role
of the MIO is, to preparing for the mission, arriving at
the mission base, writing the initial and follow-up
releases, working with the media, writing the closing
release and closing the mission.
A key component of the workshop was a review of
recent missions such as the 2008 Iowa/Missouri Floods,
the 2009 North Dakota Floods, recent Hurricanes and
the Steve Fossett search.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 9
Finally time was spent on supplemental topics such as
PAO Professional Development, Cadets and Public
Affairs, PAO 101, Updates from CAP National HQ,
Preparing for the Unit Inspection and Communicating in
a Crisis.
PAO’s also spent time in “Leadership Discussions.”
These informal discussions allowed PAO’s to come
together in an informal environment to talk about issues
of interest to PAO’s including The PAO as a CAP
Member, The PAO as a Staff Officer and The Future of
CAP Public Affairs.
“I was pleased to see the enthusiasm of the PAO’s here
this weekend. They took in what was presented and
made it work. These are the good communicators who
will become great communicators because of this
academy.” said North Central Region Commander Col
Steve Kuddes who also served as the Incident
Commander for the simulated mission.
Students spent much of their time in practical exercises
such as writing press releases and organizing a
squadron newsletter.
Academy Presenters included
Lt Col Mike Marek, Communications Team Leader at
National Headquarters,
Julie DeBardelaben the Deputy Director of Public
Affairs at National Headquarters,
Major David Miller, the Public Affairs Officer of Missouri
Wing
Major Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs for North
Central Region.
The academy closed on Sunday with a luncheon where
Julie DeBardelaben said “I often marvel at your
accomplishments, your ability, infrequently on short
notice, to absorb and then handle complicated
assignments and to consistently produce exceptional
results.
It speaks, first and foremost to the hart of your love for
CAP and second to your genius in not only selecting the
very best and most important job in Civil Air Patrol but
to your willingness to put your shoulder to the wheel
each and every day to make it happen.”
SM Donna O'Steen-Mixon of Colorado Wing
2d Lt Francisco Molina, 1st Lt Cindi Wachholz and Capt
Jon Sawyer of Iowa Wing,
Col Regena Aye, 1st Lt Carol Hearns and C/Lt Col
Mitch Edwards of Kansas Wing,
SM Gail Dodson and SM Lion Templin of Minnesota
Wing,
Major Tony Belto, Major Melinda Berry, Lt Col Larry
Kuban and 1st Lt Dorothy Sieber of Missouri Wing
2d Lt Jason Fink of Nebraska Wing.

Academy participants included More information on the Academy including training

materials and upcoming training events can be found at
Lt Col Fred Mahadocon Director of Public Affairs for http://www.ncrpao.org/academy/
Pacific Region,

Join us for the 2009 NCR Conference at the Holiday Inn – Northwest in Des Moines over Halloween Weekend for
a weekend filled with Friends, Fellowship, Recognition and opportunities to grow as CAP Members!

The fee for this year’s conference is only $ 30.00 and that includes the Banquet and all activities.

At this year’s conference you will be able to

• Participate in workshops and learning labs designed to meet your needs!

• Shop at Vanguard’s On-Site Store – Stock up on your CAP items with no shipping charges!
• Participate in the Town Hall Meeting with the Region Leadership and Senior National and CAP-USAF
Representatives! Ask your questions of our top leaders!
• Activities especially for cadets!
• ICS 300 training will be offered!
• Meet old friends and make new ones!
• Join us for the Region Banquet and Awards Program (wear your favorite costume!)
• See your peers recognized for their excellence!

Register now on-line at http://ncr.cap.gov

North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 10
NCR’s Public Affairs Leaders Recognized
National Headquarters announced recently that the Major Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement
Awards could be presented at the Region Level and NCR has embraced this program to recognize the efforts of the
Public Affairs Professionals in the region.

Named in honor of the Air Force major considered by CAP historians to be the first Public Affairs officer to serve CAP at
the national level in the '50s, the Major Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards competition
provides PAOs with the opportunity for recognition of outstanding achievements in a variety of categories.

The following entries were selected from the many excellent submissions received for the competition. The winners
were announced at the PAO Academy Luncheon this past June.

Writing for the Media

1st Place 2d Lt Jason Fink Nebraska Wing Headquarters Nebraska Wing
2nd Place 1st Lt George Supan Anoka County Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing
3rd Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Brochure/Poster/Flyer
1st Place Major Melinda Berry Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing
2nd Place Capt Tammi Miller Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing
3rd Place Lt Col Jeffrey Wolff River City Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing

Newsletter
1st Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing
2nd Place Lt Col Jeffrey Wolff River City Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing

Website
1st Place 1st Lt Christopher Oakes Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing
2nd Place 2d Lt Scott Richardson St. Croix Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Media Coverage of CAP

1st Place 1st Lt George Supan Anoka County Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing
2nd Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing
3rd Place C/CMSgt Lydia Wiff Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Event Promotion/Crisis Management

1st Place Minnesota Flight Academy Video Promotion Team

Producer Lt Col Paul Adams Minnesota Wing

Technical Director Cadet Garett Long Iowa Wing
Segment Director 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Minnesota Wing
Photographer Lt Col Tom Hollenhorst Minnesota Wing
Photographer Capt Mike Rehbein Minnesota Wing
Photographer Major Sherrie Herzfeld Minnesota Wing
Photographer 1st Lt Shelly Supan Minnesota Wing
Photographer Cadet Bjorn Altenburg North Dakota Wing
Talent Cadet Jessica Lewison Minnesota Wing
Talent Cadet Luke Zahm Minnesota Wing

Video Presentation
1st Place Major Melinda Berry Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing
2nd Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Recognition items are being sent to the Wing Commanders for presentation at appropriate occasions in their respective
wings.

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 11
B-17 delivers old and new thank you
Captain Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing
What’s old was something new to a thankful cadet of
Minnesota Wing’s St. Cloud Composite Squadron. For
a World War II veteran, it was a new audience and a
weekend of hearing a phrase that never gets old, “thank
you.”
Cadet Airman Ryan Casey of St. Cloud (Minn.) Composite
Squadron assists during the visit of the B-17G “Aluminum
Overcast” at St. Cloud Airport.
Cadet Airman Ryan Casey was at home Saturday, July
11 when his father heard the rumble of an aircraft flying
low and slow overhead. It’s a sound he’d never heard
before. It was the B-17 “Flying Fortress” that the local
newspaper said would be at the St. Cloud Airport
throughout the weekend. Casey quickly donned his
BDUs and asked for a ride to the airport to see if he
could help during the bomber’s stay in St. Cloud.
Bristling machine-guns and nose art on the B-17G “Aluminum
Overcast”.
“When they said yes, I couldn’t believe it,” Casey
exclaimed. He assisted visitors over the weekend enter
and exit the aircraft during its static display.
His spirits were lifted even higher Sunday when he was
told he’d get a free ride in "Aluminum Overcast," the
Experimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17G. The
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 12
flying museum has been on annual tours around the
country since 1994, offering ground tours and rides to
the public at each stop. Aluminum Overcast is one of
only a dozen B-17s that still fly today.
“The plane is so cool, and everyone I met shared so
many stories about the plane, its restoration and its
important role in World War II and aviation history,”
Casey said.
There were over 12,000 B-17's produced between 1935
and 1945, with almost five thousand lost in combat.
Earl Joswick,
(pictured) a former
staff sergeant and
B-17G ball-turret
gunner, was shot
down on his 14th
mission over
Germany, spending
14 months as a
prisoner of war.
The ball-turret gunner was located on the bottom of the
plane, a small, precarious position with a thin
membrane of aluminum and Plexiglas separating the
gunner from the 30-below air temperature at 20,000
feet and the red-hot machine-gun bullets from enemy
fighters.
“Actually it was the safest place on the bomber because
the fighters always attacked from the top, not from the
bottom of the plane,” Joswick said. “The ball-turret
could be rotated to the back, to the side, everywhere.
We protected the underside of the plane.”
Joswick exchanged recollections with other WWII
veterans, as well as dozens of other people eager to
meet the WWII hero who took part in a B-17 flight
during the bomber’s visit.
“I was crying like a baby when we went up, it brought
back a lot of memories,” Joswick said. “I’d never want to
go through it again, but they can’t take the memories,
good and bad, away from me.”
One phrase repeated to Joswick throughout the
weekend was “thank-you”. It was the same phrase a
Civil Air Patrol cadet from St. Cloud repeated to
everyone involved with the B-17’s visit.
Patrolling the skies: Local volunteers serve community from high above
Josh Chase, Prior Lake (Minnesota) American
For Colleen Van Brundt, military-style volunteerism is a
family tradition. Her mother served in the Ground
Observer Corps, and she has two brothers who were
submariners.
So when she and her husband were looking for a way
to give back to their community a year and a half ago,
the Civil Air Patrol made the most sense. Van Brundt,
who has long been
interested in aviation
and whose husband
is a pilot, joined the
130th Composite
Squadron, a Civil Air
Patrol unit based at
Air lake Airport in
Lakeville.
“This fit perfectly
because we wanted
to work with kids.
We love aviation
and the emergency
services portion of
it,” says 2nd Lt.
Colleen Van Brundt,
of Prior Lake.
“Those three
missions just worked
well with what we wanted to do.”2nd
Lieutenant Colleen Van Brundt
Her husband, Capt. Paul Van Brundt, knew about the
organization because of the time he spent at the airport.
As a commercial pilot and flight instructor, he says an
aviation-related community service group was natural.
Originally, Paul planned to serve only as a flight
instructor. Plans changed, though, and he now serves
as the squadron’s deputy commander. That’s in
addition to the work he does as its professional
development officer and its standards and evaluations
officer.
“I wanted to be able to give back to the community,” the
captain says. “I’d had so many things given to me, so I
figured I could use my training as a pilot to give back to
some kids who might not be able to afford it otherwise.”
Aerospace education and cadet programs are two of
the organization’s core missions.
To advance in rank – each student member starts out
as a cadet-airman basic and can advance to cadet-
colonel – cadets must meet leadership, aerospace
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 13
education, physical fitness and character development
requirements.
“If you are a cadet, you get leadership training and the
ability to apply it,” says Colleen. “The way you carry
yourself changes. It commands respect from the people
around you.”
Membership also has tangible benefits for youngsters;
cadets who earn the General Billy Mitchell Award (and
with it the rank of cadet second lieutenant) are
automatically promoted to airman first class (E-3) upon
enlistment in the U.S. Air Force.
But the 130th Composite Squadron currently counts no
Prior Lake residents among its cadet rolls, says Paul.
“I think they’re missing out on an excellent opportunity
for all this free training and camaraderie and fellowship
with their peers,” he says. “It teaches so many
leadership skills and teamwork skills that probably
would never be picked up by students or cadets in any
other way.”
The civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air
Patrol (CAP) was created in 1941 as a way for civilian
aviators to support the war effort. Shortly after the
nation entered World War II, CAP pilots began
conducting patrols along the East Coast, alerting Navy
and Army Air Corps pilots to approaching German U-
boats and – in some cases – attacking the vessels
themselves.
Aiding with training efforts was another of the
organization’s wartime missions. CAP pilots would tow
drone aircraft to give military pilots moving targets to
shoot down.
Also during that time, CAP began search-and-rescue
operations, which remains one of its core missions.
Cadet Scott Gabert refuels a Civil Air Patrol aircraft
after making a solo flight. (Submitted photo)
All members – who serve in a volunteer capacity,
receiving no compensation – can perform emergency
service roles. While cadets make up much of the
ground force, senior members can take part from the
air.
Paul serves as a pilot on CAP missions, while his wife
holds ratings as both an observer (the crew member
responsible for navigation and radio communications)
and a scanner (who watches the ground from above in
search of the missing party).
Continued on Page 14
Patrolling the skies Continued from Page 13
“It’s a very good resource for any community to get
help,” says the captain.
“All the community has to do is request and the Civil Air
Patrol will provide people or aircraft or whatever it takes
to conduct a search.” Life lessons
Lt. Col. Nick Modders has been an on-again, off-again
member of CAP since 1957 and has seen the program
through both an adult and teenager eyes.
instruction so that when I got to Air Force pilot training, I
already had some experience,” says the colonel, who,
like the Van Brundts, later joined as a senior member
because of opportunities to volunteer. “I’m interested in
giving back a little bit. I had a good life, and Civil Air
Patrol certainly launched that.”
An industrial engineer by trade, Colleen says CAP has
given her skills in areas she otherwise wouldn’t have
had the chance to dabble in. She serves as the
squadron’s public information officer and doubles as its
aerospace education officer.

“In upper Michigan in the 1950s, just seeing an airplane
was a big deal,” says Modders, who found out about the
program through a friend.
Modders used his experiences as a cadet throughout
his 24-year Air Force career, followed by a 31-year
career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines.
“[CAP] made me aware of things that were available
through the military and gave me the initial flight
But the biggest reward for Colleen comes from
watching cadets learn and grow. “There was one cadet
who came in and was shy – the new kid on the block,”
she says. “Now, just to watch him turn into a leader is
really neat.”
“There is a reward to it and it’s probably to know you’re
helping others,” she continues. “I didn’t join it as a
resume builder or anything. I joined it to be of service,
and to know that you are of service is great.”

Iowa Squadron Supports Community Cook-Out

1st Lt Cindi Wachholz,
Public Affairs Officer, Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron, Iowa Wing

Members of the Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron participated in the Algona

Fareway's Annual Pork Cook-Out, on June 26, in support of the local Pork
Producers.

Squadron members worked along side Pork Producers preparing more than 2,100
sandwiches and serving pop. "My arms were flying!" said Cadet Zach Coster, "I got
to meet people and help out- That's great!"

1st Lt Nancy Ballard, Deputy Commander of the squadron added that, "community
service is part of what CAP is all about, and we appreciate these opportunities to
help in the communities where we live."

The squadron was invited to help at the event by Steve Smith, manager of
Fareway's meat department and an avid pilot. "We look for a service organization every year to help us with the event",
said Smith, “but this year the event was raised to a new level by having CAP here to help".

“Volunteering within the community is one of the pillars of CAP,” stated C/CMSgt Adam Wachholz, the squadron’s Cadet
Commander.

In Next Month’s NCR News

• Coverage of the Joint Dakota Encampment
• Coverage of the Nebraska Wing Encampment
• Coverage of the Minnesota Flight Academy
• NCR’s Transition to Narrowband Moves Forward
• AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!!! ☺

Subscribe to NCR News by going to:

http://lists.ncrpao.org/mailman/listinfo/ncrnews

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 14
Squadron Shows Support for Young Eagles Program
2d Lt Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On Saturday June 13th, the St. Croix Composite Squadron was present to show our support for the Experimental
Aviation Association (EAA) Chapter #54, Young Eagle Flight program at Lake Elmo Airport (21D), Lake Elmo, MN.

We were graciously invited by the members of EAA chapter

#54 based at the Lake Elmo Airport to have a recruiting table
and to talk to the large number of young people and their
parents about Civil Air Patrol and our mission.

The original mission of the EAA Aviation Foundation’s Young

Eagles program was intended to provide a meaningful flight
experience to 1 million young people between the ages of 8
and 17 by the year 2003, which was the 100th Anniversary of
the Wright Brothers first powered flight.

This mission was accomplished and the Young Eagles

program has provided well over 1.3 million flights to youngsters
to date.

The EAA Young Eagle program is intended to give kids their

first airplane ride with a one-on-one experience with the pilot
and to introduce them to aviation in a positive way. Their
program is intended to provide for one free flight only because
they do not have the resources to give multiple flights to the
same child throughout the year.

Their Young Eagle pilots fly a variety of FAA certified aircraft and each youngster gets to have a unique hands-on flying
experience. After the flight, each new Young Eagle is presented with a certificate, which is suitable for framing.

EAA Chapter #54 invites young aviators ages 8 to 17 for a free airplane ride at the Lake Elmo Airport (21D). They are
located at the EAA chapter 54 clubhouse; enter Gate B, off Manning Ave. The Young Eagle rides are given each
second Saturday of the month from May through October at 9:00 am weather permitting.

If you would like more information about this first flight program or to reserve a flight, please visit www.EAA54.org and
click on Young Eagles.

I had a first hand chance to talk with both the parents and youngsters who participated in today’s program, the grin on
the youngsters face said it all. Many of the folks I was able to talk to were very interested in Civil Air Patrol and one of
our missions, which is very similar to that of the EAA’s Young Eagle program.

Vietnam Vets Recognition Includes Cass County Honor Guard

Capt Tammi Miller
Public Affairs Officer, Cass County Composite Squadron, Missouri Wing

Four Cass County cadets provided honor and prestige to a remarkable event honoring those who have served to protect
our country.

The Cass County Historical Society hosted the Vietnam Art Exhibit and Veteran’s Recognition on Saturday, January 17,
2009, and the Cass County Composite Squadron Honor Guard presented the colors for the program. About a dozen
Vietnam veterans have been interviewed for the Society’s Veterans Oral History Project.

Several of these former soldiers briefly shared memorable experiences. Artist James Davis Nelson and photographer
Ival Lawhan, Jr., provided vivid displays of their work throughout the Harrisonville Branch Library.

Cadets participating in the honor guard were: C/2d Lt Jordan Hargis, C/2d Lt Daniel Caron, C/CMSgt Karra Miller, and
C/A1C Malachi Hargis.
North Central Region News – July 2009
Page 15
St. Croix Squadron Hosts Boy Scout Troop Hangar Tour
2d Lt. Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

On Saturday, July 11th the St. Croix Composite Squadron participated in a hangar tour in support of the Experimental
Aviation Association (EAA) Chapter #54 for White Bear Lake Boy Scout Troop #434 at Lake Elmo Airport.

This Aerospace Education hangar tour was in cooperation

with the monthly EAA Young Eagles first flight program
that is put on by EAA chapter #54 located at the Airport to
help the scouts earn their Aviation merit badge.

The Young Eagles Program is held every second Saturday

of the month from May through October each year. The
pilots of EAA Chapter #54 using their own aircraft and their
own time sponsor this event.

Boy Scout troop #434 had been camping out on the

grounds of Vaulters Aviation over the weekend. All of
these scouts were all pretty jazzed up from their first flights
they received and a day of aviation immersion.

Two groups of Scouts were arranged by the EAA members

Major David Kenan (left) gives a tour of the St Croix Squadron hangar
to tour several hangars immediately after the conclusion of
to scouts of Troop 434.
Saturday’s first flights.

We had 2 senior members and 2 cadets on hand for the guided tour. First we gave each group an introduction on Civil
Air Patrol of who we are and what it is we do. Next we gave each group a close up view of our aircraft. Each Boy Scout
had an opportunity to sit in our aircraft and get a close up look at what we fly.

After seeing the aircraft we gave each group of scouts a tour of our squadron facility. There was also a question and
answer session and each participant received information about CAP and the squadron.

Most of the scouts seemed very interested in our program.

In this edition of the CAP Volunteer Magazine!

• The art of the hunt: CAP prepares fighters to intercept
airspace intruders
• Inspiration in Binghamton: CAP cadet responds to fatal
shooting scene
• Negotiating for freedom: Former CAP cadet aids in rescue
of Capt. Richard Phillips off Somali coast
• CAP unit chartered with the name of an American president
• Alaska Wing eases plight of Yup’ik Eskimos struggling with
winter food shortages
• Who do the local Red Cross and newspaper call when they
need aerial photos of flooding?
• CAP members aid flood-stricken North Dakota
• And MUCH MORE!!!!!!!
Download the latest issue now at
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com and click on “News”

North Central Region News – July 2009

Page 16
Pancakes and planes prove winning combination for squadron’s fundraiser
Capt Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Pancakes and planes proved to be the winning combination for the

St. Cloud Composite Squadron’s annual fundraiser.

Squadron members served 1,300 breakfasts of pancakes and

sausage, and raised $2,100 for squadron activities during the
Sunday, June 28 event held at the St. Cloud Airport.

“Our crew of seniors and cadets came early, worked hard, and
stayed late; the result was another very successful breakfast,” said
Lt Col Jim Schlick, the event’s organizer.

“Between the Army National Guard's CH-47 Chinook helicopter,

the LifeLink helicopter, several experimental aircraft, and our own
CAP glass-cockpit 182 with the avionics power on, our airport
C/SrA Michael Norton serves up breakfast to one of the guests had quite a bit to look at.”
1,300 people who attended the St. Cloud Composite
Squadron’s annual fly-in breakfast on June 28.
Schlick also thanked the St. Cloud Times, Shopping News, WJON
Radio, KNSI Radio, and Charter Communications for their generous promotion of the event.

Schlick said the squadron is already looking forward to next year’s event.

“Since it seemed that everyone had fun, I told ‘Chris Cakes’ (the food vendor) to put us on their schedule for next June
27. Mark your calendar now!”

C/SrA Josh Morey and Lt Col Greg Nastrom on Col Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, visits
recruiting duty. with Capt Russ Portele.

C/2d Lt Derek Cash provides flightline security while C/SrA Michael Norton in the blister of a Minnesota
the LifeLink helicopter departs St. Cloud Airport. Army National Guard Chinook helicopter.

North Central Region News – July 2009

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