The Newsletter of Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol

April-May 2009

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Minnesota Wing Responds to Major Flooding
The I-94 bridge connecting Fargo and Moorhead.
Courtesy North Dakota Wing.
Floods are an annual occurrence in the Northern Plains.
When the spring thaw arrives so do floods. The Red
River flood brought record flood levels to the Fargo-
Moorhead area resulting in super saturated grounds and
the Red River cresting at a record height.
Originally predicted to reach a level of near 43 feet at
Fargo by March 29, the river crested at 40.82 feet at
12:15 a.m. March 28th and started a slow decline.
Members of Minnesota Wing responded to a call from
North Dakota Wing to help with Sandbagging operations
in the Fargo-Moorhead Area. They hit the ground on
Monday March 23rd and literally minutes after checking
in they were off sandbagging.
A big highlight of the first few days was the effort to save
a local radio station.
4 Disaster Relief teams were working with members of
the community to protect radio station KFGO Radio in
Fargo and its transmitting antenna/equipment. The
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station is a major source of information during
emergencies for the residents of the Fargo-Moorhead
area.
“If this building goes under, the city and local
communities lose vital radio communications. People
call into the station and tell them status of their situations
and vital communication of emergency messages are
sent via this medium.” said Lt Col Troy Krabbenhoft, the
North Dakota Wing Public Affairs Officer.
Their efforts enabled the station to remain on the air and
serving the community.
One of the areas in which our squadrons were assigned
was the Copperfield Court Cul-de-Sac. We were
present over three consecutive days. The first was an
almost summer-like day with the base being put down
for the sandbag barrier to the river extending from an
overpass to the south into the neighborhood. The river
was about 30 yards from the barrier down a gentle
slope, and by days end a base of about four feet and
height of 41 feet above normal river level was well-
underway. The CAP presence lasted about 6 hours that
day.
The following day was a near blizzard condition, about
30 degrees colder with a driving wind. The river was
two-thirds closer to the barrier. Our cadets and seniors
worked well and seemed not to be very concerned with
the cold. I am sure that the physical exertion kept us
warm. The many neighbors were always about asking if
we needed anything. Their garages were open with
coffee and hot chocolate and many snacks available all
the day long. The sandbag barrier was completed that
afternoon.
Continued on Page 3
April-May 2009 Page 2
The third day, we returned to touch up and increase the
height of the barrier to 42 feet. The river was at the base
of our barrier at the 38 foot level above normal river
height. A final plastic cover was placed over the barrier.
It remained cold and wet that day with light snow.
Throughout these three days, many neighbors
commented on the organization of our members and the
helpful attitude displayed. They were grateful, so
grateful for everyone who helped protect their homes.
The road to Crookston, MN Photo by Capt Richard Sprouse
Meanwhile the Fargo-Moorhead area effectively became
an island with most of the roads going in and out of the
area being nearly impassable.
On Wednesday March 25th operations continued with
many members filling sandbags at the Fargo Dome
stadium and other sites in the Fargo area.
“It is inspiring to see the volunteer spirit and sense of
mission in the midst of this emergency,” said Col Karl
Altenburg, commander of the North Dakota Wing. “All
personnel, especially the cadets, continue to impress the
community with their willingness and ability to serve.”
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“Give them some direction and they hop to it.”
That’s what Fargo, N.D., resident Kent Wanner had to
say about members of the Minnesota and North Dakota
wing’s of the Civil Air Patrol responding the record
flooding along the Red River separating Fargo and
Moorhead, MN.
Since early Monday, Wanner and his neighbors of the
Riverwood Housing Development have been battling the
rising river with sandbags almost round the clock.
“This is a disaster that’s affecting all of us and the
assistance of Civil Air Patrol is much appreciated. I can
tell you we’re all a little tired and nervous, but your
assistance is much appreciated and has lifted our
spirits.”
Phil McShane, who also lives in the development, had
plenty of praise for CAP as well.
“Who are those marvelous young people? They’re polite,
hardworking and their sense of community is amazing,
what an example and inspiration to all of us.” McShane
said.
Continued on Page 4
Page 3
2009 Floods Continued from Page 3
The scope of this year’s event and the reaction of the
people is something that C/SMSgt Hanna Olson of
Anoka Squadron will always remember.
“It’s unbelievable how high the water is,” Olson said, “its
also unbelievable how everyone is pulling together.”
Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of North Hennepin
Squadron said that despite the circumstances there’s
lots of positive interaction between CAP members.
“It’s been great socializing with members of both the
Minnesota and North Dakota wing,” Trombley said.
There was even an extra benefit for Trombley.
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“There’s a cadet in our squadron that I didn’t know very
well, but after living in the same area for a few days we
got to know each other pretty well. Interesting how a
common cause like this brings strangers together.”
Col Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing commander said
this is a situation where an area needs and appreciates
CAP’s assistance.
“We will continue to support our citizens in their time of
need,” Altenburg said. “Our members will work tirelessly
to support our local responders and communities in the
Red River Valley.”
The weather did not cooperate as it was snowing during
much of the day by members just took it in stride.
Late on Thursday March 26th Col Karl Altenburg, North
Dakota Wing Commander made the decision to move
the Fargo Mission Command post to Casselton, ND as
City Officials in Fargo, ND issued a statement that all
major roads would be closed around the city.
Minnesota Wing’s ground teams were moved to
Minnesota State University at Moorhead to rally their
members. Once accounted for, they departed for home
station.
All ground operations were suspended until further
notice. This decision was made to allow cadets to
remain with their families so they continue to help at
home.
"I am very proud of the members of Civil Air Patrol who
came from all parts of the state to help in this time of
need,” said Minnesota Wing Commander Col. Thomas
Theis.
The region is maintaining a website chronicling the CAP
efforts in the 2009 Floods. It has updates, images,
releases as well as first person accounts of the flood
operations. Minnesota Wing also has an album of flood
images. They can be accessed at:
http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2009_floods/index.htm
and http://www.mncap.org/pictures/2009/floods.cfm
Thanks to Major Don Dalton, Capt Richard Sprouse and
Capt Richard Geis for their contributions to this story.
April-May 2009 Page 4
 Lt Col Mike Moen with NHS members C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht.
Color Guard Teams Battle It Out For Title of Wing Champions
SM Suzanne Albrecht
Public Affairs Officer, North Hennepin Squadron
After countless practices folding the American flag,
innumerable hours spent memorizing aerospace
modules, running laps and drilling until they could march
in their sleep, the Minnesota Wing Color Guard teams
from Viking, 130th, Owatonna and North Hennepin
Squadrons gathered at Fourth Baptist School in
Plymouth to test their mettle.
The annual competition consisted of 7 events: One-Mile
Run, Written Test, Quiz Bowl, Uniform Inspections,
Standard Drill, Indoor Practical Drill, and Outdoor
Practical Drill.
C/A1C Tyler Crabtree, Owatonna Squadron, cut through
the crisp spring air completing the mile run in a dizzying
5 minutes 31 seconds guaranteeing him the Male Fleet
Foot trophy. C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht, N. Hennepin
Squadron, wasn’t far behind scooping up the Female
Fleet Foot trophy in 6 minutes 41 seconds.
However, there were more trophies and honors to be
won and many eager, well-prepared cadets. C/MSgt
Reuben Miller was recognized for attaining the highest
individual Written Test score.
Those who know him weren’t surprised.
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C/SMSgt Elias Wiff, Viking Squadron, accepted First
Place trophies for Indoor Practical Drill, Written Test and
the Mile Run on behalf of his teammates C/A1C Zach
Diets, C/SRA Richard Shmel, C/A1C Gideon Wiff, and
C/A1C Andrew Prigge.
Minnesota Wing Vice Commander Lt Col Mike Moen
presided over the awards ceremony and congratulated
C/AMN Sterling Braithwaite, North Hennepin Squadron
Team 2, and his teammates C/AMN Caleb Miller,
C/AMN Jasmine Sands and C/A1C Jon Sands on
securing Third Place.
Many hours of practice paid off for Viking Squadron who
secured Second Place. North Hennepin Squadron
Team 1, consisting of Commander C/SRA Frank
Albrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C Caitlin
Albrecht and C/MSgt Reuben Miller, the new 2009 Wing
Color Guard Champions, were honored to accept First
Place trophies for Outdoor Practical Drill, Inspection,
Standard Drill and the Quiz Bowl.
Special thanks goes out to Maj Marcel Derosier, 1st Lt
Norine Olson, Lt Col Don Mikitta, Mrs. Melody Bruffey of
Fourth Baptist School, Capt Susan Blessman and the
many cadet officers and volunteers who made this event
possible.
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Wing Members recognized at annual conference
Minnesota Wing held it’s annual conference on May 1st
and 2nd at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN.

Major Rolf Carlson receiving his Longevity Award from Col Theis.

LONGEVITY AWARDS – 20 Years

CAPT. STEVEN L. ANDERSON

LT COL. TIMOTHY GOODNER
MAJ. CHARLES P. SCHUMACHER
CAPT. MARK W. SHORTER
MAJ. ANDREW BROWNING
CAPT. DOUGLAS MCGRAW
CAPT. EDWARD KLIMA
MAJ. ANTONIO ROSSINI
CAPT. PAULW. BARTZ

LONGEVITY AWARDS – 30 Years

Members came together for a weekend of training,
fellowship and recognition. An old friend of Minnesota LT COL. CHRIS A. GERLACH
Wing, Mr. Gerry Rozenswieg of CAP National MAJ. ROLF S. CARLSON
Headquarters represented headquarters and North
Central Region Vice Commander (and Minnesota
Resident) Col Tom Weston represented the region. Wing Conference Continued on Page 7

During the conference several awards were presented:

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2009 Wing Conference continued from Page 6 Communications - Capt Dutch Van Vranken
Emergency Services - 1st Lt Robby Sandberg
Finance - 1st Lt Janelle Vance
LONGEVITY AWARDS – 40 Years Logistics - 1st Lt Tommy Heibert
Operations - Capt David Carlstrom
LT COL. JOHN R. QUILLING Professional Development - 1st Lt Donald Helgager
CAPT. MICHAELW. HUTTNER Public Affairs - 1st Lt George Supan
CAPT. KEVIN E. SWANSON Safety - 1st Lt Karen Barrie

Major Alan Matson presented the Federal Aviation

Capt Richard Sprouse receives a Commander’s Commendation
Administration’s Wright Brother’s Master Pilot from Col Theis for his outstanding work in Public Affairs.
Award to Capt William Menkevich.
Commander’s Commendation Awards - Lt Col David
Odette, Lt Col Michael Moen, Lt Col Dennis Yeager,
Major Ryan Brovold, Capt Richard Sprouse, Capt
Richard Yeager and 1st Lt Nanette Berg

st
1 Lt Robby Sandberg receiving the 2009 Emergency Services
Specialist of the Year Award from Col Theis.
C/SSgt Eric Heinonen receives the Certificate of Recognition for
Specialist of the Year Awards Lifesaving from Col Theis.
The Awardees received an Achievement Award
Lifesaving Awards - Maj Gerald Kleene, 2d Lt Karen
Administration - SM Patricia Schrader Kleene, SM Raymond Majkrzak, 1st Lt Janelle Vance
Aerospace Education - Capt David Coates and C/SSgt Eric Heinonen
Cadet Programs - 1st Lt Norine Olson
Chaplain - Maj Robert McLawhorn Continued on Page 8
Character Development Instruction Officer - 1st Lt
Jonathan Johnson
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2009 Wing Conference continued from Page 7
The Olsons – 2009 Family of the Year
Wing Awards:
Coffin Memorial Award - Lt Col Paul Adams
Dunbar Award - 1st Lt Dutch Van Vranken
Sindelar Award - Capt James Miller
Family of the Year - The Olson Family, Russ, Norine,
Veronica and Kaelyn
Cadet NCO of the Year - C/2d Lt Peter Mayhew
Cadet Commander - C/2d Lt Ethan K Helgager
Wing Staff member of the Year - Lt Col Paul Adams
Cadet of the Year - C/Maj Billy Hoffman
CAP-USAF Torch Award - 1st Lt Karen Anderson
Senior Member of the Year - Lt Col James Rutten
Commander of the Year - Lt Col Brent Halweg
Squadron of Merit - St Croix Squadron
Squadron of the Year - Viking Squadron
C/Major Billy Hoffman receives the Cadet of the Year award from
Col Theis.
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Col Theis presents Lt Col Bill Rutten with the
Minnesota Wing Senior Member of the Year Award.
Senior Member of the Year –
Lt Col Bill Rutten
Lt. Col. Rutten has been and continues to be a valuable
resource for the members of St. Croix Composite
Squadron (STX) and the Minnesota Wing. He has shown
himself to be a thoroughly dedicated member of the Civil
Air Patrol, committed to its missions.
In no case has he failed to step up and do the job at
hand to the best of his ability. He has been steadfast
whether the mission at had has been an ELT search,
missing airplane, flood relief, or just an exercise, he has
always been there doing his part. We all have
personally learned a great deal from him and his
experience.
Lt. Col. Rutten has been a CAP member since 1990. He
served as St. Croix Squadron unit commander from
2004-2008, serving an extra year beyond the standard
3-year term. During this time he constantly led and
pushed members to excel in order to make St. Croix a
Squadron of Distinction.
Lt. Col. Rutten currently serves as the St. Croix
Squadron Admin Officer and Advisor to the Commander.
He also serves as an assistant for Logistics,
Communications, Testing, Professional Development,
and Personnel Officer and provides valuable experience
and guidance to other members learning these positions.
He is always willing to help and mentor other senior
members in a variety of jobs.
Lt. Col. Rutten is a MN Wing Incident Commander and
teaches the Incident Command System to squadron
members and others beyond our unit. He leads by
example. For instance, he has already completed all the
ICS courses necessary to continue as an Incident
Commander.
April-May 2009 Page 8
He also serves as the chairman of the MN Wing 108
Task Force, serves on the St. Croix unit Finance
Committee, and is a Flight Release Officer.
Lt, Col. Rutten has been an organizer for our Squadron
and has been instrumental in our Squadron's
participation in the 2008 Shrine Circus with the St. Paul
Shiners (traffic management as a fund-raiser).
He is also responsible for and led the project to install a
new VHF radio antenna on our hangar building and
functions as the liaison between the squadron and our
landlord.
Col Thomas Theis and Capt David Yost celebrate St Croix
Squadron’s achieving the Squadron of Merit Award for 2009
Squadron of Merit- St Croix Squadron
The Squadron of Merit Award is an annual award
established to recognize the top cadet or Composite
Squadron’s in each Wing. The same criterion used to
select the Squadron of Distinction, which was awarded
to the Viking Composite Squadron, was used to
determine Squadron of Merit Award.
At the Conference banquet our Squadron Commander,
Capt. David Yost accepted the Squadron of Merit Award
on behalf of the entire unit.
Capt. Yost had commented, “Congratulations are in
order to all of the members of the St. Croix Composite
Squadron for their hard work and dedications that has
earned our Squadron this prestigious award.”
The St. Croix Composite Squadron received a distinctive
certificate and a streamer to be attached to our
Squadron Flag as a symbol of our achievement.
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Squadron of the Year – Viking
Squadron
Viking Composite Squadron was recognized with the
Minnesota Wing Squadron of the Year Award. The
Squadron of Distinction Award recognizes the top
composite squadrons in each Civil Air Patrol wing for
their excellence in supporting CAP and its missions.
Viking squadron is very honored with this recognition.
The members of Viking squadron continue to strive for
excellence through their hard work and dedication, and it
is this team effort that has earned our squadron this
prestigious award.
Commander of the
Year – Lt Col Brent
Halweg
Lt. Colonel Brent E. Halweg,
Viking squadron Commander,
was recognized with the
Squadron Commander of the
Year Award. Colonel Halweg
is an inspirational leader who
leads by example. Viking squadron is very proud of their
commander for this very deserving recognition. Col.
Halweg is a retired Air Force officer pilot who served in
the active and reserve Air Force for twenty years. He
was an Air Force CAPRAP officer for Viking squadron
for two years.
He joined the Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003. He
served as Viking squadron Aerospace Education officer
from 2003 until he was appointed as the squadron’s
commander in December 2007. As squadron
commander, he continues to promote excellence within
the squadron. Lt. Colonel Halweg has been employed
by Northwest Airlines from 1989 to present. He served
as a DC 9 Captain/Instructor Pilot from 1989 – 2008. In
June 2008 he became an Airbus Captain.
April-May 2009 Page 9
Hoffman promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
Captain Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2

Ruth Hoffman, commander of the Wesota Squadron of

the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, recently
was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during a brief
ceremony at the Willmar Municipal Airport where the
squadron holds its weekly meetings.

Lt Col Hoffman, who resides in Kandiyohi, Minn., has

been a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) member and pilot since
1993. She has been commander of the squadron for
over four years.

“It's a great thrill to have accomplished this with

everyone’s help. I could not have done it alone,”
Hoffman said.

Hoffman has earned CAP's master rating in Finance

(L-R) Maj Ryan Brovold, Group 2 Commander, Lt Col Ruth Hoffman, and
Brenda Wall (Hoffman’s daughter) promote Ruth Hoffman to Lt Col. Photo
courtesy of Maj. Gerald Kleene, Wesota Composite Squadron
and the technician rating in Personnel. Her other
qualifications include Disaster Assessment
Relief/Disaster Relief Mission Pilot, Mission Observer,
Mission Scanner, Ground Team Leader and Member,
Mission Radio Operator, SET (Skills Evaluator), and
Urban Direction Finding Team Leader and Member.

“Lt Col Hoffman has been a dedicated, committed CAP member worthy of this promotion,” said Major Ryan Brovold,
Group II commander of the Minnesota Wing of CAP. Group II includes Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, and
Wesota squadrons.

Chaplains Complete Service Staff College

Ch, Lt Col Don Mikitta
Wing Chaplain

We had great representation from Minnesota Wing. Chaplain

David Myers of Northland Squadron, and Character
Development Instruction Officers (CDIO’s) Anna Marie
Bistodeau of Wing Headquarters, Jonathan Johnson of Red
Wing training in Emergency Services, and David May of St.
Paul attended the three day event.

Over the three days, we trained in Emergency Services, Cadet

Programs and Aerospace Education, upgrading ministry skills
and learned what is new in the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corp
from the Chief of Chaplain, Region Chaplain and Region
Emergency Services Director proved beneficial for the 30
attendees.

Pictured from left to right, Ch Burt Benson- ND Wing, Ch Don Next year’s event is scheduled for 19-22 Apr 2010 at Bellevue
Mikitta – MN Wing, CDIO Jonathan Johnson – Red Wing, Ch NE.
David Myers – Northland, CDIO Anna Marie Bistodeau – MN
Wing, CDIO David May – St Paul

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St. Croix Squadron Presents the Colors for Degree of Honors Salute to Youth
Program
2d Lt Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On April 21st, the St. Croix Composite Squadron Color

Guard presented the Colors at the opening ceremonies for
the Degree of Honor’s - Salute to Youth banquet. This
Honors banquet is held annually to recognize youth from
around the regional area for their high school academic and
volunteerism achievements.

The Degree of Honor Society is an Organization that

recognizes the achievements of high school seniors who
lead a balanced life and participate in their communities
through various means. All 39 of the honorees display a
broad array of achievements in areas including
volunteerism, academia, sports and spiritual development.

Salute to Youth Program was the brainchild of the former

Inter-Club Council and has been held for over fifty years.
The St. Croix Squadron members who participated in this event The Degree of Honor, a St. Paul fraternal insurance society,
were (L-R) 2d Lt Charles Jents, C/TSgt Noah Hite, C/SSgt Alex was asked to host the Salute to Youth Program in 1999 after
Swanson, C/SSgt Zachary Langer, C/AMN Kati Jents, and 2d Lt
Scott Richardson. the closing of the council. The Degree of Honor Society has
a 123-year-old history of individual and community support.
The Degree of Honor Society is based on the premise of ‘We help each other, and we all follow the Golden Rule.” The
Salute to Youth Program gives all of us an opportunity to stand amid those who represent the best in all of us.

The National President & CEO of the Degree of Honor, Ms. Jackie Felling said that, “It is a privilege to host this event that
recognizes our very special young people to whom in a very short time we will hand over the leadership of our
communities.”

This is the St. Croix Squadron’s second year of presenting the Colors at this prestigious event.

St. Croix Squadron Aids in Search for ELT

On April 26, 2009, four members of the St. Croix Composite Squadron answered the call to go search for an Emergency
Locator Transponder (ELT) alert issued by Minnesota Wing.

Local aircraft coming into the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport reported picking up an ELT signal from the northern and
northeastern areas of the Twin Cities. Squadrons from the area were activated to search and to silence this signal.

Thunderstorms, low ceilings and moderate rain throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area precluded any Air Operations for
this search. Instead, ground based search teams from the participating squadrons were dispatched to do a methodical
search of local airports to locate the source of the signal.

St. Croix Squadron fielded a ground search team that was lead by Lt Col Bill Rutten. Team members consisted of Maj
Michael Bordonaro, Capt David Yost and 2d Lt Scott Richardson.

The St. Croix Team departed Lake Elmo Airport at approximately 6:35 p.m. local time and was tasked with searching four
airports in response to directions from Maj Paul Pieper, Incident Commander at the mission base. The search plan took
the team from Lake Elmo to New Richmond, WI to Amery, WI to Osceola, WI and back to Lake Elmo

The team searched for approximately 4 hours total and covered over 100 miles. The team swept all of the airports for a
signal but did not pick up a signal. The other ground teams from other squadrons were performing the same tasks at their
assigned search areas.

The Emergency Locator Transponder’s beacon was located and silenced by members of the St. Paul Composite
Squadron at roughly 7:40 p.m. The ELT signal was tracked to Wentworth Aviation in South Minneapolis. Wentworth
Aviation is a recycler of aviation parts and supplies.

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Fire Department invites Civil Air Patrol members to conduct training
1st Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron

Snow, cold, rain and wind did not prevent the fire department members from participating in a line search training
conducted by the Anoka County Composite Squadron team lead by Commander, Capt Andy Bosshart.

The search and rescue training held at the Blaine-Spring Lake Park Fire Department on March 9th and 10th, 2009 was
both classroom and field training conducted in two sessions to include the firefighters from the night and day shifts.

“Knowing about the persons condition, age and responsiveness makes a difference of how you search”, said 1st Lt Jay
Spreitzer, Emergency Services Training Officer.

“The location and direction the person traveled could impact the type of air search pattern that would be conducted with
the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft,” stated 1st Lt Shelly Supan, Deputy Commander and pilot.

”Having an article of clothing of the person would aid the search dog to find a sent,” said 2d Lt's Monika and David
Oldenburg, search dog handlers.

Capt Bosshart conducted line search training as the rain turned to snow and the cold north wind bit at our ears. The fire
department’s handheld lights were a great help to find the objects in the dark during Monday night’s session.

Due to the weather and that one class was at night, the parking lot next to the building was used to do the line search for
a number of planted objects. Line search formation, movement and commands along with proper scanning techniques
were reviewed with the participants.

Several fire department members commented on what a great opportunity it is to work together with the Civil Air Patrol
members. They said, “As volunteers you have spent the time to be trained and are willing to share your professional
training with others. Together, we make a better-trained group from the air and the ground to serve our communities of
Blaine-Spring Lake Park.”

CAP Cadets and Seniors Present Annual Report at the Capitol

C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht
North Hennepin Squadron

The sun was shining brightly and the streets were buzzing at the
Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, April 21st, when members of
the MN Wing Color Guard and North Hennepin Squadron Color
Guard teams arrived to deliver Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP’s) Annual
Report to the legislators at the State Capitol.

The group, consisting of C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/A1C Caitlin

C/Maj Billy Hoffman & C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht present
State Senator Sparks a copy of the Annual Report.
and members of the House of Representatives.
Albrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/AMN
Caleb Miller, C/AMN Jasmine Sands, and C/SRA Jake Teter, were
accompanied by 2d Lt Suzanne Albrecht, 1st Lt Lieutenant Alan
Trombley and C/Maj Billy Hoffman. They were guided by Minnesota
Wing Government Relations Officer Colonel Kevin Sliwinski and
Director of Cadet Programs Major Janelle Gates.
The cadets and senior members, based out of State Senator Chris
Gerlach's office, spent the morning delivering reports to senators

A MN Wing specific report outlined the wing’s accomplishments, and a letter accompanied both reports signed by the
wing commander thanking the senators and house members for being a part of CAP's Legislative Squadron or inviting
them to join.

The cadets spoke with several senators who are members of the Legislative Squadron and the day concluded with a
cafeteria lunch and brief but interesting tour of the capitol building.
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St. Croix Cadet Solo’s Towards Private Pilot License
2d Lt Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On May 14, St. Croix Composite Squadron’s C/AMN

Anthony Swanson was presented his Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
Cadet Solo Badge Award in a brief ceremony at our weekly
Squadron meeting.

C/AMN Anthony Swanson soloed a CAP Cessan-172 on

May 10. He flew the pattern and accomplished 3 takeoffs
and landings from Runway 32/14 at Lake Elmo Airport.

St. Croix Squadron Commander, Capt David Yost, who is

Cadet Swanson’s flight instructor, had words of
encouragement and praise for Cadet Swanson’s solo flight
and his progress to date.

Cadet Swanson completed a ground school class with the

Lake Elmo’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA),
Chapter #54 in 2008, and had his first flight lesson on
November 15, 2008. He had a total of 16.1 hours of dual
instruction before soloing, and now has 16.7 hours total time
(L-R) Civil Air Patrol Cadet Airman (C/AMN.) Anthony Swanson &
in his logbook. St. Croix Squadron Commander, Capt. David Yost

Capt Yost said, "Cadet Swanson has worked diligently and progressed well. I really wasn't nervous letting him solo
because he'd just spent the previous hour showing me he could do it safely. The initial solo flight really is a major
milestone because he's now proven to the world that he can safely fly an airplane."

Cadet Swanson has been a member of Civil Air Patrol since September 2008. He has completed Achievement 1 in
February 2009, and received his promotion to Cadet Airman.

Our congratulations go to Cadet Airman Anthony Swanson for this great milestone in skill and proficiency. We all wish
him well in his new flying career.

Squadron assists at Memorial Day dedication

2d Lt Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On Memorial Day, four members of the St. Croix Composite

Squadron aided Woodbury’s American Legion Post #501 with the
dedication of the Veterans Memorial at Woodbury’s City Hall.

The St. Croix Squadron members handed out Memorial Programs

and directed attendees to the dedication area. The St. Croix
Composite Squadron members in attendance were Maj David
Kenan, C/A1C Kati Jents, 2d Lt Charles Jents and 2d Lt Scott
Richardson.

At a mid morning ceremony, over 350 people were in attendance

for the Woodbury’s American Legion and Lions Club rededication
of the nearly finished Veterans Memorial which was commissioned
(L-R) Maj, David Kenan, C/A1C Kati Jents, 2Lt. Charles
Jents, 2d Lt. Scott Richardson
one year ago.

Woodbury’s American Legion and Lion’s Club have teamed together to sponsor this memorial. Through sales of
engraved memorial granite pavers, the needed funds have been raised to help make this long-awaited Veterans Memorial
a reality.

Opening ceremony remarks were given by Woodbury Mayor Bill Hargis. The Memorial Day Address was by Air Force Lt
Col Joel Fortneberry, and the Colors were presented by the Woodbury High School Junior ROTC.

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Base and museum visits open blood) before entering a hypobaric chamber where
aviators receive training to combat the illness.
squadron’s eyes to the possibilities
Captain Richard Sprouse It was then off to the Air Force Weather Agency where
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 the $277-million computer complex provides
climatological data to a variety of national defense and
allied customers.

The cadets and senior officers learned about pilot

survival equipment and nuclear/biological contamination
from members of the 55th Operations Group. Everyone
was given an opportunity for some hands-on exploration
of the equipment.

Afterwards, the St. Cloud Squadron was given a K-9

demonstration where they met “Vihar” one of the four
dogs stationed at Offutt. Three K-9 units from Offutt are
currently deployed in the Global War on Terrorism.

Cadets of the St. Cloud Squadron during a visit to Offutt Air
Force Base in Omaha, Neb. (Photo courtesy of Capt Richard
Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PAO)
Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron had the
unique opportunity to visit state of the art facilities at an
Air Force base, as well as view static displays of Air
Force heritage during a recent visit to the Omaha area.
After a nine-hour drive to Offutt Air Force Base, the 15
cadets and 5 senior members got a chance to stretch
their legs a bit by playing some “ultimate Frisbee” with
members of the Curtis Lemay – Offutt Composite
Squadron before spending the night at nearby Camp
Ashland, a National Guard base.
The following morning the St. Cloud Squadron toured
Offutt Air Force Base, including the Aerospace
Physiology Education Center learning about the possible
disorientation pilots are subjected to when operating at
high altitudes. The squadron watched a video of pilots
suffering from altitude hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the
After a full day at Offutt it was then back to the vans and
a short trip to the Strategic Air & Space Museum near
Ashland where they spent the night before a day viewing
static displays celebrating aviation and space travel.
Here, everyone had the opportunity to view and examine
long retired aircraft as well as mock-ups where they
could familiarize themselves with the controls of aircraft
such as the B52 bomber.
The highlight of the museum visit was squadron
member, Lt Col Jim Schlick’s (Col, USAF retired),
captivating personal account of his time as a B52
navigator. His inspiring presentation prompted several
cadets to personally seek him out during breaks to ask
about a career in the Air Force or advice on attending
the Air Force Academy.
The trip was a unique opportunity for future leaders to
see and hear about possible career paths in air and
space.
Overall, everyone felt the trip was a huge success
because of the knowledge they gained about Air Force
heritage and Offutt’s involvement in the Air Force’s
mission.

MINNESOTA WINGTIPS is the official newsletter of the Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol.
The views expressed, either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air
Force, Civil Air Patrol of the Minnesota Wing. Submissions are welcome and can be sent
to wingtips@mncap.org

Col Thomas B. Theis, Wing Commander Capt Richard Geis, Public Affairs Officer

Civil Air Patrol - Minnesota Wing

6275 Crossman Lane, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Phone 651-291-0462 Fax: 651-552-7007

WingTips April-May 2009 Page 14

Encampment Prep School helps cadets put encampment puzzle together
Capt Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2

Sometimes two pieces fit

together and sometimes
they do not. What happens
when a piece does not fit? It
is put to the side until a
match shows up.

When ramping up for

encampment, each basic
cadet is a piece of the
encampment puzzle. Left
alone, these aspiring
leaders might seem
unimportant. But, when
matched with other
st th information, the entire
Basic cadets do PT at the Encampment Preparatory School (Picture courtesy of C/1 Lt Lydia Stone, 11
CTG PAO) puzzle can be completed.

Maybe that’s why the Minnesota Wing offers several opportunities for basic cadets to start solving the encampment
puzzle before they arrive by attending Encampment Preparatory School (EPS).

The Wing held its first EPS weekend April 17-19. Another EPS is set for May 15-17 at Camp Ripley, which will also be the
site for the 2009 Encampment from June 20-27.

The purpose of EPS is to give basic cadets attending the summer encampment an idea of what to expect by immersing
them in a similar environment, but for a shorter duration. EPS students also receive classroom and practical instruction on
skills essential to be encampment ready.

"We feel the training we provide during EPS helps prepare basic cadets for the rigors of encampment and beyond," said
C/Col Charlie Cox, 2009 encampment cadet commander.

"Somewhere in this group of basic cadets," Cox said, "is a future Spaatz Cadet, cadet encampment commander, as well
as countless cadet squadron commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants. They are learning about CAP, our core values, and
EPS is one of the first stops in putting that puzzle together.

"We are creating the future of the CAP cadet program in Minnesota, one cadet at a time."

WingTips April-May 2009 Page 15

 We Didn’t See The Flood
By 2d Lt Linda Dilley

We got the red alert

That Fargo was in need,
So we loaded up our trusty van
With cadets and those who lead.

As we traveled on,
I head a cadet say,
“I’ve never seen a flood,
But today I think I may.”

Nearing our destination,

The water showed it’s power
Flowing in fields and ditches,
And surrounding a radio tower

Finally at our checkpoint,

Our IC gave the orders.
So we joined another detail
To sandbag around some houses.

Those sandbags, they were heavy,

But we passed them right along.
And soon the dike was high enough
So we shouted out a song

Some cadets filled sandbags,

Some were loading pallets.
Some faces looked fatigued,
But none complained of callous.

Our driver gave the word

That it was time to go.
We said “goodbye” to friends we’d met
Who were very nice to know.

We didn’t see the flood

Of the river they call “Red”
Our mission was to ward it off
And build a dike instead!

WingTips April-May 2009 Page 16