north central region - aug 2008

8/7/2019 North Central Region - Aug 2008

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NCR News August 2008 Page 1

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and BeyondNorth Central Region NewsVolume 2008 August

Excellence in NCR recognized at Civil Air Patrols Annual Conference

In this Issue: National Board & PAO Academy Coverage Former Region Commander Passes Away Reporting on SAREXs and an Actual Mission A Cadets IACE Experience Cadets Soar at the Minnesota Flight Academy And Much MORE!!!


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Commanders ColumnCol Steve KuddesCommander, North Central Region

This months Commanders Column is devoted to discussing CAPRegulation 36-2, COMPLAINTS UNDER THE CIVIL AIR PATROLNONDISCRIMINATION POLICY, dated 15 May 2006.

Paragraph 4c of the regulation calls for an annual briefing on CAPsPolicy of Nondiscrimination. This information has been sent to the WingCommanders and is outlined below.

It is Civil Air Patrol policy (CAPR 36-2, paragraph 2. Civil Air PatrolNondiscrimination Policy) that no member shall be excluded fromparticipation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any

CAP program or activity on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, or disability(formerly handicap). It is also policy that no applicant meeting CAPs minimum age requirement will bedenied membership in CAP on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, or disability(formerly handicap).

Any member who has knowledge of any acts of discrimination as listed above shall be required to informtheir immediate commander or file a complaint as outlined in the regulation above.

Lt Col Bonnie Casler has been appointed additional duties as the North Central Regions Advisor forMembers with Disabilities. A team will be assembled to develop procedures which will be used toevaluate the requirements a Unit, Group, Wing or the Region must implement to help members withdisabilities participate to the fullest extent in CAP.

Lt Col Casler will be the Team Leader and will be assisted by other CAP members who possess thetraining and background to ensure compliance with CAP and DOD regulations as well as all applicablelaws. Lt Col Casler is a certified educator and has training to work with persons with disabilities.

Members of the North Central Region, who are certified educators, have been trained to work withpersons with disabilities or are educated in the laws pertinent to the Americans with Disabilities Act anddesire to be a member of this team should contact Lt Col Casler.

Team members will be announced once they have been identified.

All North Central Region Wing commanders are required to ensure that members of their Wing receivethis required briefing and are informed of the Advisor position mentioned above. They will also informtheir Group and Unit commanders that they are required to provide for all members with disabilities sothose members may participate to the maximum extent in all CAP programs and activities.

After the Team has developed the procedures to ensure compliance with this policy, the procedures will

be published and all commanders at all levels in the North Central Region will be required to implementthe procedures and consult with Lt Col Casler as needed to ensure full compliance.

Thank you for your attention to this important information.

North Central Region Newsis published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol

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

Please send submissions by the 10th of each month to: [email protected]


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Former NCR Commander and First CAP National IG Passes AwayMajor Al PabonDirector of Public Affairs

Former North Central Region Commander, Col Nicholas "Doc" Knutz(pictured) passed away on Monday August 25th of a kidney infection inKansas City, MO.

Col Knutz served the Organization at every level, from Squadron, Group,Wing, Region, and National. In addition to being Commander at theSquadron, Wing and Region, he was the first National Inspector General,served for three years, and started what is now known as the NationalInspector General's Staff College.

He served as Missouri Wing commander from December 1976 to November1981 and North Central Region Commander from August 1990 to August1996.

"Doc" was a mentor to many leaders, including former CAP National Commander Brig Gen Richard L.Anderson, who later served as National Commander from 1993 to 1996.

Before this he was the North Central Region Commander from 1989 to 1990 when he was elected asCAP National Vice-Commander.

"Col Doc Knutz was not only one of my closest friends, associates, and mentors in CAP and the AirForce, he also served superbly as Region Vice Commander during my 14 months as NCR Commander.He had a special devotion to the CAP Cadet Program and mentored literally thousands of cadets duringhis life-long service as a CAP officer. His influence had a profound impact on my own life, and hispassing is a loss of tremendous proportion for Civil Air Patrol, the Air Force, and our nation." Said BrigGen Anderson.

Col Knutz was a member of the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. His Armed Forcesdecorations include the Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal,the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal for Korea.

His CAP decorations include multiple awards of the CAP Distinguished Service Medal, the ExceptionalService Award, the Meritorious Service Award and the Commander's Commendation Award.

His last CAP appearance was at the May 2008 North Central Region Conference in Omaha, NE wherethe Colonel participated in the conference and a leadership luncheon along with several former NCRCommanders.

Professionally, Col Knutz was a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and practiced in the Kansas City areafor his entire adult life. He had retired from full-time practice in recent years.

Services were held on Monday 1 September 2008, at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City, MO.


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The 2008 CAP Annual Conference and National Bardmeeting was held from August 6

ththru the 10

that the

Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

The highlight of the annual conference was theelection of a new National and Vice Commander. MajGen Amy Courter and Brig Gen Reggie Chitwoodwere elected as commander and vice commander ofthe 65,000 member Civil Air Patrol.

Members came together for several days of training,fellowship and recognition from every wing in thenation.

Some of the opportunities included ICS-300 training,the Inspector General Senior Course, G-1000training, the Training of Cadet Leaders Course andthe National PAO Academy.

National PAO Academy

Before the Conference began nearly 100 PublicAffairs Officers from all over the country cametogether for 2 days of learning, networking andgrowth. They completed a curriculum presented byan outstanding group of PA Team members thatincluded NHQ Staff, Senior Wing and Region PAO'sand unit PAO's.

Congratulations to NCRs 2008 National PAO

Academy graduates:

Col Jerome Hanson, KansasLt Col Michael Marek, NHQMajor Troy KrabbenhoftMajor David Miller, Missouri1st Lt Robin Helgager, Minnesota1st Lt Norine Olson, Minnesota2d Lt BJ Lange, Missouri2d Lt George Supan, Minnesota

As part of the PAO Academy graduation program,Brig Gen Amy Courter and CNN Sciencecorrespondent Miles OBrien presented the MajorHowell Balsem Awards for Excellence in PublicAffairs.

The recipients of these awards are selected fromentries submitted all around the nation. North CentralRegions PAOs received several awards during theprogram.

In the Writing for Media category Minnesota Wings1

stLt Norine Olson received an honorable mention for

her submission CAP Participates in WebelosExperience.

In the Newsletter category Lt Col Mike Marek was

recognized with the Balsem Award for NCR News.The judges said that NCR News has informativearticles, well written, delivered online, which shouldbe great way to reach young people. Also used greatphotos

Major David Miller of Missouri Wing received theBalsem Award in the Event Promotion/CrisisManagement Category for his SAREX Media Kit. Healso received a Certificate of Merit in thePhotography category for his entry "Teamwork".


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Capt Andy Bosshart of Minnesota Wing's AnokaCounty Composite Squadron received the BalsemAward in the Photography category for his iconicpicture taken during the 2007 South East MN floodscalled "Rescue."

National Mission Awards

Search and Rescue Iowa Wing

Each CAP wing is graded annually by a CAP-U.S. AirForce inspection team on overall performance in theexecution of search and rescue missions. Thenational award is based on the best sustainedperformance and capability in that area asdemonstrated through evaluation results, quality andquantity of SAR training during the year, wingperformance during actual SAR missions andcooperation among the wing, state and local SARagencies.

Disaster Relief Kansas Wing

Each CAP wing is graded annually by a CAP-U.S. AirForce inspection team on overall performance in theexecution of disaster relief missions. The nationalaward is based on the best sustained performanceand capability in that area as demonstrated throughevaluation results, quality and quantity of DR trainingduring the year, wing performance during actual DRmissions and cooperation among the wing, state and

local DR agencies.

Counterdrug/Homeland Security - Iowa Wing

This award recognizes the top CAP wings in eachregion in counterdrug operations based on criteriasuch as counterdrug training; mission performance;relationships with federal, state and local counterdrugagencies; and overall effectiveness of the wingscounterdrug program.

Aerospace Education Nebraska Wing

These awards are given to the top Civil Air Patrolwing in each region and to the top three wings in thenation for their excellence in promoting aerospace

education.

Cadet Programs Nebraska Wing

This annual award recognizes the wing in each CAPregion that has the most outstanding cadet program.The award is given to wings excelling in recruitmentand retention, encampment attendance, number oforientation flights and number of milestone awards.

Continued on the next page


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Individual Awards

NCR Commander, Col Steve Kuddes received a MeritoriousService Award for his work as the leader of the National Awardsand Promotions team from CAP National Commander Maj GenAmy Courter.

The Sorenson Award recognizes the cadet programs officer whohas contributed most to the CAP Cadet Program. It is named inhonor of John V. Jack Sorenson, considered by most to be thearchitect of the revised cadet program in practice in CAP since1964.

Lt. Col. Ludlow distinguished himself through extensive support tocadet programs in North Dakota and the North Central Region.

In 2007 alone, Ludlow spent more than 700 volunteer hourssupporting the programs in a variety of ways. 2007 began withLudlow overseeing the annual Leadership Academy in NorthDakota; 60 cadets graduated from the school.

Shortly thereafter, Ludlow served as project officer for the wingcolor guard competition, which involved gathering judges and staff

for the activity, printing awards, writing tests and much more.

Just a few months later, Ludlow helped plan and coordinate the North Central Region Cadet Competition, serving

as chief chaperone for the North Dakota Wing Drill Team and Color Guard Team.

Ludlow then helped rebuild the cadet squadron in Grand Forks, and as a result it is beginning to thrive today.

In August, Ludlow served as an instructor for the Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy, helping graduate 15brand new ground team members.

Throughout the year, Ludlow was approached by CAP members in Jamestown for help in establishing a new unit,because the closest one was an hour away.

He championed the unit by taking command of the squadron in Fargo and placing this unit as a flight under hissquadron. This meant traveling to meetings every six weeks, hosting several orientation ride fly-ins supported byfour other squadrons across North Dakota and getting the wing to host multiple activities in an effort to build

community support for the new unit. The unit was chartered in June.

Ludlow is also aware of the importance of establishing strong relationships with the U.S. military, and he has builtlong-lasting bonds with several Air National Guard base commanders.

Ludlows dedication to CAP was recognized by his employer, Microsoft Corp., which matched his volunteer time ata whopping $17 per hour, allowing him to raise $12,000 to support activities in his squadron, the 119th Air NationalGuard Cadet Squadron in Fargo.

Continued on the next page

North Dakota Wings Lt Col Erik Ludlow wasrecognized with the John V. Jack Sorenson CadetPrograms Officer of the Year Award at the 2008 CAP

Annual Conference.


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Individual Awards Continued

This award recognizes the Civil Air Patrol member whocontributes most to keeping alive CAPs history, is named afterthe late Col. Lester Hopper, a historian responsible for compilingand categorizing a massive collection of vintage photographs.

South Dakota Wings longtime wing historian Col. Lester W.

Snyder is known for his great attention to detail, which wasmost notable in his in-depth 2007 history of the wing.

He gave the history of events, the places, the participants, trulythe who, what, where, when and why of what happened duringthe year in the South Dakota Wing.

His wing history, written in a style that even a non-CAP membercan understand, earned him a score of 27 (out of a possible 30)in judging by the national historical staff. Snyder is a retired U.S.Air Force lieutenant colonel and professor emeritus at SouthDakota Tech.

He wrote the History of CAP 2nd Air Force Courier Service in the South Dakota Wing in World War IIin 1987and was appointed as South Dakota Wing Historian in 1988. He continues to serve in that capacity.

He began teaching Aerospace Education workshops in 1963, and, at the invitation of Jack Sorenson, nationaldirector of aerospace education, he joined CAP as an Aerospace Education Member in 1969 and later became asenior member.

He was the South Dakota Wing director of aerospace education from 1971 to 1974, when he was appointed aswing commander, a position he held until 1977.

He was awarded the National Historian Award in 2002 and again in 2003. In addition to his historian duties,

Snyder is a CAP senior pilot and has earned 16 decorations and awards in the Air Force and another 22 in CAP,including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Gill Robb Wilson Award.

South Dakota Wing Commander Col Mike Beason accepted the award for Col Snyder and it will be presented tothe Colonel at an appropriate occasion.

After several days of seminars, board meetings and recognition programs the annual conference concluded with abanquet, culminating with the addition of Maj Gen Rick Bowling to the CAP Hall of Honor and the Installation of thenew CAP National and Vice Commanders.

The Commanders of North Central Region August 2008

South Dakota Wings Col Lester Snyder wasrecognized with the 2008 Col Lester Hopper Historianof the Year award at the 2008 CAP Annual Conference.

Accepting the award is South Dakota WingCommander Col Mike Beason.


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St. Cloud cadets fly high at flight academyCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

The friends of Derek Cash, Ben Leaf, ChristianSchuller and Luke Zahm probably spent theirsummer playing video games or just hanging out.

Cadet Ben Leaf at glider controls

But the four cadets of the St. Cloud CompositeSquadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil AirPatrol (CAP) spent their time piloting either a glider orairplane at Minnesotas 40th flight academy heldrecently at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.

Ive been telling my friends that they missed out on agreat Civil Air Patrol activity, said Cadet ChiefMaster Sergeant (C/CMSgt) Luke Zahm, 16, of

Kimball. I also told them that CAP is by far the bestway to get involved in aviation, whether you justenjoy it for recreation or as a future career.

Cadet Luke Zahm positioning an aircraft

The flight academy drew 33 pilots in training fromMinnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and SouthDakota and put them behind the controls of a Cessna172 aircraft or a Super Blanik L-23 glider at theMankato Municipal Airport. Zahm and C/CMSgt

Schuller, 17, St. Cloud, were among the 18 cadetswho participated in the powered program, with CadetSenior Master Sergeant Cash, 15, Sartell, and CadetMaster Sergeant Leaf, 14, Princeton, among the 15

piloting a glider.

The gliders travel at about 50 miles per hour. The first10-15 flights are towed to 3,000 feet by a poweredaircraft. Then the glider pilot releases the tow cableand looks for thermal columns of warm air to givethem lift like the eagles and hawks that hunt the fieldsnear the airport. After that the emphasis is on landingpatterns and landing the glider from 1,000 feet.

The two-seater gliders provide room for a FAAcertified flight instructor, who can make adjustmentsusing rear controls if the young pilots make a

mistake. The flight instructor is also along during asupervised solo with the cadet.

Leaf said flying a glider was an awesome experience,and one he hopes to do again next year.

The flight academy was very well run and the qualityof the instructors was outstanding, Leaf said.

All powered aircraft training is conducted at aminimum altitude of 1,500 feet at an air speed ofabout 100 miles per hour. During the solo flight thecadet is by themselves and typically performs 1-3take-offs and landings.

Cadet Schuller soloed in the Cessna 172, somethinghe described as indescribable.

I had to keep checking to make sure my instructorwasnt there, Schuller said.

The flight academy was comprised of 32 seniorofficers of the Civil Air Patrol, including Captain RussPortele of St. Cloud, a pilot since 1969. CaptainPortele said everyone associated with the event isdedicated to providing a first class experience for thecadets.

They give everything they have, they learn atremendous amount about flying in a very shortperiod of time, and when a cadet solos it is not only amemorable experience for the cadet, but also for theinstructor, Portele said.

Photos are courtesy of the 2008 Minnesota FlightAcademy


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St. Cloud cadet honored with flight scholarshipCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

The Jacob Pfingsten Memorial Flight TrainingScholarship was presented to Cadet Chief MasterSergeant Luke Zahm, 16, St. Cloud CompositeSquadron Civil Air Patrol, at the recent Minnesota

Wing Flight Academy held at Gustavus AdolphusCollege in St. Peter, Minn. It was the second time thata St. Cloud cadet has received the honor.

Im very honored to be this years recipient, CadetZahm of Kimball, said. Im very grateful to thePfingsten family for their contribution to aviation andthe support they have given me.

The scholarship goal is to encourage all Civil AirPatrol cadets graduating from the Minnesota WingFlight Academy to continue their flight training andobtain their FAA Private Pilot Certificate.

(L-R) Lt Col David Odette, Minnesota Flight Academy commander,

Cadet Zahm, and Jolene Parks, Jacob Pfingstens sister (photo

courtesy of Minnesota Flight Academy)The scholarship provides up to 30 hours of flight training. The cadet has one year to utilize the funds and to obtaintheir certificate. Cadet Zahm was selected as the recipient of the scholarship from several outstanding applicantsby the senior staff and flight instructors at the flight academy. Cadet/Second Lieutenant Jessica Stone of St. CloudComposite Squadron received the first scholarship last year.

Jacob Pfingsten was a long-time member of the Crow Wing Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, both as a cadetand as a senior member. He obtained his FAA Private Pilot Certificate through the CAP program. He died inFebruary 2005 of natural causes while serving with the U.S. Army in Germany. The scholarship was created by hisparents, Tom and Beth Pfingsten of Brainerd, both Civil Air Patrol members, and LaDonna and Randy Blackorbayof Maple Grove.

Minnesota cadet earns coveted Civil Air Patrol award

St. Cloud Composite Squadrons cadet commanderJessica Stone of Becker, MN recently received the CivilAir Patrols coveted General Billy Mitchell Award, anational recognition, and was promoted to Cadet SecondLieutenant.

Only 15 percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets earn the award,which honors the late aviation pioneer and advocate. Toearn the Mitchell Award, cadets must complete the firsteight of 16 achievements of the CAP Cadet Program andpass a 100-question examination.

Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earnsincreased responsibility, decorations, eligibility for nationalspecial activities, and opportunities for both flight andacademic scholarships. Completion of achievements alsoearns the cadet promotion to a higher grade.

(L-R) Major Ryan Brovold, St. Cloud Composite Squadroncommander, Cadet Jessica Stone, Captain Blane Pierson,

squadron deputy commander (photo-Capt. Richard Sprouse)


11/19


Best of the Best Battle in the Virtual Skies

On June 16-20, 2008, twelve Missouri Wing cadetsgathered in a computer lab at the University ofMissouri at Columbia to learn basic fightermaneuvers and tactics at the Columbia CompositeSquadrons Virtual Fighter Weapons School (VFWS.)

Instructed by experienced combat flight sim(ulator)

players and actual USAF fighter pilots, the cadetslearned, practiced, and applied aviation and flightskills in a networked desktop computer flight simenvironment.

I have been a long time combat flight simenthusiast, says Major Dan Routier, the activitydirector. The learning curve for these games andthe tactics involved can be pretty steep. I cant evenrecall how many hours Ive spent over the yearspicking it all up. What weve basically done here is todedicate a block of time for formal instruction, and alot of hands-on practice that would otherwise be done

a few hours at a time over a much longer period.Graduates of this activity who may have never flowna sim like this before walk away with as much trainingand experience as someone who has been playingcasually for years.

Getting really good at video games isnt the only thingthat cadets pick up at VFWS, though.

The course starts with the very basics of how andwhy airplanes fly, and basic flight maneuvers thatapply to all airplanes. Then the students appliedthose basic skills to perform maneuvers, and then to

applying maneuvers to accomplish tactical goals.

In addition to aviation, the pace of the activity andquantity of information coming at the students isdesigned to expand their multi-tasking abilities,improve general situational awareness, and speed up

their decision cycles. Teamwork and communicationalso play a vital role during multi-ship engagements.

And lets not forget fun! Fundamentally, VFWS is aweek-long LAN (network)-party. All of the trainingduring the activity culminates in a round-robin studentvs. student tournament. The winner of thetournament earns the title Top Gun.

There is also a daily light team sport oriented PTsession, and nightly relaxed personal time. After aday in the lab, theyre ready to get out of their seatsand unplug their brains for a while! says Routier. It

is my hope to continue to do this activity annually.Staffing and logistics are always a major challenge,but everyone has a great time!

If you think you have what it takes to be one of onlytwelve cadets selected for this activity annually, youcan contact the Major Routier for more information,application deadlines, and procedures. His e-mail is:[email protected]

And remember There are no points for secondplace!


12/19


119th Rocket Launch a Big SuccessMaj Troy KrabbenhoftPublic Affairs Officer, North Dakota Wing

C/Lt Italianos rocket blasting off.

AE officer Chip Oberg and his son Buck Oberg preparing a rocketfor launch.

Ready the rockets photo by Cadet Taylor Volk

Cadets and senior members from the 119th ANG Cadet squadron spent Tuesday the 19th of August buildingrockets and the 26th of August blasting them off and recovering them. The rockets were made out of " PVC pipe,cut out cardboard that was hot glued on for fins, a soda straw that held the rocket upright on the launch rail, andcommercially available C6 rocket engines.

Some of the rockets were reaching approximate 250-300 ft in altitude. The home made altimeters were also madeout " PVC pipe, a paper protractor that was glued onto cardboard and a string with a steel washer for a weight.

The cadets and seniors all had a great time with the Aerospace Education that was conducted by 2nd Lt ChipOberg the AE officer.


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East Iowa Cadet Squadron 1 of 20 receiving $250 AF Association grantsMoney earmarked for science, technology, engineering, math, aerospace education

Capt. Christopher ColvinPublic Affairs Officer, Iowa Wing

The East Iowa Cadet Squadron has received one of 20 Air Force Association promoting aerospace education forhundreds of youth throughout Civil Air Patrol.

The $250 grants are awarded to squadrons for use in any science, technology, engineering or math activity ormaterials that promote aerospace education.

"This grant is indeed an honor, and is due to the efforts of our squadronsnewest member and assistant aaerospace officer, Sr. Mbr. FranciscoMolina," said Capt. Brad Oglesby, the unit's commander. "He also createdan outstanding squadron website, which is greatly appreciated by everyonein the EICS."

Uses of the grants can include purchasing textbooks or materials or helpingfinance such activities as field trips to aerospace museums.

These AFA grants reach more young people with a learning opportunitycentered on aerospace development, said S. Sanford Schlitt, the AFAboard's vice chairman for aerospace education. By focusing on the entiresquadron, we help numbers of youth experience something memorableabout airpower.

Mike Dunn, president and chief executive officer of AFA, said the organization is "investing in the next generation ofaerospace leaders.

Promoting aerospace education is a rewarding aspect of our mission at AFA, Dunn said.

Minnesota Wing essay contest winners announced

Anoka Squadron's Matt Frame and St. Paul Squadron's Michael McMahan were selected as the winners of theYouth Aviation Foundation sponsored essay competition for Minnesota Wing cadets this summer.

Frame, a tenth grader at Northwestern Academy,competed in the senior high-aged category andwrote the best essay on how CAP changed hislife.

McMahan, an eighth grader at Murray Jr. HighSchool, competed in the junior high-agedcategory and wrote the best essay on why he

joined CAP.

For their efforts, each received a $250 prize.

The Youth Aviation Foundation's intent in hostingthis contest was to assist Minnesota CAP cadetsin developing writing skills needed when applyingfor college scholarships. Entries were judged by

an independent review board.

The Youth Aviation Foundation is a nonprofit corporation whose sole goal is to facilitate the education of our youth,so they can be productive and responsible citizens. Its program's center around aviation-related activities thatteach leadership, responsibility, high moral values and appropriate social interaction. For more information on theYouth Aviation Foundation, please visit www.youthaviationfoundation.org.

Cadet Matt Frame Cadet Michael McMahan


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Iowa Wing husband-wife team pitches in at National Blue BeretAll-Iowa Composite's Thatcher-Chilcote, Chilcote joined by cadets Olmscheid, Oglesby at encampment

Capt. Christopher ColvinPublic Affairs Officer, Iowa Wing

When Lt. Col. Glen Allen Thatcher-Chilcote III and his wife, Maj. Susan Chilcote, who between them havecombined for more than 50 years in Civil Air Patrol, heard about National Blue Beret, they decided to go as a team.

(From left) Maj. Susan Chilcote, Lt. Col. Glenn Allen Thatcher-Chilcote III and Cadet 1st Lts. Zach Olmscheid and Chris Oglesbydisplay their newly earned Blue Berets following graduation from the National Blue Beret Encampment.

The couples, members of the 91st All-Iowa Composite Squadron, did just that at this year's National Blue Beret inOshkosh, Wisc.

Joining them were Cadet 1st Lts. Zach Olmscheid of the Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron and Chris Oglesby ofthe Cedar Rapids Cadet Squadron.

Thatcher-Chilcote, the All-Iowa unit's commander, served as the flight line driver, taking each flight out to itsdesignated area to marshal in the aircraft.

Ive been around major airports such as LAX, OHara, Delaware and even Melbourne, Australia, he said. But Ivenever seen so many airplanes landing and taking off all in one place. It was an extreme experience and I would likeone day to do it again.

National Blue Beret is held at the worlds largest air show each year. It gives cadets and senior members alike thechance to see the latest and greatest advancements in the aviation world.

It is also considered a cadet special activity and gives cadets an opportunity to gain valuable leadership experiencein real-world situations.

Blue Beret is an excellent activity for people that want to get the most out of CAP, Oglesby said. It doesnt matterif you like aerospace education, cadet programs or emergency service, National Blue Beret has them all.

"Last but not least, every blue beret is dedicated to the well being and safety of others, as it says in our creed.

Wearing the blue beret means thinking about the safety of others before yourself.


15/19


Cadet Tells of Exchange ExperienceC/Major Elizabeth SpoerlDubuque Composite Squadron, Iowa Wing

What do you get when you combine 32 cadets, fiveescorting officers and a country the size of Alabama?

The experience of a lifetime.

This summer I was one of about 70 Civil Air Patrolcadets selected to participate in the 2008International Air Cadet Exchange. For the last 60years IACE has been promoting internationalgoodwill, friendship and understanding amongaviation-minded youth.

That's National Headquarters definition. But thosewords barely scratch the surface of IACE.

From the moment I stepped off the plane inWashington, D.C., I knew I was in for a treat. My

group of eight cadets and one escort clickedimmediately, and in less than a day we felt like afamily. After attending briefings, learning how toproperly eat (thanks to Miss Manners") and touringthe National Capital for a day, we were off to theUnited Kingdom.

In London, we met our British escort, escortingcadets and other members of our group cadetsand officers from Australia, Canada, Germany,Ghana and Hong Kong. The next 15 days werepacked with tours, museums, glider flights and otheractivities.

We did things few other people, even British civilians,ever get to do. We watched the Changing of theGuard from inside the gate at Buckingham Palace,met the lord mayor of Manchester, visited the KingsTroop Royal Horse Artillery, spent several days atRAF Cranwell, where all Royal Air Force officers aretrained and commissioned, and toured BAE Warton,the production plant for many RAF aircraft, includingthe Typhoon.Amid the formal work of ambassadorship, we weregiven breaks to enjoy the company of our fellowcadets at two amusement parks, numerous casualdinners, and during free time in the local

communities.

Three other cadets and I even saw a theatreproduction at Shakespeares Globe Theatre inLondon!

Throughout the course of the visit, I gained a greaterunderstanding and appreciation not only of the UnitedKingdom and its rich history, but also of the countriesand lifestyles of my fellow cadets.

Did you know that Hong Kong, although part ofChina, uses its own currency and follows laws thatare different than those of China, that all Germanmen must serve at least nine months in either the

armed forces or other civil service positions, and, ofcourse that Vegemite is amazing (according to theAustralians)?

C/Major Spoerl (2nd

from left) with fellow IACE participants.

I am sure all this information and more isdocumented in reference books, but these facts wereneither important nor real to me until I met peoplewho shared their lives and experiences with me.

I had been told that IACE would be an unforgettableexperience, but I could never have imagined theextent to which participating in this activity would

affect me. I never guessed I would learn so muchwhile having fun and making friends.

Although the trip had to come to an end, I lookforward to keeping in touch with the friends I havemade.

For those who enjoy meeting new people andimmersing themselves in other cultures, I highlyrecommend the program to you. Although I couldspend all day telling stories about my experiences inthe United Kingdom, I could never share the essenceof what it means to be an ambassador of the United

States and Civil Air Patrol it is something you mustexperience for yourself.


16/19


Missing man found alive after two day search.Major Troy KrabbenhoftPublic Affairs Officer, North Dakota Wing

It was a great feeling to be a North Dakota Wing member when we were called to duty to look for a missing person.

Several units sprang into action dispatching their aircraft and vehicles from all over the state to find a missing manin central North Dakota. The CAP Duty Officer was notified by Sgt. Conner of the Bismarck Police Dept. on the25th of August requesting Civil Air Patrol to assist with the search for a missing person.

The AFRCC accepted the mission, and the many hours of training paid off as squadrons smoothly responded to thecall. Mr. John Miller was last seen at 8:00pm in Hazelton, ND filling his vehicle with gas. He was on his way toBismarck but did not arrive.

Mr. Miller had a medical condition and was also suffering from dementia.Search aircraft from Fargo, Dickinson, and Minot were immediately in the air.Ground teams from Jamestown and Bismarck were en-route shortly thereafter and other units were put on standby. A fourth plane from Grand Forksarrived later in the day.

All together the aircraft accumulating approximately 25 hours of flight time

and many miles and hours in ground vehicles.

While he was not found by CAP (a landowner found him), we can be proudof our contributions to the effort (and we were very close when he wasfound)" "it was an incredible response by the wing, and an excellent exampleof what we can accomplish when we need to" said Major Sean Johnson,commander of the Bismarck Composite Squadron.

Major Johnson also said that "This event was truly something the entire wing can be proud of. Take a moment ofyour time today to "enjoy the moment". This is what all that hard work and time spent training is about. Today, wemade a significant difference in the lives of Mr. Miller and his family.

Civil Air Patrolsnewest recruiting and marketing tool!

A site designed for people interested inour organization and what it can do for

their community and themselves.

Telling Civil Air Patrols story, one

member at a time.

www.gocivilairpatrol.com


17/19


Minnesota Wings Group 1 Completes Successful Training ExerciseLt Col David OdetteCommander, Group 1, Minnesota Wing

The Group One Search and Rescue Exercise held August 15 to 17 held at the Thief River Fall Regional Airportprovided nearly 100 training days for the members of Minnesota Wing. The weather was perfect across Minnesotafor the three day event allowing aircraft and ground crews to come from 16 different units from across the state.

The location of the Mission Base in the northwest corner of Minnesota provided a challenge to the aircrews forplanning and flying a long distance flight with multiple locations of reconnaissance on their way to and from theMission Base. Many of these flight sorties were over three hours long requiring crews to maintain a close watch ontheir fuel status as well as monitoring their duty day hours to stay with in current CAP flight rules.

A High Bird Aircraft was deployed to maintain contact between the Mission Base and all inbound and outboundaircraft. Some aircrews flew as far as 275 nautical miles on their training sortie to reach the Thief River FallsMission Base. The High Bird positioned in the central part of Minnesota provided excellent radio communicationsbetween all aircraft keeping the Mission Base Operations personnel knowledgeable of the status of all aircraftduring these flights.

A Minnesota Wing aircraft departing Thief River Falls Airport on a Sunday morning mission sortie.

Once at the Thief River Falls Mission Base, local scenarios were provided to air and ground crews to help them

maintain their currency in their Operations Qualification Specialties. The local scenarios for the Aircrews were,various types of grid searches for missing persons, ELT searches, mapping of water levels and river flood debrislocations to name a few.

Ground Team scenariosincluded a search for amissing person in awooded area, finding andmapping locations ofmissing person clues onthe historic Pembina Trail,search for a space shuttleaccident data recorder in

an open/wooded area, andan aircraft ELT search inthe 61,500 acre marshlandof the Agassiz NationalWildlife Refuge.

Participation in the SAREX was excellent with 13 aircraft, 3 corporate vehicles and 8 personal vehicles reporting. Atotal of 52 members from across the Wing participated. This is a showing of the dedication of the members ofMinnesota Wing to the CAP program and their commitment to being Semper Vigilans!

Photos by Capt Paulette Odette.

Aircrew Mike Peterson and Jerry Rosendahlchecking in with Col Kevin Sliwinski

Lt Col Stan Kegel reviewing target locationswith Mike Blowers


18/19


Minnesotas Viking Squadron Searches for Downed Pilot2d Lt Erik LindquistPublic Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Viking Squadron of Eden Prairie Minnesotawas enjoying a beautiful summer eveningplaying volleyball at Staring Lake Park inEden Prairie when Officer Schmidt of the

Eden Prairie Police Department interruptedthe game.

The Eden Prairie Police Department had beenlooking for a downed pilot in the area of thepark, and they asked for further assistancefrom the local Civil Air Patrol group to searchfor this downed pilot.

Although this was only a mock drillestablished by Emergency Services Officers

of Viking Squadron in cooperation with the EPPD, the realism helped to emphasize that emergency crises usuallyhappen when you least expect them. Efficiently transitioning from normal daily routines to an emergency crisis,

when time is critical, can mean the difference between life and death.

For this reason, the speed of activatingthe squadron in an effective group searchfalls back on the many hours ofpreparation and training. In less than afew minutes the group, of cadets andofficers, was informed of the situation.The squadron members reviewed a mapof the park, split into smaller searchteams, and were assigned areas of thepark to search.

A hasty search was begun in the park tofind the downed pilot. The smaller teamgroups covered a lot of ground in a shorttime. Areas of woods, tall grass, and parkpaths were searched with informationalupdates being communicated oversquadron radios. In less than twentyminutes the downed pilot was found insome tall grass by one of the search teamgroups, and was transported back to therally point.

The exercise was a great success. It presented the squadron with a stressful exercise that demanded a timelyresponse, and the squadron rose to the challenge. After the exercise, the squadron joined together in a de-briefing

exercise, and areas of improvement were highlighted. Also, actions that were successful were praised and noted.

Viking Squadron would like to thank the Eden Prairie Police Department for playing a key role in this exercise. Thegood working relationship between groups, which is established in training exercises, is beneficial in succeedingwhen true emergencies present themselves and challenge these professionals to ensure a safer community.


19/19

If youre interested in politics and careers

in public service, CAPs Civic Leadership

Academy, an intensive 1-week program in

Washington, DC, is for you.

CLA cadets receive behind-the-scenes

tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme

Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA,

FBI, Arlington, and more.

They interact with national leaders while

learning about the democratic process.

The week culminates with Legislative Day,

when cadets meet with their elected rep-

resentatives on Capitol Hill.

This is not your average field trip to

Washington. CLA is an academically-

focused activity that includes seminars,

readings, and group projects.

CADET ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS1. Have earned the Mitchell Award by 1 October 2008

2. Must be at least 16 years old by 21 February 2009

HOW TO APPLY

1. By 1 October, email a completed CAPF 31 to

[email protected]. Attach an email from your wing

commander that endorses your application.

2. Include a 1-page resume of your achievements in CAP,

school, and community service.

3. Include a 1-2 page essay on one of the following topics

a. Why is widespread educational opportunity necessary

for a nation to develop a democratic system of government?

b. Why should federal courts have the right to declare

an act of Congress unconstitutional?

4. Include a recent photo (jpeg) of yourself properly wear-

ing the AF-style blues uniform.5. Include a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

6. Selections for the Class of 2009 will be announced via

email in early December.

SENIOR STAFF

CLA is seeking a small number of adults to serve on the

full-time staff. Part-time escorts are also needed for

Legislative Day, 26 February. To apply, email your resume

to [email protected] by 1October.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITIONThe National Association of Secondary

School Principals has placed the CAP

Civic Leadership Academy on their National Advisory List

of Contests & Activities for 2008-09. CLA staff can help

cadets request their schools permission to attend the academy.

ACTIVITY FEE

Tuition is $295, which covers meals, lodging, and activities

A $150 deposit is due on 4 Jan, with the balance due 1 Feb.

I learned more about the

United States and its governmentin one week at CLA than I did in

an entire year of AP Governmentclass at school. Cadet Daniel Ruffin, 06

CIVIL AIR PATROL

CIVICLEADERSHIP

ACADEMY

Washington, DC

21-28 February 2009

$295 Tuition

north central region - aug 2008

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