north central region - jul 2009

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North Central Region News – July 2009

“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 SouthDakota 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 andReview. Flight after flight passing by of Cadets dressed proudly in the AirForce 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 inopen bay barracks back then) and relief after hours of practice, to pull off thePass and Review. I felt like a Cadet all over again.

The excitement and the memories rolled into one. But this time there wasalso 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 camefrom multiple Wings and Regions in CAP. Together for just one week ofworking and training to perform better in the future.

But they will find out years from now that there is one more thing they will haveforever 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 theirencampment.

Editor’s Note- We will have a feature on the Joint Dakota Encampment in Next Month’s NCR News. Meanwhile theencampment has been maintaining a Facebook page that you can see at http://tinyurl.com/JDEncampment




Missouri Wing’s Cadet Training Group Steps out with Style Story and Photos by 2d Lt Tom BakerPublic Affairs Officer, 2009 Missouri Summer Encampment

The Missouri Wing Encampment began Friday, the 19thof June with the checking in of 26 Cadet Staff Membersand 22 Senior Staff Members at Camp Clark, NationalGuard Training Camp near Nevada, Missouri.

Due to extended training for a unit going to Iraq by theGuard Unit, encampment accommodations had to bechanged from the original locations. This meant there

would be one day, Saturday, to get set up for the BasicCadets to arrive on Sunday. The staff went to work andby arrival time, the basic cadets were processed in, andencampment was under way.

There were 71 basic cadets checked in, with the mostdistant wing being represented by a cadet was theAlaska Wing. Other wings represented were SouthDakota, Minnesota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois.Missouri had 107 Civil Air Patrol members, countingseniors and cadets.

This was the beginning of an experience that will last inmemory for years to come. For many it was their firsttime away from home without relatives or a friend tolean on.

Cadets attempting to walk taped line wearing special goggles.

Here they would learn the Core Values of the Civil AirPatrol along with many other things that will help themin the life that lies ahead of them. Along with physicalfitness they would learn the value of endurance in theirphysical training classes.

Planning, preparation, participation, and self-confidencewere on lists of things to be learned.

Missouri Wing Chief of Staff, Major Erica Williamsexplained 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 opportunitiesand emergency services.

The class that seemed to be the most fun was drugdemand reduction class. Capt Tammi Miller, MissouriWing Drug Demand Reduction Administrator, taught theclass and had the cadets participate in a simulatedsobriety test.

With the aid of special goggles that, when worn, made

you see like someone intoxicated, the cadets wereasked to walk a line that had been taped on the floor.They had a lot of fun with little success in walkingstraight or following the line.

Missouri Wing reserve Assistance Coordinator, Lt ColHarvey had a Black Hawk Helicopter flown in for a staticdisplay.

The cadets had the opportunity to question the crewabout the chopper and its capabilities. They also had

the chance to investigate by sitting in it and taking aclose look at the cockpit. They were amazed at how itall works.

The progress of the cadets was followed closely by theCadet Public Affairs Officer, C/2d Lt Arielle Bohnert,who published a daily newsletter titled “The Aviator”.

Continued on Page 3




Missouri Wing Encampment Continued

The Aviator along with several pictures were posteddaily on a web page that was set up for parents to use.

Members at encampment also had the ability to receivee-mail.

Capt Wendal Walsh, Assistant Public Affairs Officer,

also published an article in the newsletter titled, “AParents Perspective” that was well received by theparents.

The cadets endured many hours of drill, pt, and learninghow to make a rack (bed). With the temperature andhumidity, the heat index was mostly in the upper 90’sand reaching above 100 degrees at time, they learnedthe importance of keeping hydrated by drinking plentyof water. These young cadets pushed on everydaylooking forward to Saturday, the 27th of June,Graduation Day.

C/Amn Brooklyn Collins receiving her graduation certificate fromMajor Julie Oldham, Encampment Commander

Graduation day finally arrived and the excitement wasin the air. A banquet was held and the cadets receivedtheir Awards. The many proud and excited faces werebeyond explanation.

Left to right; Col John Mais, Missouri Wing Commander, MajJulie Oldham, Encampment Commander, 1st Lt Jennifer Carr,Commandant of Cadets and C/2d Lt Arielle Bohnert, CadetPublic Affairs Officer, on the reviewing stand for the pass in

review parade.

Wing Commander, Col John A Mais, was present forthe Pass in Review Parade. As the cadets marchedpast the viewing stand, there were many differentfeelings expressed by those present. The audienceconsisted of families, friends and staff members. Youcould see the pride on their faces along with tears onsome. These cadets had grown so much in so manyways in one week’s time.

They would now sign out from encampment and returnto their homes with a little different outlook. They would

also become a definite asset to their Squadrons and theCivil Air Patrol.

For more information on the 2009 Missouri WingEncampment 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 AnnualEncampment 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 theCadet Commander, C/Lt Col Mitch Edwards at [email protected] for informationon the application process.

We will have more information on the encampment in the next issue of NCR News.




Minnesota Wing Encampment Continued

A rare 100% overall score was recorded by C/A1CZachary Dietz of Viking Squadron.

“Encampment taught me self discipline as well as selfconfidence to do my best,” Dietz said.

The 11th Cadet Training Group consisted of 86 Basic

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

Cadets make their way across Camp Ripley’s confidence courseduring the 2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment at Camp Ripley.

“Minnesota has a well-earned reputation as one of thebest run encampments in the nation,” said 2d Lt CarolHinkle of the Burlington (Iowa) Composite Squadron. “Ilearned so much being here.”

Alpha flight celebrates another victory on their way to thevolleyball championship during the 2009 Minnesota Wing

Encampment at Camp Ripley.

C/Col Cox said he and the staff really enjoyed theopportunity to work with the basic cadets.

“It’s quite amazing to watch them grow throughout theweek,” Cox said. “If these cadets can find theconfidence to tackle and succeed at encampment, theywill have the confidence to take on any problem lifethrows at them.”

For more on this year’s encampment includingmore images and newsletters please go to

http://www.cadetleadership.org/

2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment Awardees:

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

Distinguished Graduates of the CTG – C/TSgt John Ke, St. Paul Squadron; C/SrA Jacob Jones, Duluth Squadron; C/AmnJackson 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 – 21

st

CTS – C/Amn Megan Halek, North HennepinSquadron Distinguished Graduate – 22nd

CTS – C/SrA Matt Klugherz, 130th

SquadronSquadron Distinguished Graduate – SDS – C/TSgt Christen Furlong, 130

thSquadron

Most Improved Leader – SDS – C/A1C Abdulrahman Haji, Valley SquadronEncampment Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – C/A1C Jasmine Sands, North Hennepin SquadronWing Commander’s Award for Academic Excellence – C/A1C Jasmine SandsCommandants Award for Leadership – C/Maj Billy Hoffman, 130

thSquadron

CTG Command Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt David Johnson, Red Wing SquadronCTG Support Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt Joshua Carr, MissouriField Leadership Excellence Award – SM Gene Enos, Southeast Minnesota SquadronSenior Support Excellence Award – Capt Richard Sprouse, Group 2




NCR Cadets Excel at National CompetitionCaptain Susan BlessmanDeputy Commander for Cadets, North Hennepin Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

The North Central Region Color Guard with Maj Gen CourterPhoto by Col Tom Theis.

Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose flew again on thedreams of Minnesota Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadetsparticipating in the National Cadet Competition (NCC),July 9-12, in McMinnville, Oregon.

Regional Color Guards and Drill Teams gathered atLinfield College and the Evergreen Aviation and SpaceMuseum (EASM) there to show the CAP world “the bestof the best” in color guard and drill team competition.The Spruce Goose is exhibited at the museum. LinfieldCollege and EASM sponsored the National CadetCompetition.

The Color Guard ready is ready for the Quiz Bowl.

North Central Region was represented by theMinnesota Wing’s North Hennepin Squadron ColorGuard comprised of C/SSgt Frank Albrecht,Commander; C/SMSgt Matthew Bruffey, First Rifle;C/SMSgt Reuben Miller, Second Flag; C/SrA CaitlinAlbrecht, Second Rifle; and Alternate C/A1C JasmineSands. Albrecht led the team in the various competitivechallenges including Standard Drill, Indoor Practical,Outdoor Practical, Panel Quiz, Written Test, Inspectionand Mile Run.

Of the seven events the team competed in, theyachieved and proudly accepted the award for SecondPlace in Panel Quiz. C/SrA Caitlin Albrecht had thefastest time for the mile run among females earning herthe “Female Fleet Foot” Award. C/SMSgt Reuben Millerwas honored by participating in the National ColorGuard, which is composed of one member from eachregion.

Escorts for the team were 1st Lt. Alan Trombley andCapt. Susan Blessman. Trombley and 2

ndLt. Suzanne

Albrecht sponsored the team with coaching help fromC/Capt. Nic Trombley and C/1st Lt. David Chanski.

The team was encouraged by the presence of MN WingCommander Col Thomas Theis, representing the NorthCentral Region, and Major Janelle Gates, MinnesotaWing’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 whosupported the North Hennepin Squadron's Color Guardteam these past several months. They won theMinnesota 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 thecadets with a museum scavenger hunt, presented anIMAX 3-D presentation about the moon landing, and

offered the use of their facilities for several competitionevents. Linfield College provided quarters, access totheir cafeteria, and the use of the gymnasium and track.

More information about the 2009 National CadetCompetition 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 IowaCadet Squadron with the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Capt Michael Oerregaard of the Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron acceptsthe 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 inCedar Rapids and many towns in Iowa, the flood of 2008 represented one of the worst disasters ever experienced in thestate’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 insupport 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 Awardat a ceremony in Marion Ohio. The squadrons were recognized for their outstanding service during the 2008 flood andtornado 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 volunteerismrate,” 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 thisstory.

NCR NEWS is the official newsletter of the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol. Theviews 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

[email protected]

Receive an e-mail notification each month letting you know that the latest edition ofNCR 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




First Person Perspective: CAP mission training put to use in IraqMajor Bradley SankerMissouri Wing

The status board shows sixteen teams spread out over a region the size of Texas. Radios are squawking, instantmessaging software is pinging status updates for each team. Around the room the phones are ringing with differentrequests 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 andinstead 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 rollingsafely through the theater of operation with as little incident as possible. The missionis a whole lot more dangerous, but the scenario is as familiar as the many missionscontrolling 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 stationedat Scott AFB. I am a Vehicle Dispatch Operator currently deployed in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom. Our team of over 300 Air Force personnel operates theonly 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 skillsthat 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 understandwhat a ground team is doing when I have never seen their location. But that experience has helped develop a keenunderstanding of command and control while tracking convoys. My years of talking over CAP radios and interpretingtopographical and aeronautical maps have also paid off. I now find myself walking senior leaders through scenariosutilizing 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 forthat late night call in support of a CAP mission. When that time comes I know I will be ready. Just has CAP has trainedme 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 ProgramCapt Tammi MillerPublic Affairs Officer, Cass County Composite Squadron, Missouri Wing

Six Cass County Composite Squadron cadets completedthe entire Civil Air Patrol Model Rocketry program during aweekend-long event. 1

stLt Mark Miller coordinated the

two-day experience where cadets built, tested, andlaunched rockets from all three phases – Redstone, Titanand Saturn.

Instructors 1st

Lt Miller and 1st

Lt Ted Hatfield felt thesuccessful launch and recovery of all model rockets were

the pinnacle to an outstanding weekend. “This was one ofthe best activities that I have been a part of, mainly due tothe enthusiasm and interest of the cadets,” Lt Miller stated.

Completing the program and receiving the model rocketrybadge were: C/CMSgt Daniel Caron, C/SMSgt LukeWood, C/SrA Trenton Eckerle, C/A1C Aaron Gerry, C/ABBrent Garten, and C/AB Jacob Wright. Assisting 1

stLt

Mark Miller and 2d Lt Ted Hatfield was C/2d Lt JordanHargis.




Public Affairs Practitioners Gather for Training, Fellowship and Growth

19 Public Affairs Officers from 3 of Civil Air Patrol’sregions gathered in Nebraska from June 26th to 28th for3 days of training and personal growth at the NorthCentral Region Public Affairs Academy held at CampAshland, NE.

The inaugural academy was actually 2 courses thatfocused 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 areasof Public Affairs Planning, Press Release Writing,Newsletter Development, Use of the Internet andCommunity Outreach.

The second was a “Mission Information OfficerWorkshop” built around a simulated missing aircraftsearch mission that focused the students on thenecessary tasks that a Mission Information Officer mustdo to be successful on an actual mission.

The workshop looked at everything from what the roleof the MIO is, to preparing for the mission, arriving at

the mission base, writing the initial and follow-upreleases, working with the media, writing the closingrelease and closing the mission.

A key component of the workshop was a review ofrecent missions such as the 2008 Iowa/Missouri Floods,the 2009 North Dakota Floods, recent Hurricanes andthe Steve Fossett search.

Finally time was spent on supplemental topics such asPAO Professional Development, Cadets and PublicAffairs, PAO 101, Updates from CAP National HQ,Preparing for the Unit Inspection and Communicating ina Crisis.

PAO’s also spent time in “Leadership Discussions.”

These informal discussions allowed PAO’s to cometogether in an informal environment to talk about issuesof interest to PAO’s including The PAO as a CAPMember, The PAO as a Staff Officer and The Future ofCAP Public Affairs.

“I was pleased to see the enthusiasm of the PAO’s herethis weekend. They took in what was presented andmade it work. These are the good communicators whowill become great communicators because of thisacademy.” said North Central Region Commander ColSteve Kuddes who also served as the IncidentCommander for the simulated mission.

Students spent much of their time in practical exercisessuch as writing press releases and organizing asquadron newsletter.

Academy Presenters included

Lt Col Mike Marek, Communications Team Leader atNational Headquarters,

Julie DeBardelaben the Deputy Director of PublicAffairs at National Headquarters,

Major David Miller, the Public Affairs Officer of MissouriWing




Major Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs for NorthCentral Region.

The academy closed on Sunday with a luncheon whereJulie DeBardelaben said “I often marvel at youraccomplishments, your ability, infrequently on shortnotice, to absorb and then handle complicatedassignments and to consistently produce exceptional

results.

It speaks, first and foremost to the hart of your love forCAP and second to your genius in not only selecting thevery best and most important job in Civil Air Patrol butto your willingness to put your shoulder to the wheeleach and every day to make it happen.”

Academy participants included

Lt Col Fred Mahadocon Director of Public Affairs forPacific Region,

SM Donna O'Steen-Mixon of Colorado Wing

2d Lt Francisco Molina, 1st Lt Cindi Wachholz and CaptJon Sawyer of Iowa Wing,

Col Regena Aye, 1st Lt Carol Hearns and C/Lt ColMitch Edwards of Kansas Wing,

SM Gail Dodson and SM Lion Templin of MinnesotaWing,

Major Tony Belto, Major Melinda Berry, Lt Col LarryKuban and 1st Lt Dorothy Sieber of Missouri Wing

2d Lt Jason Fink of Nebraska Wing.

More information on the Academy including trainingmaterials and upcoming training events can be found athttp://www.ncrpao.org/academy/

Join us for the 2009 NCR Conference at the Holiday Inn – Northwest in Des Moines over Halloween Weekend fora 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




NCR’s Public Affairs Leaders Recognized

National Headquarters announced recently that the Major Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional AchievementAwards could be presented at the Region Level and NCR has embraced this program to recognize the efforts of thePublic 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 atthe national level in the '50s, the Major Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards competitionprovides 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 winnerswere announced at the PAO Academy Luncheon this past June.

Writing for the Media1

stPlace 2d Lt Jason Fink Nebraska Wing Headquarters Nebraska Wing

2nd Place 1st Lt George Supan Anoka County Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing3rd Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Brochure/Poster/Flyer1

stPlace Major Melinda Berry Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing

2nd

Place Capt Tammi Miller Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing3

rdPlace Lt Col Jeffrey Wolff River City Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing

Newsletter1st Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing2

ndPlace Lt Col Jeffrey Wolff River City Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing

Website1st Place 1st Lt Christopher Oakes Cass Co Composite Sqdn Missouri Wing2

ndPlace 2d Lt Scott Richardson St. Croix Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Media Coverage of CAP1

stPlace 1st Lt George Supan Anoka County Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

2nd

Place 1st Lt Erik Lindquist Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing3rd Place C/CMSgt Lydia Wiff Viking Composite Sqdn Minnesota Wing

Event Promotion/Crisis Management1

stPlace Minnesota Flight Academy Video Promotion Team

Producer Lt Col Paul Adams Minnesota WingTechnical Director Cadet Garett Long Iowa WingSegment Director 1

stLt Erik Lindquist Minnesota Wing

Photographer Lt Col Tom Hollenhorst Minnesota WingPhotographer Capt Mike Rehbein Minnesota WingPhotographer Major Sherrie Herzfeld Minnesota WingPhotographer 1

stLt Shelly Supan Minnesota Wing

Photographer Cadet Bjorn Altenburg North Dakota WingTalent Cadet Jessica Lewison Minnesota WingTalent Cadet Luke Zahm Minnesota Wing

Video Presentation1

stPlace 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 respectivewings.




B-17 delivers old and new thank youCaptain Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

What’s old was something new to a thankful cadet ofMinnesota Wing’s St. Cloud Composite Squadron. Fora World War II veteran, it was a new audience and aweekend of hearing a phrase that never gets old, “thankyou.”

Cadet Airman Ryan Casey of St. Cloud (Minn.) CompositeSquadron assists during the visit of the B-17G “Aluminum

Overcast” at St. Cloud Airport.

Cadet Airman Ryan Casey was at home Saturday, July11 when his father heard the rumble of an aircraft flyinglow and slow overhead. It’s a sound he’d never heardbefore. It was the B-17 “Flying Fortress” that the localnewspaper said would be at the St. Cloud Airportthroughout the weekend. Casey quickly donned hisBDUs and asked for a ride to the airport to see if hecould 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,” Caseyexclaimed. He assisted visitors over the weekend enterand exit the aircraft during its static display.

His spirits were lifted even higher Sunday when he wastold he’d get a free ride in "Aluminum Overcast," theExperimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17G. The

flying museum has been on annual tours around thecountry since 1994, offering ground tours and rides tothe public at each stop. Aluminum Overcast is one ofonly a dozen B-17s that still fly today.

“The plane is so cool, and everyone I met shared somany stories about the plane, its restoration and itsimportant role in World War II and aviation history,”Casey said.

There were over 12,000 B-17's produced between 1935and 1945, with almost five thousand lost in combat.

Earl Joswick,(pictured) a formerstaff sergeant andB-17G ball-turretgunner, was shot

down on his 14th

mission overGermany, spending14 months as aprisoner of war.

The ball-turret gunner was located on the bottom of theplane, a small, precarious position with a thinmembrane of aluminum and Plexiglas separating thegunner from the 30-below air temperature at 20,000feet and the red-hot machine-gun bullets from enemyfighters.

“Actually it was the safest place on the bomber becausethe fighters always attacked from the top, not from thebottom of the plane,” Joswick said. “The ball-turretcould be rotated to the back, to the side, everywhere.We protected the underside of the plane.”

Joswick exchanged recollections with other WWIIveterans, as well as dozens of other people eager tomeet the WWII hero who took part in a B-17 flightduring the bomber’s visit.

“I was crying like a baby when we went up, it broughtback a lot of memories,” Joswick said. “I’d never want togo through it again, but they can’t take the memories,good and bad, away from me.”

One phrase repeated to Joswick throughout theweekend was “thank-you”. It was the same phrase aCivil Air Patrol cadet from St. Cloud repeated toeveryone involved with the B-17’s visit.




Patrolling the skies: Local volunteers serve community from high aboveJosh Chase, Prior Lake (Minnesota) American

For Colleen Van Brundt, military-style volunteerism is afamily tradition. Her mother served in the GroundObserver Corps, and she has two brothers who weresubmariners.

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 beeninterested in aviationand whose husbandis a pilot, joined the130th CompositeSquadron, a Civil AirPatrol unit based atAir lake Airport inLakeville.

“This fit perfectly

because we wantedto work with kids.We love aviationand the emergencyservices portion ofit,” says 2nd Lt.Colleen Van Brundt,of Prior Lake.“Those threemissions just worked

well with what we wanted to do.”2ndLieutenant Colleen Van Brundt

Her husband, Capt. Paul Van Brundt, knew about theorganization because of the time he spent at the airport.As a commercial pilot and flight instructor, he says anaviation-related community service group was natural.

Originally, Paul planned to serve only as a flightinstructor. Plans changed, though, and he now servesas the squadron’s deputy commander. That’s inaddition to the work he does as its professionaldevelopment officer and its standards and evaluationsofficer.

“I wanted to be able to give back to the community,” thecaptain says. “I’d had so many things given to me, so I

figured I could use my training as a pilot to give back tosome kids who might not be able to afford it otherwise.”

Aerospace education and cadet programs are two ofthe organization’s core missions.

To advance in rank – each student member starts outas a cadet-airman basic and can advance to cadet-colonel – cadets must meet leadership, aerospace

education, physical fitness and character developmentrequirements.

“If you are a cadet, you get leadership training and theability to apply it,” says Colleen. “The way you carryyourself changes. It commands respect from the people

around you.”

Membership also has tangible benefits for youngsters;cadets who earn the General Billy Mitchell Award (andwith it the rank of cadet second lieutenant) areautomatically promoted to airman first class (E-3) uponenlistment in the U.S. Air Force.But the 130th Composite Squadron currently counts noPrior Lake residents among its cadet rolls, says Paul.

“I think they’re missing out on an excellent opportunityfor all this free training and camaraderie and fellowshipwith their peers,” he says. “It teaches so many

leadership skills and teamwork skills that probablywould never be picked up by students or cadets in anyother way.”

The civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil AirPatrol (CAP) was created in 1941 as a way for civilianaviators to support the war effort. Shortly after thenation entered World War II, CAP pilots beganconducting patrols along the East Coast, alerting Navyand Army Air Corps pilots to approaching German U-boats and – in some cases – attacking the vesselsthemselves.

Aiding with training efforts was another of theorganization’s wartime missions. CAP pilots would towdrone aircraft to give military pilots moving targets toshoot down.

Also during that time, CAP began search-and-rescueoperations, which remains one of its core missions.Cadet Scott Gabert refuels a Civil Air Patrol aircraftafter making a solo flight. (Submitted photo)

All members – who serve in a volunteer capacity,receiving no compensation – can perform emergencyservice roles. While cadets make up much of theground force, senior members can take part from the

air.

Paul serves as a pilot on CAP missions, while his wifeholds ratings as both an observer (the crew memberresponsible for navigation and radio communications)and a scanner (who watches the ground from above insearch 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 gethelp,” says the captain.

“All the community has to do is request and the Civil AirPatrol will provide people or aircraft or whatever it takesto conduct a search.” Life lessons

Lt. Col. Nick Modders has been an on-again, off-againmember of CAP since 1957 and has seen the programthrough both an adult and teenager eyes.

“In upper Michigan in the 1950s, just seeing an airplanewas a big deal,” says Modders, who found out about theprogram through a friend.

Modders used his experiences as a cadet throughouthis 24-year Air Force career, followed by a 31-yearcareer as a pilot for Northwest Airlines.

“[CAP] made me aware of things that were availablethrough the military and gave me the initial flight

instruction so that when I got to Air Force pilot training, Ialready had some experience,” says the colonel, who,like the Van Brundts, later joined as a senior memberbecause of opportunities to volunteer. “I’m interested ingiving back a little bit. I had a good life, and Civil AirPatrol certainly launched that.”

An industrial engineer by trade, Colleen says CAP hasgiven her skills in areas she otherwise wouldn’t have

had the chance to dabble in. She serves as thesquadron’s public information officer and doubles as itsaerospace education officer.

But the biggest reward for Colleen comes fromwatching cadets learn and grow. “There was one cadetwho came in and was shy – the new kid on the block,”she says. “Now, just to watch him turn into a leader isreally neat.”

“There is a reward to it and it’s probably to know you’rehelping others,” she continues. “I didn’t join it as aresume 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-Out1st Lt Cindi Wachholz,Public Affairs Officer, Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron, Iowa Wing

Members of the Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron participated in the AlgonaFareway's Annual Pork Cook-Out, on June 26, in support of the local PorkProducers.

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

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

The squadron was invited to help at the event by Steve Smith, manager ofFareway'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 CadetCommander.

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




Squadron Shows Support for Young Eagles Program2d Lt Scott RichardsonPublic 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 ExperimentalAviation 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 theirparents about Civil Air Patrol and our mission.

The original mission of the EAA Aviation Foundation’s YoungEagles program was intended to provide a meaningful flightexperience to 1 million young people between the ages of 8and 17 by the year 2003, which was the 100th Anniversary ofthe Wright Brothers first powered flight.

This mission was accomplished and the Young Eaglesprogram has provided well over 1.3 million flights to youngstersto date.

The EAA Young Eagle program is intended to give kids theirfirst airplane ride with a one-on-one experience with the pilotand to introduce them to aviation in a positive way. Theirprogram is intended to provide for one free flight only becausethey do not have the resources to give multiple flights to thesame 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 flyingexperience. 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 arelocated at the EAA chapter 54 clubhouse; enter Gate B, off Manning Ave. The Young Eagle rides are given eachsecond 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 andclick 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 onthe youngsters face said it all. Many of the folks I was able to talk to were very interested in Civil Air Patrol and one ofour missions, which is very similar to that of the EAA’s Young Eagle program.

Vietnam Vets Recognition Includes Cass County Honor GuardCapt Tammi MillerPublic 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 dozenVietnam 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 photographerIval 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, andC/A1C Malachi Hargis.




St. Croix Squadron Hosts Boy Scout Troop Hangar Tour 2d Lt. Scott RichardsonPublic 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 ExperimentalAviation Association (EAA) Chapter #54 for White Bear Lake Boy Scout Troop #434 at Lake Elmo Airport.

This Aerospace Education hangar tour was in cooperationwith the monthly EAA Young Eagles first flight programthat is put on by EAA chapter #54 located at the Airport tohelp the scouts earn their Aviation merit badge.

The Young Eagles Program is held every second Saturdayof the month from May through October each year. Thepilots of EAA Chapter #54 using their own aircraft and theirown time sponsor this event.

Boy Scout troop #434 had been camping out on thegrounds of Vaulters Aviation over the weekend. All ofthese scouts were all pretty jazzed up from their first flightsthey received and a day of aviation immersion.

Two groups of Scouts were arranged by the EAA membersto tour several hangars immediately after the conclusion ofSaturday’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 CivilAir 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 Scouthad 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 andanswer 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 athttp://members.gocivilairpatrol.com and click on “News”

Major David Kenan (left) gives a tour of the St Croix Squadron hangarto scouts of Troop 434.




Pancakes and planes prove winning combination for squadron’s fundraiserCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Pancakes and planes proved to be the winning combination for theSt. Cloud Composite Squadron’s annual fundraiser.

Squadron members served 1,300 breakfasts of pancakes andsausage, 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, andstayed late; the result was another very successful breakfast,” saidLt 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 ownCAP glass-cockpit 182 with the avionics power on, our airportguests had quite a bit to look at.”

Schlick also thanked the St. Cloud Times, Shopping News, WJONRadio, 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 June27. Mark your calendar now!”

C/SrA Josh Morey and Lt Col Greg Nastrom onrecruiting duty.

Col Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, visitswith Capt Russ Portele.

C/2d Lt Derek Cash provides flightline security whilethe LifeLink helicopter departs St. Cloud Airport.

C/SrA Michael Norton in the blister of a MinnesotaArmy National Guard Chinook helicopter.

C/SrA Michael Norton serves up breakfast to one of the1,300 people who attended the St. Cloud Composite

Squadron’s annual fly-in breakfast on June 28.

north central region - jul 2009

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