North Central Region News

Volume 2008 April

CAP Members train to Save Lives

Maj Mark McCormick (left) briefing Minnesota Wing members at the Minnesota Wing SAREX in Luverne, WI

2d Lt George Supan

On Saturday, April 4, Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members from across the state and a South
Dakota squadron converge to Luverne airport for search and rescue exercise training (SAREX). The airport is
located in Southwestern Minnesota 14 miles from South Dakota and 9 miles from Iowa.

13 CAP aircraft and over 100 CAP volunteers gathered to continue their training in search and rescue along with
learning new skills. “Training for today’s missions will help you be ready for future real missions when called”, said
Capt Paul Pieper CAP Incident Commander. “Some of the scenarios today may be requests received from local
authorities while others may not be real in order to provide training”, Pieper said as he briefed the group of CAP
members in front of an airport hanger on a windy Saturday morning.

Continued on Page 5
North Central Region News
Minnesota Wing Commander Appointed
Capt Al Pabon
It was recently announced that Lt Col Thomas
Theis was selected to be the new Commander of
Minnesota Wing. He will assume command during
the April Minnesota Wing Conference.
Col Theis has an extensive background in CAP as
a former Wing Inspector General, Group &
Squadron Commander and Wing Director of Cadet
Programs.
Page 2 of 9
lost while attempting to be the first woman to
circumnavigate the globe. Brewer is a member of
Teenpact which is an organization that focuses on
leadership in civics and government campaigns.
Cadet Second Lieutenant, Zach Olmscheid,
received the General Billy Mitchell Award which
honors, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch
supporter of an independent Air Force for America.
Olmscheid plans on attending the U.S. Air Force
Academy after graduating high school.

He is also an Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant

with the Security Forces Squadron at Minneapolis-
St. Paul Air Reserve Station.

Watch the May issue of NCR News for more

coverage of the change of command and the
Minnesota Wing Conference.

Fort Dodge Senator Recognizes Iowa

Cadets
Capt Chris Colvin

“I am honored to recognize not one, but two

outstanding cadets this evening”, said Iowa State
Senator Daryl Beall. “The exemplary leadership
skills and character traits these gentlemen share is
a tribute to the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and
serves as an example for teenagers across our
state.”
C/Captain Jared Brewer, received the Amelia
Earhart Award which honors the late aviatrix,
advocate, and pioneer, who set many records for
women aviators in aviation's infancy, and who was
“We are thankful that Senator Beall took time from
his schedule to present these two prestigious
awards to our cadet officers”, said Captain Betty
Kelly, squadron commander.
Senator Beal serves as the chair for the Veterans
Affairs Committee. He was elected in 2006 to his
second four-year term to the Iowa Senate. He
represents the people of Calhoun, Greene and
Webster counties.

South Dakota Wing Announces Command Changes

Col Mike Beason

Major Buck DeWeese is the new commander of the Lookout Mountain Squadron
in Spearfish. Buck has been a commander there previously and will take on this
awesome position once again.

Maj DeWeese was our wing Aerospace Officer and he will be replaced by 1st Lt
Jordan Hall from Sioux Falls. You may recall that last year Jordan won the AE
Officer of the Year award. He has a great program going in Sioux Falls and now
will spread that to the rest of the wing.
North Central Region News Page 3 of 9

The 2008 North Central Region Conference will be held on May 16-18 2008 at the Holiday Inn - Convention
Center in Omaha, NE.

Registration is open and is only available on-line. Members can go to www.ncr.cap.gov and click on the
conference link on the top of the website.

Registration for the conference is $10.00 per member and the Banquet is $27.50. Registration will close on
Friday May 9th.

There is a block of rooms available at a special CAP Rate. The CAP Rate will be available until May 9th. The
Holiday Inn - Omaha Convention Center is located at 3312 S. 72nd St, Omaha, NE 58124

Please contact the hotel at 1-402-393-3950 to reserve your room at the special CAP Rate.

The conference features seminars and activities that will provide tools to both officers and cadets in serving our
communities.

These include briefings from National Headquarters staff, workshops and updates from the region staff for cadet
and members are planned. Cadet oriented activities are also being planned. A tentative schedule and workshop
listing is available on the conference website.

Saturday night will feature the Banquet and Region Awards Program. We will recognize our outstanding
members and hear from a dynamic guest speaker.

The SGT Phil Svitak American Patriot Award will be presented and a very special tribute to the Armed Forces
and Veterans will highlight the conference.

The conference is an event that you will not want to miss. If you have questions about the conference please e-
mail pao@ncr.cap.gov

2008 Civil Air Patrol National

Board
& Annual Conference
Kissimmee, FL
Wednesday, Aug. 6 -- Saturday, Aug. 9

More info at www.cap.gov

North Central Region News Page 4 of 9
Minnesota CAP Reports to State Legislature
Col Kevin Sliwinski

On Thursday, March 27th, members of the

Minnesota Wing delivered the Civil Air Patrol
Report to Congress, a report on Minnesota Wing’s
activities and an invitation to join the Legislative
Squadron to members of the Minnesota
government.

Attached is a photo of the members in the Senate

Chambers with Senator Leroy Stumpf. Senator
Stumpf is one of the three founding members of
the CAP Northwest Minnesota Squadron. The
Squadron meets in Thief River Falls.

Members in the photo are front row left to right,

Col. Kevin Sliwinski, Wing Government Relations
Officer; C/Kaelyn Olson, Valley Sq.; Sen. Stumpf;
nd
C/Col. Charles Cox, Ft. Snelling Sq.; 2 Lt.
George Supan, Anoka Sq. Back row left to right are C/SMSgt. Lance Myren, Anoka Sq.; C/CMSgt. Peter
Mayhew, Anoka Sq.; C/SSgt. Trevor Whitney, Anoka Sq.; C/SSgt. Emily Tholen, Anoka Sq.; C/Amn. Dylan
Jackson, Valley Sq.; C/CMSgt. Stefan Hall, Viking Sq. Members not in photo are Maj. Janelle Gates and 1st 1Lt.
Norine Olson.

(Photo by Maj. Janelle Gates)

Kansas Air Tour stops at Kingman

SM Cleland McBurney

On Wednesday April 2, the 80th anniversary of the 1928 All

Kansas Air Tour was celebrated at Kingman Clyde Cessna Field
with the arrival of aircraft reenacting the original Air Tour. Civil Air
Patrol cadets of Kingman Cannonball Composite Squadron were
excused from school to assist in aircraft marshalling.

While the Air Tour is not a CAP function, their skills in aircraft
handling and training were recognized by the City of Kingman as
an important part of the program.

Twenty six aircraft arrived within the space of two hours, and CAP
training paid off by very efficient handling, parking, and securing of
each aircraft. Each pilot was greeted by a handler and given a
welcome aboard to Kingman Airport. The public attendance was given a treat by watching the Civil Air Patrol
cadets in action!

North Central Region News

is published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol
Col. Steven Kuddes, Region Commander
Maj. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs
Please send submissions by the 10th of each month to: pao@ncr.cap.gov
North Central Region News Page 5 of 9
SAREX Continued from Page 1
“I know how important training is in any setting and
more importantly in saving lives”, said Andy
Steensma, Mayor of Luverne. “We are happy to
have CAP do there training at our airport”, said
Steensma. The next time your aircraft will have an
extended airport runway for landing.

Members are briefed prior to Ground Search Operations

“Safety is first. Your safety and safe operations of

the airplanes and vehicles is of utmost importance”,
said CAP Safety Officer 1Lt Frank Jirik. He also
shared safety tips about what items to look for on
the airport surface and when the members are on a
mission.
As the Stanford USD Medical Center Trauma 1
chopper landed the CAP members were waiting to
receive the training provided by the pilot and
medical team. The CAP cadets (12-18 years old)
were hoping for an opportunity to sit in the chopper.
Pilot Pat Hall and medical team Jodi Dooyema and
Bob Fickness provide excellent training on accident
site requirements, the capabilities of the chopper
and accident site treatment.

Maj Mark McCormick, Worthington Composite

Squadron Commander hosted the event. The day
events also included single and tandem skydiving
along with a large number of missions for the CAP
Mayor Andy Steensma of Luverne, MN members.

Minnesota Cadets Receive Mitchell Award

C/2nd Lt Ian Davis C/2nd Lt Wesley Davis C/2nd Lt Travis Parker

The Civil Air Patrol Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron #047 is pleased to announce that it had three
cadets receive the “Billy Mitchell Award.”

This past December Cadets Ian Davis, Wesley Davis, and Travis Parker of the South East Minnesota Squadron
received the Gen Billy Mitchell Award and were rpomoted to the grade of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant.

Group 4 Commander, Major John Barsness and squadron commander Major Mathew Wiskow presented the
awards to the cadets.
North Central Region News Page 6 of 9
Iowa Wing Successfully Completes Search and Rescue Exercise
Capt Chris Colvin

Twenty training missions were flown by the Civil Air Patrol from the Iowa City Airport on Saturday, March 15,
2008, to test the readiness of CAP Emergency Services. Forty officers, using five aircraft and four ground
vehicles completed eight scenarios, including photo reconnaissance of Iowa flood areas, and simulated
searches for missing aircraft, persons and vehicles in an area between Marshalltown and Washington.

During the exercise the Iowa Wing was activated by the National Weather Service to perform aerial
reconnaissance and photographed several counties affected by flooding. Photographs from the mission were
provided to the National Weather Service to assist with flood predictions and damage estimates.

Iowa Wing Members Support DDR and Kidfest

Capt Chris Colvin

“I am extremely pleased that members of the Iowa

Wing took time from their weekend to support this
important event”, said Lt Col Eric Schneider, Iowa Wing
Vice Commander. “We had cadets and senior officers
from across the state spoke with hundreds of the
17,000 Kidfest visitors.”

Kidfest is a family-oriented festival that features fun

activities, games and entertainment for kids and adults
of all ages. CAP cadets and officers took the
opportunity to focus attention on the Drug Demand
Reduction Program with members of the Iowa National
Guard whose base is located just outside of Des
Moines.

“The best part of this activity was seeing our cadets

working side by side with the Iowa National Guard, making buttons and painting characters of the faces of the
st
kids”, said 1 Lt Erin Doyle, Iowa Wing’s Director of Cadet Programs. “Seeing the smiles on the all the faces
was priceless.”

South Dakota Wing assembles for conference and awards

2nd Lt Shawn Anderson

The South Dakota Wing held its annual Wing Conference on March 29th. Members of the nine squadrons in the
Wing converged on Sioux Falls for an intensive day of training and meetings which culminated in an evening
Awards Ceremony.

Marli Erickson, of Rapid City, was the guest speaker of the evening. She shared the story of Army Col Rick
Rescorla who was Vice President of Security for Morgan Stanley at its headquarters in the World Trade Center
in New York. Rescorla’s persistence with evacuation training and his leadership on September 11, 2001 saved
the lives of 2,700 workers on that fateful day.

It was also his unwillingness to leave anyone behind that found him still in the building when it collapsed.

South Dakota Wing Commander, Col Mike Beason presented a variety of awards to CAP members and
squadrons.
st
Among the top awards were the Cadet of the Year, which went to 1 Lieutenant Nicholas Gengler of Brookings
Squadron , Adult Officer of the Year which went to Captain Rick Goeringer of Spearfish Squadron, and Cadet
NCO of the Year was Cadet / Senior Master Sergeant Hanna Krueger of Brookings Squadron. The squadron
awards included the Squadron of Merit award for the Rushmore Composite Squadron in Rapid City, and the
Squadron of the Year was awarded to the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron.
North Central Region News Page 7 of 9
SD Wing Conference Award Recipients

Commander’s Commendation Awards

Lt Col Linda Buechler
Lt Col Gary King
Lt Col Cindi Merchant
Major Lee Vaughan Philip
Capt Michael Johnson
Capt John Seten
1st Lt Walter Marty
1st Lt Nickolas McFarland
1st Lt Nicholas Gengler
2nd Lt Shawn Anderson
2nd Lt Lori Anderson
2nd Lt Daniel Thibault
C/Capt Libby Marking
C/Capt Ann Ziegler
C/2nd Lt Jason Klein
C/CMSgt Adam Betzler
C/MSgt Lisa Collum

Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving

Cadet Jesse Bicknell

“Of the Year” Awards

Squadron of Merit - Rushmore Composite Sq Rapid City

Squadron of the Year - Sioux Falls Comp Sq Sioux Falls
Squadron Commander of the Year - Maj Vicki Marking

Cadet of the Year - 1Lt Nicholas Gengler

Officer of the Year - Capt Rick Goeringer
Cadet NCO of the Year - C/SMSgt Hannah Krueger

Logistics Officer - Lt Col Myra Christensen

Communications Officer - 1Lt Walter Marty
IT Officer - Capt Rick Goeringer
Safety Officer - Capt Mark Huntington
Medical Officer - Lt Col Linda Buechler
Aerospace Education Officer - 1st Lt Jordan Hall
Operations Officer – Lt Col Leo Becht
Transportation Officer - Capt Teresa Schimelfening
Cadet Programs Officer - 2d Lt Daniel Thibault
Professional Development Officer - Maj Randy Borton Rapid City
Emergency Services Officer - Capt Dan Gerwing Brookings
Emergency Services Point of Contact – Lt Col Rick Larson Sioux Falls
Personnel Officer - Maj Randy Borton Rapid City
Finance Officer – Lt Col Gary Rae Sioux Falls
DDR Officer – Lt Col Myra Christensen Pierre

More pictures from the Conference can be seen at the NCR Photo Album at
www.ncrpao.org and click on “NCR Photos”
North Central Region News
CAP cadet training helps young Marine
Capt Richard Sprouse
There are few things as physically and mentally
challenging as Marine Corps Basic Training. But
Marine Reserve Private Jeff Dvorak of Sauk
Rapids, past cadet commander of the St. Cloud
Composite Squadron, told members of his former
squadron that what he learned in the Civil Air Patrol
Cadet Program made the transition between cadet
and Marine much easier.
“Being a Civil Air
Patrol cadet gave
me a more
accurate picture of
what military
service is really
like,” Dvorak said.
“Being a cadet
also helped me
more easily adapt
to the demands of
becoming a
Marine.”
Private Dvorak, on
leave since recently completing 12 weeks of basic
training in San Diego, shared his experiences of
physical training, marksmanship and teamwork with
squadron members. He said drill was another area
where his previous CAP experience paid off.
“I was the guidon bearer right off the bat simply
because I knew how to drill, use my command
voice, and use proper greetings, all things I learned
as a CAP cadet,” Dvorak said. “I was also a squad
leader for ‘Initial Drill’ training for the same
reasons.”
Private Dvorak said there were other things he
learned in the CAP Cadet Program that set him
above his peers at boot camp.
“While in CAP I learned the officer rank structure
and how to properly salute and greet officers, that
was a big help right away at boot camp,” Dvorak
said, “and Land Navigation was a sleep through
class as a result of my CAP training, quite often I
was training my Marine counterparts as a result of
my expertise. I was also called the ‘master of
uniforms’ by my fellow recruits since CAP taught
me about the proper preparation and wear of
uniforms.”
When asked what kept him going during boot camp,
Dvorak answered, “Besides family, friends and
faith, several things. First, every Marine is your
Page 8 of 9
brother, and you don’t let your brother down.
Second, I’d ask myself, ‘What am I working for?’
and it was the honor of wearing the Eagle, Globe
and Anchor insignia of a United States Marine.
Third, to honor the foundation provided me as a
CAP cadet.”
The next phase of Dvorak’s training will consist of a
four-week Marine Combat Training course before
moving on to Field Radio Operator School. He will
then return to serve with the Marine Wing Support
Squadron in Minneapolis.
Iowa Wing Commander completes
“Charm School”
Capt Chris Colvin
Dubuque, IA - Colonel
Ronald Scheitzach is one
of fifteen Civil Air Patrol
members who
participated in an elite
leadership training
program April 6-12 at
CAP National
Headquarters, Maxwell
Air Force Base, AL.
The Wing Commander’s Course is designed to help
CAP leader’s transition to executive level command
and to understand their role as a member of the
CAP National Board, a key CAP governing body.
Attendees are selected by their region commander
and must be approved by the CAP national
commander.
The program focuses on three main blocks of study:
leading the organization, tools for corporate officers
and tools for wing commanders. The blocks include
seminars, lectures and hands-on exercises in more
than 20 enriching sessions.
Participants were provided with comprehensive
information on CAP’s aerospace education, cadet
and national operations, information technology,
public affairs, membership development and
logistics programs. Leadership training will focus on
such topics as ethics, legal matters, grant
acquisition and managing volunteers, finances and
other resources.
“In order for our members to reach their potential as
volunteers, they must have the best professional
development available,” said CAP Interim National
Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter. “This
leadership training positions our members to wisely
manage CAP’s assets and to nurture relationships
North Central Region News
with other volunteers, members of their community,
partner organizations and the general public.”
Colonel Scheitzach has served as a squadron
commander, wing personnel officer and most
recently, vice commander of the Iowa Wing before
assuming the wing commander assignment. He
lives in Dubuque, IA with his wife Lavona, they have
two sons who area career Air Force and a daughter
who is a nurse in Dubuque.
CAP-USAF Recognizes Mentor with
Torch Award
Capt Chris Colvin
Major Jeff Peterson of the North Central Liaison Region
presents the Torch award to Cadet Elizabeth Veen with her
st
sister C/1 Lt Amanda Veen at her side.
“I am very fortunate to have several people in my
life whom I consider to be mentors”, said Cadet
First Lieutenant Amanda Veen, 2007 Iowa Wing
Cadet of the Year. “However, when asked to
choose one, I chose my sister, Elisabeth Veen. I
chose her for many reasons. Throughout my life
she has been my best friend and the first person I
go to for advice. I can always count on her to give
me a straight and truthful answer. Her constant
guidance and experience have greatly influenced
my life and my Civil Air Patrol career.”
“Be the person that others can come to when they
need help or advice”, said Elisabeth Veen, recipient
of the prestigious Torch Award. “There is no greater
feeling than knowing you’ve helped someone
though a tough decision.”
Elisabeth Veen received the Torch Award from
Major Jeff Peterson, CAP-United States Air Force
North Central Region Liaison, Director of
Operations, in recognition of her mentorship. Each
year the Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air
Force present the Torch Award to the one person
who has had the most profound impact on the
Cadet of the Year.
Page 9 of 9
“The special bond these sisters share is remarkable
and is a direct reflection of their upbringing”, said
Peterson. “I am especially honored to present this
award to Elisabeth.”
“Cadet Veen is as an exceptional role model for the
young people in CAP, home school, and in her
community, said Captain Betty Kelly, squadron
commander. “I am very proud of her achievement
as Cadet of the Year. I am pleased that Cadet
Lieutenant Veen selected her sister as the person
who’s had the biggest impact in her life. Not only
has Elisabeth had an impact on her sister’s life, she
has also had a huge impact on many of the cadets
in our squadron. I’m very proud of both of these
young ladies and I’m sure they will continue to be a
positive influence wherever their paths take them.”
Iowa Cadets Takes to the Airwaves
Capt Chris Colvin
“Our cadets have the opportunity to work with
graduate students at Iowa State University putting
together a news-style television broadcast, said
Capt Betty Kelly, commander of the Des Moines
Metro Cadet Squadron. The ultimate goal is to put
together a high-quality program that will be posted
on the wing website and other video sites such as
YouTube.”
Cadets took over the television studio at ISU and
filled key roles as on-air talent, camera operators
and production staff. “I think I’ve found another
nd
career opportunity,” said Cadet 2 Lt Zach
Olmcheid, as he walked off the set following his
aerospace education segment. His first career
choice and ultimate goal is to be a pilot in the
United States Air Force.
“Studies show that most people are afraid to speak
in public. This activity, and others like it, will help
build confidence that will last a lifetime, which is
what Cadet Programs are all about, said Kelly. We
are grateful the students and staff at ISU have
given us the opportunity to work closely with them
once again.”