“Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond”

North Central Region News

Volume 2008 September

Autopilot and CAP Training Saves Lives

Fortunately, Major Gerald Kleene’s autopilot is set to save lives.
Capt Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing

The 63-year-old pilot and CAP member (pictured) was

participating in an antique farm equipment show near
Montevideo, Minn., on Saturday, August 16, when a
frantic group waved him down saying a young boy was
choking on a piece of hard candy.

Major Gerald Kleene, a member of the Wesota

Squadron, quickly exited the small utility vehicle he was
driving and ran to the child’s aid.

“I just kind of went on autopilot, stopped, grabbed the

youngster, and proceeded to perform the Heimlich
maneuver,” Kleene said. “After two compressions on
the boy’s stomach the airway was cleared and he
began to breathe again.” Kleene learned the procedure during some CAP provided CPR
training.

“It’s good to know that the CAP teaches CPR and other lifesaving skills,” said Major Ruth
Hoffman, the Wesota squadron commander. “Sometimes you take the training for granted until
you come upon a situation like Major Kleene did and realize you have the skills to save
someone’s life.” Hoffman said everyone is proud of Major Kleene.
Continued on Page 2

In this Issue
• CAP Members in Action – Saving Lives, Developing Leaders
• A Cadet’s Journey
• News from Many of the Wings of North Central Region
• News
NCR And MUCH MORE!!!!! September 2008 Page 1
Kleene continued from Page 1

Major Keene saves boy (Major Kleene is directly behind the boy - photo courtesy of Clara City (Minn.) Herald)

Kleene, a member of CAP since 1993, never learned the name of the boy who was attending the event with his
grandparents.

“I am still trying to find out who the young lad was. I had never seen him before, but I sure hope he’s doing well,”
Kleene said. It was the first time Kleene had ever used the lifesaving skill.

“I never expected to use this procedure (Heimlich maneuver), but it is comforting to know when put in such a
situation that one can react and not just be a bystander,” Kleene said. “I was pretty lucky.” So was the boy.

Major Kleene was once again at the right place and time to save another life when he and his wife, 1st Lt Karen
Kleene, came across a motorcycle/deer accident near their Maynard, Minn., farm on Saturday August 30th.

The couple was driving near their home at about 8:00 PM when they discovered the accident.

“We saw a motorcycle along the ditch and thought it to be suspicious, so we stopped,” Major Kleene said.

They found the deer and the driver, 39-year-old Todd Pederson of St. Paul, who had been visiting family in the
area. The Kleene’s immediately called 911 and comforted Pederson until emergency first responders arrived.

“He had a broken right leg and a broken left arm so we didn't want to move him until help arrived, so we just talked
with him,” said Major Kleene. The deer did not survive the accident.

Lieutenant Kleene knew the man’s mother and called her at Pederson's request to let her know what had
happened.

Todd Pederson was taken by ambulance to the Granite Falls Hospital, but was later airlifted to North Memorial
Hospital in the Twin Cities where he underwent surgery. At last report he was listed in fair condition.

“That the Kleene’s happened upon this accident is by the sheer grace of God,” said Major Hoffman. “Had they
picked up a friend for a ride into Maynard as they had planned they would have gone in the opposite direction and
would not have found Mr. Pederson.”

The Kleene's have both commented that they are a little nervous about what to expect this Saturday. “I told them
as long as they are helping others it's fine, just don't be one of the victims,” Hoffman said.

NCR News September 2008 Page 2

Man Found Alive in Search and Rescue Mission
SM Jason Fink
Public Affairs Officer, Nebraska Wing

On August 10th Nebraska Wing members were activated by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center for a
Search and Rescue Mission, looking for local resident Richard Fertig reported to be suffering from Alzheimer’s
disease and had been missing since Friday.

The Incident Commander, Col John Rooney, Director of Operations for

Nebraska Wing, responded quickly, established a mission base and had an
air crew sent to the area to begin the search. The air crew consisting of 1st
Lt Jason Linder, 1st Lt Kevin Saathoff from Capital City Senior Squadron
and Capt Ira Menim from Siouxland Composite Squadron, searched for four
hours with no results.

On Sunday, the search resumed with an Air Crew from Chadron, Maj Derryl
Blood, Maj Roger Wess and Capt Charles Kuskie all members from Pine
Ridge Composite Squadron. In addition to the aircrew a ground team went
out also from Pine Ridge Composite Squadron who worked closely with the
Incident Commander from the Morrill County Sheriff. Those members were
Maj Vern Platt and 1st Lt Forrest Futtere.

The area near Scottsbluff was filled with irrigation ditches and six-foot tall corn, making tracking and ground
search extremely difficult. The search was conducted by the Morrill County Sheriff’s Office, local law
enforcement agencies, the Civil Air Patrol, and members of the Nebraska State Patrol.

Sheriff Scott called Col Rooney when they found victim Richard Fertig in a corn field. Sheriff Scott informed that
Mr. Fertig was in fair condition.

Members involved in the search were recognized with a Lifesaving Award.

NCR News September 2008 Page 3

Civil Air Patrol Cadets Rescue One of Their Own
1st Lt Robin Helgager
Public Affairs Officer, Northland Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Civil Air Patrol Cadets had the unusual experience of coming to the aid of one of their own during a bicycle trip
in Itasca State Park.

Five young people and one adult who are all members of the Northland Composite Squadron were on a 15 mile
bike ride when C/SRA David Helgager and his bike went down in loose gravel. With no time to swerve out of
the way, C/SSgt Rebekah Schrader ran over Helgager and both were on the ground.

2d Lt Rob Sandberg, C/2d Lt Ethan Helgager, C/SSgt Beau

Braun and C/SRA Kristin Schrader came to the rescue by
first determining if there were any serious injuries . Rebekah
had road rash on her arm and was sore, Helgager had road
rash on his face, arms, hip and knee. "Thankfully, there
were no serious injuries" said Sandberg who was in charge
of the ride.

The cadets called their parents at the squadron and headed

there for medical attention. When they arrived, Sandberg
instructed them to use their CAP First Aid training and lead in
administering the first aid.
“Cadets at Work” L-R, Cadets Kristin Schrader, Ethan
Helgager, Rebekah Schrader

Helgager and Schrader were carried from the van into the
squadron to simulate more serious injuries. Helgager was
treated first with wound cleansing and bandages with
Rebekah Schrader next. Kristin Schrader said,

"It was great to be able to use what we have learned to help

someone that was really hurt."

"All Patched Up" L-R, Ethan Helgager, Rebekah

Schrader, David Helgager, Kristin Schrader

Girls Night at KC Royals Not Just in Stands

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

The Kansas City Royals Baseball Club held their annual “Girls Night
Out” at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City,MO, where all ladies at
the gate received a pink and white rhinestone baseball cap upon
entry. For the first time in Cass County Composite Squadron
history, the Honor Guard presenting the colors before an excited
crowd of 25,900 people was an all-female honor guard. C/Capt
Kenna Eggenberger, C/CMSgt Karra Miller, C/SrA Genesis
Martinez and C/SrA Muriel Eaton presented the colors, and Captain
Melinda Berry and Captain Tammi Miller escorted the cadets. The
Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2.

NCR News September 2008 Page 4

Cadets Excel at the NCR Encampment
Lt Col Dan Kirwan
Chief of Staff, Nebraska Wing

Fifty eight cadets from the North Central Region, came together for the 2008 North Central Region Encampment
held at Camp Ashland, Nebraska, from 20-26 July 2008. Members from Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska Wings
participated in the encampment. The theme for this year's encampment was "Lead by Example".

Months before the encampment started, the staff came together to develop the plans and leadership skills that
would be used to provide positive role models for the cadets attending the encampment. Proper leadership
techniques and creating positive role models for the cadets was stressed throughout the encampment.

During the encampment, the cadets were given opportunities

to repel, ride Blackhawk helicopters, visit Offutt Air Force
Base, and to visit the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Also
during the week, they had a chance to conduct air to ground
coordination with a Civil Air Patrol aircraft. For some of the
cadets, this was the first time they got to see a Civil Air Patrol
aircraft in action. Each of the activities were used to tie
together the three missions of Civil Air Patrol, Cadet
Programs, Emergency Services, and Aerospace Education,
so that the cadets could get a better understanding of what
Civil Air Patrol is all about.

The encampment concluded with a graduation parade and

retreat ceremony. The encampment's overall honor cadet,
Cadet Jay Allen from the Omaha Composite Squadron, was
presented the US flag that flew over the encampment site.

Other award winners were:

Encampment Honor Flight - Alpha Flight

Honor Flight: Alpha Flight, Commanded by Cadet Natalie Frazell, NCR-NE-002

Alpha Flight Honor Cadet: Andrew Baskerville, NCR-IA-078
Bravo Flight Honor Cadet: Nicholas Woods, NCR-KS-034
Charlie Flight Honor Cadet: Christopher Kolster, NCR-019
Delta Flight Honor Cadet: Shelby Hofmaster, NCR-IA-078
Overall Encampment Honor Cadet: Jay Allen – NCR-NE-019

In the latest issue of the

CAP Volunteer you will find:
• History made with election of new National Commander
• A feature on CAP’s Ground Search and Rescue Teams
• CAP’s National Special Activities take cadets to the limit
• Plus many features about the people and activities of
America’s Air Force Auxiliary!!!!!!

Download it now!

NCR News September 2008 Page 5

Innovative Sr. Member O’ride Program
Major Jay Manley, Commander
Red River Squadron, North Dakota Wing

The Red River Valley Squadron in Fargo, ND, recently implemented two
new programs to promote CAP’s Aerospace Education and mission
readiness utilizing only local funding.

In the past, we have offered powered and non-powered rides to our cadets,
teaching them about flying and how an aircraft works, but we have not, as a
program, extended this learning to our senior leadership community that
aren’t pilots. As a “Senior” squadron, I had many members who saw us
flying cadets all the time and asked when it was their turn.

Because of the generally more glider-friendly weather, we first instituted a

glider flight program for the squadron and the first iteration of it was held
August 1st-3rd. This three-day program was quite successful, despite very
limited flying that Saturday due to weather and winds.

We had half of the squadron members take flights in the glider as we racked up 42 glider flights for a total of 8.7
hours on the glider, and another 10.4 hours on the tow plane, which was also used for two preliminary C182
introduction flights when we switched to auto tows (tows using a vehicle rather than a tow plane).

The program was so successful that the squadron has designated three more “glider weekends” this year,
including four days over the long Labor Day weekend, and we’ll likely hold one more in October before switching
our program over to powered Senior o’ride flights.

And, we are NOT using Wing or National funds, rather we are doing this utilizing only our own squadron funds.
But, the most important thing is that we are retaining our non-pilot Senior membership because of this
innovative program. In fact, since starting it, we’ve actually gained several new members that have heard about
our program.

South Dakota Wing Announces New Chaplain and Staff Assignments

Col Mike Beason
Commander, South Dakota Wing

I'm pleased to announce that we have a new SD Wing Chaplain. Major Hyle
Anderson, chaplain in Aberdeen, has accepted the role of chaplain. Major
Anderson moved from MN Wing several years ago and is active in the
Aberdeen squadron. He has been a CAP member since Nov 1998.

Chaplain Dan Foster is moving to Valentine NE this month, so will be leaving us

soon. He's been an active member in the Custer squadron and is sure to be
missed there. In addition to his chaplain role, Dan has been a ground team
leader for several years and helped us significantly there. Thanks, Dan.

In some changes to wing staff, I'm announcing the following:

Cadet Programs is being taken by Lt Col Linda Buechler in Sioux Falls. She will continue to coordinate the DDR
Program.

Professional Development for Adult Members is being taken by Major Randy Borton in Rapid City.

Col Mary Donley in Sioux Falls will coordinate our Aerospace Education Teacher program.

NCR News September 2008 Page 6

Registration Open for 2008 Leadership Academy
Major Mari Lucas
Director, Minnesota leadership Academy

Minnesota Wing is conducting is annual “Minnesota Leadership Academy” from 16-19 October at Camp Ripley.
This signature leader development event consists of 2 schools:

Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS) :

NCOS is a multi-day, in-residence activity where Phase II
cadets are instructed in the functions and role of the
cadet NCO including the development of public speaking
and teaching skills, Students will become familiar with
tenets of “participant-leadership.” This course's focus is
on assisting the cadet NCO in the transition from follower
to leader while developing effective leadership skills and
to help an established leader fine-tune and improve their
leadership style and add to their leadership tooxbox.

A mixture of classroom instruction/discussion and

practicum are used. Some of the topics explored during
the NCOS include: The Drill Commander, Formal
Inspections, Instructional Methods, NCO
Responsibilities, Dynamic Subordinancy, and Human
Behavior Modification

To attend the NCOS, a cadet must be a current CAP member in good standing, must have graduated from an
encampment and must be a C/A1C through C/CMSgt.

Basic Cadet Officer Course (BCOC) : BCOC is a multi-day,

in-residence activity where Phase III and advanced Phase II
cadets participate in curriculum designed to increase their
organizational, personal relations, management and
leadership skills. This course focuses heavily on skills that
can be used at the home unit level and throughout the
student's life.

Some of the topics explored during the BCOC include:

Effective Staff Meetings, Project and Risk Management,
Ethics, Situational Leadership, Motivation, and Character
Development

To attend the BCOC a cadet must be a current CAP member in good standing, must have graduated from an
encampment (does not have to be a MN Wing encampment) and must be a least the grade of C/MSgt. It is
highly recommended but not required that a cadet have graduated from NCOS.

The Minnesota Leadership Academy is an opportunity open to all North Central Region Cadets. The activity fee
for either course is $ 45.00. Registration is open for students and available online. More information about the
programs and online registration can be found at their website www.mncap.org/cp/mla

NCR News September 2008 Page 7

2009’s Joint Dakota Encampment Seeking Key Staff
Lt Col Mike Marek
Commander, 2009 Joint Dakota Encampment

Applications are being received for the command staff of the 2009 Joint Dakota Encampment, to be held at
Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD, in July.

“We’re going to have an exciting encampment this summer,” said Lt. Col. Mike Marek the encampment
commander. “This will be an Emergency Services encampment, which the joint North Dakota-South Dakota
encampment program has not done for a few years. But we’ll also be on an active duty Air Force Base. He is
already making plans for the encampment members to visit some really cool facilities and do some challenging
things on base.” Marek added that he also expects that the cadets will get a chance to visit Mount Rushmore
and do ground team training in the Black Hills National Forest.

Staff training for the encampment is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2009. Attendees will arrive Saturday July 11
and return home Sunday July 19.

“Right now, we need to get the command staff appointed,” noted Marek. “We’re accepting applications for the
senior member Deputy Commander and Commandant of Cadets, as well as for Cadet Commander.”

Applicants for these three positions should submit a CAP Form 31 to South Dakota Wing Headquarters 101 St
Joseph St, Suite 103 Rapid City SD 57701 Applications for these specific positions may also be emailed to
ncrsd001@earthlink.net, followed by hard copies, if selected. Applications for other staff will be conducted
following announcement of the command staff.

NCR News September 2008 Page 8

Cass County Composite Abounds in Honor Guards
Capt Tammi Miller
Public Affairs Officer, Cass County Composite Squadron, Missouri Wing

The Cass County Honor Guard has been requested by some rather impressive organizations over the past few
months, bringing their live viewing audience to over 1.4 million people within the past four years and over
600,000 in the 2008 summer alone. The Kansas City Royals Baseball organization invited the cadet Honor
Guard for opening ceremonies at the April 12, 2008 game against the Minnesota Twins to a sold-out crowd.
The Honor Guard has continued their service to the Royals throughout the summer and fall, performing about
ten times this season.

Another impressive opportunity for the Honor

Guard was the racing events at the Kansas
Speedway on April 25-27, 2008. Cadets
provided the colors before approximately
140,000 spectators, television crews, the
drivers and their pit crews for the exciting
racing events. The Kansas City Star
newspaper devoted the ‘C’ section of its article
“Indy Racing: A to Z” to the Cass County
Honor Guard’s service to the Speedway and
to the Royals. The weekend consisted of the
URL and the Indy Car races.

An occasion to honor one of our own, C/Capt.

Kenna Eggenberger, came about on Saturday,
May 10. The Honor Guard was chosen to
serve during the opening ceremonies for the
home school graduation held before hundreds
of families and friends of the honored
graduates.

Locally, the South Kansas City Moose under-

18 boys baseball team recruited the Honor
Guard to present the colors at five of their
summer games held in Harrisonville, MO. At
the June 12, 2008 game, the team presented
the Honor Guard with a signed baseball from
the team. Moose Coach Scott Maid said, “You
bring real class to this event.”

The Cass County Honor Guard was honored

C/CMSgt Karra Miller, C/SMSgt Austin Hooper, C/SrA Jonathan
Fairchild, C/SMSgt Aaron Hooper shown presenting colors on the
JumboTron at a recent Kansas City Royals game.
when requested to present the colors for Col.
N. J. “Doc” Knutz's memorial service. Doc
Knutz served the CAP organization at every
level from Squadron to National. He was a
dear friend and colleague to many, and will be
sorely missed.

Honor Guard members included: C/SrA Jonathan Fairchild, C/Amn Malachi Hargis, C/2Lt Jordan Hargis,
C/CMSgt Austin Hooper, C/CMSgt Aaron Hooper, C/Capt Kenna Eggenberger, C/CMSgt Karra Miller, C/2Lt
Lucas Eggenberger, C/MSgt Abrum Kennedy, C/CMSgt Joshua Hargis, C/A1C Genesis Martinez, C/A1C Muriel
Eaton, C/Amn Zach Bartlett, and C/2Lt Aubry Eaton.

NCR News September 2008 Page 9

Anoka Squadron members appear on “World of Aviation” radio program
2nd Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

2 members of Minnesota Wing’s Anoka County Composite Squadron were up early on August 21st to be on Al
Malmberg’s World of Aviation program on WCCO radio in Minneapolis to tell the CAP story. Al’s guests for the
hour were Lt Col Dick Kirchner and 2nd Lt George Supan.

Lt Col Kirchner shared some of his 28 years of experiences while in the CAP. His wife encouraged him to get
involved and he said “no way”. Well, 28 years and many joyful experiences later he put in his retirement request
in August of 2008.

Al Malmberg (pictured left) did his research on CAP and shared with the audience the
CAP history staring in 1941 and how many submarines were hit and sank during
WWII by the yellow CAP planes. Kirchner said, “how the pilots carried the bombs on
their laps and dropped them from the airplane”.

Al was very interested in the aerospace and cadet programs as shared with him and
the audience by 2d Lt Supan. Al and his wife Kathy have two sons. He has his pilot’s
license and was excited by the information he found on the Squadron’s
www.anokacap.com web site.

Kirchner shared how the now Anoka Composite Squadron was assigned to him with only one member and
some of what the Squadron has accomplished since 1981. The Squadron currently has 83 volunteer members
along with an airplane.

Supan shared the CAP three missions information. The training received, search and rescue activity, the need
for cadets, seniors members and pilots to fly the CAP airplanes. How the cadet program can help a 12-18 year
old learn the many skills needed in life and learn how to fly an airplane powered or guilder. He shared how CAP
volunteers, cadets and seniors, can help people in the community during a disaster, like when CAP responded
to the 2007 flood in Southeastern, Minnesota.

Supan shared with the audience of a CAP cadet from the Squadron, C/2d Lt Andy Haus,
currently at the U.S. Air Force Academy and other cadets who are working toward being
appointed to the Academies. The leadership skills learned and training received at CAP will
help them be the leaders of tomorrow.

Members Complete Region Staff College

14 members completed the 2008 offering of
the North Central Region Staff College this
past June at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.

The week long in residence course provides

students with in-depth studies of management,
leadership, and communications skills, and
shows how CAP's missions are accomplished
at the region level. Seminar discussions, case
studies, and practical exercises are integral
parts of the RSC program.

Col Mary Donley of South Dakota Wing was

this year’s college director.

Information on the 2009 college will be

available on the NCR website and NCR News
early next year.

NCR News September 2008 Page 10

Expect the unexpected at the Minnesota Ground Team Academy
Capt Rich Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing
C/CMSgt Charlie Ramler of St. Cloud Composite Squadron
Cadet marks the edge of a search line during the 2008
Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo: Capt.
Richard Sprouse
The skills associated with the Civil Air Patrol’s
participation in 95% of the nation’s inland searches
tasked by the US Air Force Rescue Coordination
Center were driven home again during the 2008
Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy held
August 22-24 at Camp Ripley.
After some classroom instruction on land
navigation, tracking ELTs, conducting a line search,
working with search dogs and first aid training, 60
cadets and senior officers spent several days in the
recesses of the 53,000 acre National Guard training
facility honing their newly acquired skills under a
variety of search and rescue scenarios.
(L-R) C/TSgt Jeremiah Hoffman (Crow Wing Composite
Squadron), C/SMSgt Matt Frame (Anoka Composite
Squadron), and C/MSgt Andrew Heisel (Hutchinson
Composite Squadron) consult their map during the
recent 2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.
Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse
NCR News September 2008
“The Ground Team Academy was created to
standardize ground team training across Minnesota
Wing,” said Major Chet Wilberg, the Ground Team
Academy commander. He said the goal of the
Ground Team Academy was to get everyone
attending to complete one level of CAP Emergency
Services training by the end of the weekend.
“So if you came in with a General Emergency
Service qualification, you got everything you
needed for a Ground Team 3 (GTM3) rating,”
Wilberg said. “If you came in with GTM3
qualification, you were able to get to GTM2, and if
you came in with GTM2, you were able to get
everything you needed for GTM1 or Ground Team
Leader.”
Those attending also learned to expect the
unexpected.
In one instance a ground team found an
unexploded mortar round, while another had a
skunk jump out of a tree at them. One team expertly
used their map reading and line search skills, but
stopped 10 feet short of finding a “missing” woman
and her dog hiding in the thicket. There was also a
lot of tough terrain to traverse, as well as the normal
share of radio communication problems. That’s
exactly what Wilberg had hoped for.
Cadets follow a trail of dog and footprints during a mock
missing person scenario during the 2008 Ground Team
Academy. Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse
Page 11
“Chaos. Unknowns. Things going wrong.
Communication problems. These are things that
can happen during an actual mission, so you have
to learn to deal with it,” Wilberg said, “but overall I
think it went really well.” GTA Survey results
confirmed Wilberg’s assessment.
“Getting to work with people who are as
enthusiastic about Emergency Services as me was
one of the best things about GTA. Hooah!,” wrote
C/SSgt Lydia Wiff of Viking Composite Squadron.
“Thanks to everybody who made the academy
possible. I will be talking to Viking Composite
members all about it!”
“Networking with other CAP members was really
helpful,” wrote 2d Lt John Feth of Duluth Composite
Squadron.
For C/SrA Zachary Langer of St. Croix Composite
Squadron it was a growing experience. He wrote, “I
liked the freedom offered during the Ground Team
Academy, and being treated like an adult.
Everybody had a role and a job to do.”
Asked what was the best thing about the GTA,
Cadet Master Sergeant Emily Tholen of Anoka
Composite Squadron wrote: “EVERYTHING!”

The survey also asked those attending if they would

like to come back next year. The answer was
unanimous: “Definitely!”

(L-R) C/MSgt Emily Tholen of Anoka Composite

Squadron is debriefed by Lt Col Tom Helms of the
North Dakota Wing after a mock search during the
2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo:
Capt. Richard Sprouse

Some of the cadets and senior officers who completed Basic Ground team Member training during the 2008 Minnesota Wing
Ground Team Academy. Photo by Capt. Richard Sprouse

NCR News September 2008 Page 12

 HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER SCHOOL
11-19 JULY 2009

Tired of the same old summer routine?

Attend Hawk Mountain Ranger School 2008 and begin the adventure that will
last a lifetime!
Last summer? Playing video games.
This summer: Rappelling on a 60 foot tower!
Last summer? Stuck at home.
This summer: Hiking the Appalachian Trail!
Last summer? Waiting for friends to get back from vacation.
This summer: Making new friends from over 30 different states!
**Application accepted between January 1 and June 10, 2009**

It's funny that after twenty-three years of very

active duty Air Force, and fifteen years of Mail complete
exciting (and trying) Civil Air Patrol time under CAPF 31 to:
my uniform belt, my thoughts go back to Hawk
Mountain every July. For someone who has PAWG HQ HAWK
traveled the world and served on foreign
Building 3-108
shores, that says a great deal to the impact
Hawk Mountain makes in peoples’ lives. My Fort Indiantown Gap
hope is that the Hawk Mountain Ranger Annville, PA 17003
program continued to have the same positive rangerstaff@yahoo.com
influence that it made when I was there.
Thank you,
Lee Maynard
Instructor Ranger #10
For specific information & updates visit the HMRS website:

Throughout the entire school, you will be challenged to take charge of difficult situations in order to become part of a working
team, immersed in a wilderness environment. Your instruction and hands on training will take place in real mission settings.
Subjects include individual and team equipment and techniques used in team searches, navigation, cutting tools, survival, and
woodsmanship skills. In addition to the practical skills, leadership and character development are emphasized. The school
involves testing, not just to graduate from the school, but also to earn Ranger Grade certifications which include 101
advancement.
The friends you gain will remain close to you for life. There is a sense of pride, camaraderie, honor, and tradition present at this
school. If you are willing to work hard, the possibilities of what you can accomplish at HMRS are boundless. Little will be easy at
the school, but the challenges will be well worth your while.
Courses Offered include:
Cadet Basic
Senior Basic
Cadet Advanced
Team Commanders Course
Overhead Team Management
Field Medic
Special Advanced
Staff Training
Ranger Command & General Staff
(this is a 6 day Course)
Where are they now?
Maj Troy Krabbenhoft
Public Affairs Officer, North Dakota Wing

In the August 2003 Civil Air Patrol news magazine, there was an article written about two cadets joining the
ranks of the US Marine Corps. We are happy to report their return to North Dakota.

Two cadets from the 119th ANG Cadet Squadron based in Fargo, North Dakota joined the Marines for a four
year enlistment. They met in Civil Air Patrol and decided together to pursue service together.

Four years later and three tours a piece in Fallujah, Iraq they both returnd to Fargo and joind the 119th Fighter
Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard, better known as the “Happy Hooligans.”

Former Cadet Lieutenant Preston Nygaard is assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, and Former Cadet
Captain Tim Soderstrom is going to be in the Operations Support Squadron.

Both have made appearances at the 119th ANG Cadet Squadron and are looking to help out just as senior
members did for them when they were members.

Major Nate Brenneman Left administers the Oath of Former Cadets (and new Air Guard Members) Preston Nygaard
th
Enlistment to former Cadet Tim Soderstrom on August 27 . left and Tim Soderstrom.

CAP’s Newest Website

It’s all about telling

new friends and
members about us.

Tell your friends about

NCR News September 2008 Page 14

Hope Soars for Civil Air Patrol Squadron in Mitchell
Austin Kaus, The Daily Republic, August 2nd 2008

In the early days of the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol volunteers patrolled American coasts in
search of enemy submarines, dropping bombs on any that were spotted.

Today, the CAP's search is not for enemy submarines but for local volunteers.

CAP officials are hoping to restart a local squadron in Mitchell after the last
squadron dissolved approximately six years ago, said Colonel Mike Beason
commander of the South Dakota Wing.

"You’ve got to have the right kind of people to keep it self-sustaining,"

Beason said. We hope to find that kind of person.

The name of the group may initially give people the wrong impression
Beason said. Volunteers in the program we not required to have any military
experience nor is any military c commitment involved.

"In fact, most (volunteers) are not in the military and have no desire to be."
Beason said

Beason said the CAP serves three purposes. In addition to aerospace education and a cadet training program,
where individuals ages 12 to I8 train to become senior members, the CAP conducts search and rescue
operations and emergency weather surveillance and.. in the case of the Rapid City squadron, the monitoring
of mountain lions.

When the James River flooded last year, Beason said a CAP plane was in the air taking pictures of the damage.
However, volunteers need not be pilots to join the program.

“On a search and rescue (mission), you've got the pilot in the airplane, but you've also go other people that are
looking for wreckage he said, “I need people that like to hike, but I also need doctors, lawyers EMT's (and)
accountants."

There are currently 10 CAP squadrons in the state. The most recently formed squadron - based in Huron -
became official only two weeks ago. Other squadrons are based in Pierre, Aberdeen, Brookings, Custer, Philip,
Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Yankton,

In South Dakota the CAP currently has access to six airplanes with a seventh likely on its way said Beason, The
planes are equipped with camera! and some can use hyperspectral imaging, a type of technology that, among
other things, can search for specific colors. Its technology that can come in handy when searching for a lost
hiker wearing a red shirt for example.

Beason said he's hopeful that Mitchell will have its own squadron soon. After distributing information during last
weekend's s kickoff for the AirVenture Cup Race at the Mitchell Municipal Airport, Beason said he expects
progress on the formation of the local squadron to continue and hopes to schedule a formal meeting in the next
two months.

"The interest has been strong enough." Beason said, “We’ll have to follow tip and see where that goes.”

North Central Region News is 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: pao@ncr.cap.gov

NCR News September 2008 Page 15

Minnesota Wing members spend their Saturday training
“Here’s lookin’ a fuel, kid.” C/Amn Matt Heisel of
Hutchinson Squadron assists with fueling activities during
the recent SAREX in Hutchinson, Minn. (Photo: Capt.
Richard Sprouse
CAP ground and air crews from across Minnesota
gathered in Hutchinson on Saturday, September 6,
for search and rescue training.
(L-R) Capt David Coates of Viking Squadron and C/SSgt
Vince Peterson and 2d Lt Scott Richardson, both of St.
Croix Squadron, consult their map during a SAREX in
Hutchinson, Minn. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse
“Getting personnel qualified or re-qualified in a
specialty, improving proficiency in a particular area
or expanding mission capability were among the
training goals” said Major Chet Wilberg, Minnesota
Wing Emergency Services Officer and incident
commander at the event.
"We’re always trying to improve our search and
rescue skills," Wilberg said. “We spend quite a bit of
time focusing on those capabilities.”
NCR News September 2008
Lt Col John Barsness, Group 4 commander, fuels up his
aircraft during a SAREX in Hutchinson, Minn. Photo: Capt.
Richard Sprouse
About 70 senior officers and cadets participated in
the event.
An aircraft was staged at a crash site, and a ground
team using electronic equipment and direction from
an aircrew located the plane. Wilberg said that the
airplane crash scenario is the most likely to happen.
(L-R) “We found it!” Senior Member Donald Raleigh (Anoka),
Maj Darlene Benjamin (Hutchinson), 2d Lt Scott Richardson
(St. Croix), C/SSgt Vince Peterson (St. Croix) and Capt David
Coates (Viking) smile for the camera after a successful
“find” during a SAREX in Hutchinson. Photo: Capt. Richard
Sprouse
"We can get called out anytime somebody
crashes," said Wilberg, “so we need to be prepared
for anything that comes up.”
Page 16
Daughter congratulated by her father from Afghanistan
2d Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Anoka Composite Squadron Awards Presentation To C/Capt. Sanchez’s surprise, she was
night Tuesday, August 12th included presenters, congratulated via telephone from Afghanistan by
supporters from throughout the Minnesota Wing, her father Commander Adrian Sanchez, serving in
North Central Region, parents of cadets, local the U.S. Navy.
leaders, a CAP Volunteer writer in Alabama and a
call from Afghanistan. Commander Sanchez used the Squadron web site
to view and hear the presentation live in
The presentation of the Colors by the Anoka Afghanistan.
Composite Squadron Color Guard, the Pledge of
Allegiance by 1st Lt Shelly Supan, Deputy
Commander, and the Invocation by Lt. Col. Don
Mikitta, Minnesota Wing and Squadron Chaplin
opened the award presentation evening.

Maj. Al Pabon (center), Director of Public Affairs for

(l-r) C/Capt. Keyona Sanchez receiving the Brig. Gen. Billy
Mitchell Award from Maj. Jerry Rosendahl, Vice
Commander, Minnesota Wing
North Central Region and representing CAP
National Headquarters, presented Capt. Andy
Bosshart (left), Anoka Squadron Commander, the
2008 CAP Maj Howell Balsem Award for
photography. Capt. Bosshart took the photo during
the flood in Southeastern, MN last August.

Maj. Jerry Rosendahl, Vice Commander, Minnesota

Wing, presented C/Capt Keyona Sanchez, Cadet
Commander, the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award
and the Amelia Earhart Award. Maj Rosendahl said,
“both awards acknowledge her outstanding
achievements”.

The photo (above) is of three Anoka Squadron

members helping people in a boat during the flood.

This photo has been in publications sent around the

world and was the inspiration for the new CAP
slogan “Citizens Serving Communities: Above and
Beyond”.

Continued on the next page

C/Capt. Keyona Sanchez receiving a call from her father
Commander Adrian Sanchez

NCR News September 2008 Page 17

 SM Don Raleigh provided the technical support for
the webcast while Maj. Don Sorenson, Deputy
Commander for Cadets, assisted with
arrangements.

Parents provide the goodies and refreshments for

the many guests and members.

130th Squadron Members

Recognized by Minnesota Wing
Col Thomas Theis
Commander, Minnesota Wing
Maj. Rosendahl, presented C/SMSgt Matt Frame,
the Youth Aviation Foundation Essay Award. Cadet
Frame won this years contest with an essay he
wrote on “How Civil Air Patrol Changed My Life”. He
received the award along with a generous check
from the Youth Aviation Foundation.

Senior and cadets members who were promoted

this year as well as the Color Guard who won the
Minnesota Wing and took second in the Regional
competition were honored.

All new members to the Squadron were also

recognized.

On Thursday August 28th, I had the honor of being

invited to present the Amelia Earhart Award to
Cadet Captain Hoffman (above) of the 130th
Squadron. Cadet Hoffman's parent and grandparent
had the honor of pinning on his new grade.

Lyle Peterson (center), Chairman, for Blaine

Aviation Weekend, Local EAA Chapter 237,
thanked CAP members for the big roll they played
along with the great contribution of flight line
marshalling during there aviation event this
summer. Peterson said “we couldn’t have done it
without CAP”.

The presentation was viewed live by a number of

people around the world. They included
Washington, DC area people, Neal Probst, Writer,
for CAP Volunteer magazine, Maxwell AFB,
Alabama and Commander Sanchez in Afghanistan.
A conference call was set up for people to talk to
the honorees. Neal Probst was on the conference
call during the presentation and congratulated Capt.
Bosshart on receiving the Balsem Award.
I also had the privilege of presenting Capt Doug
Ployhar (above) with the Grover Loening Award
signifying the completion of Level III of the Senior
Member Professional Development Program.
Congratulations to C/Capt William Hoffman and
Capt Doug Ployhar!!

NCR News September 2008 Page 18

What a view of Central Minnesota at 20,000 feet
2d Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

10 members of of the Anoka County Composite Squadron were excited to take off in a C-130 for a flight over
Central Minnesota. It was a clear afternoon on July 17th when they arrived at the Minneapolis Air Force Reserve
Base.

Air Force Major Jeff Conley, pilot, briefed the members on what to expect during the flight. He said, “compare
the 6,400 horse power in each of the four engines to the Squadron’s Cessna 172”. “We will have a great ride”.

Members boarded the C-130 and met a medical group conducting training on the flight. While in the air the
cadets could go into the cockpit area to see all the instruments, navigation screens and converse with the crew.
Soon we were at 20,000 feet and a big storm cloud was seen off to the right. What a view.

The training flight brought home the fact that everyone has to train for the missions they will encounter.

Three very excited Cadets viewed the landing from just behind the flight crew.

The sun was setting as the exciting and educational flight arranged by Bill Willis, Minnesota State Director
returned to base.

(L-R) C/TSgt Charles Atchison, C/AB Harrison Klever, Bill Willis, C/Amn Brett Fox, C/Amn Joe Stoehr, C/Amn Steven Zingsheim,
C/Amn Levi Frame, C/TSgt Emily Tholen, C/TSgt Hanna Olsen, C/Amn Rich Doyle, 2nd Lt George Supan.
Picture taken by SM Jennifer Doyle

Storm Clouds Over Minnesota Cockpit landing team: (L-R) C/TSgt Hanna Olsen,
C/TSgt Emily Tholen, C/Amn Levi Frame

NCR News September 2008 Page 19

Viking Squadron Celebrates Cadet Change of Command
2d Lt Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Viking Squadron of Eden Prairie held a change of command ceremony last week to honor its outgoing cadet
commander C/2d Lt Angela Shields. C/TSgt Travis Patterson was charged with carrying on the longstanding
Viking tradition of leadership excellence through the position of cadet commander.

The ceremony was officiated by Viking Squadron Commander, Major Brent Halweg.

The squadron cadet commander position is the highest obtainable leadership position within the squadron for
cadets, and it is highly sought after by many outstanding individuals who range in age from 12 to 18 years old.

With the title of cadet commander comes the heavy responsibility and the highest expectations of the squadron
to continue outstanding leadership excellence.

Viking Squadron would like to congratulate C/2d Lt Angela Shields for her outstanding contributions to Viking
Squadron as cadet commander, and to also congratulate C/TSgt Travis Patterson for being chosen as the next
Viking Squadron cadet commander.

C/2d Lt Angela Shields (standing center) prepares to pass the

Standing (L-R) Major Brent E. Halweg Viking Squadron
Commander, C/2d Lt Angela Shields, and C/TSgt Travis
Patterson participating in the cadet commander change of
command.
squadron flag to C/TSgt Travis Patterson (standing right) to
signify the completion of the change of command. The
tradition symbolizes the relinquishing of command by the
outgoing commander and the acceptance of command by the
incoming commander.

(L-R) Lt. Col Mike Moen, Minnesota Wing Group 3 Commander

There’s always cake! ;-)
congratulates the new Viking Squadron cadet commander
C/TSGT Travis Patterson.

NCR News September 2008 Page 20

Commentary: Did You Think They Were Just Kids?
2d Lt Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron, Minnesota Wing

I am embarrassed to say that when I first joined CAP, I had thoughts of what it would be like to serve in a
composite squadron that was structured with officers and cadets/kids. It was not until I started attending
squadron meetings and training sessions that I quickly learned that my perceptions were totally unfair and
wrong.

In fact, I quickly learned that it was I that was inadequately prepared, and required extensive training, by these
very same “kids”. CAP’s cadets are far more mature than their ages might lead you to believe.

These “kids” are to be highly praised and admired for all they do in their squadrons and communities.

They not only balance their CAP responsibilities and training, but also manage their high academic standards,
church activities, and daily personal lives. They take their commitments seriously and train to be the best that
they can be for when it counts the most. They ensure the safety of our communities through their services, and
go on to develop this great country as effective leaders. We have a lot to thank them for, and should never stop
complimenting them on the jobs well done.

Viking Squadron’s cadet commander 2Lt. Angela M. Shields will be relinquishing her command at the end of the
month, and I was fortunate to find out about her exemplary past five years of service in CAP. I would like to
share her comments, and experiences, which I feel are very representative of many of our cadets involved with
CAP today. She is an inspiration to our squadron and CAP.

My compliments to all the cadets of CAP. Thank You for your hard work and dedication to service. You are
doing an exemplary job not only for your communities, but as well as your country.

Take on your life challenges with confidence and have fun along the way. Semper Vigilans!

“A Cadet’s Journey”
Questions and answers for C/2d Lt Angela Shields.
Immediate Past Cadet Commander of
Viking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

How did you come to know about CAP and

decide you wanted to join?
Both my brothers were in Civil Air Patrol for eight months
before I joined. They loved it and the cadets; I thought it
would be a great opportunity to meet some outstanding
people my age. I am a very patriotic person, and have
always respected the military and all the people who
serve for this great country. They are America’s heroes.
What were your initial goals in joining?
My goals joining were to be a part of the organization;
holding a position in the squadron, and promoting as fast
as possible. My ultimate goal was to attend International
Air Cadet Exchange.
Do you feel your career with CAP has fulfilled
these goals?
YES!!! More than my goals…I never even dreamt of
being the Cadet Commander, I was just trying to be a
Flight Sergeant. I earned my Mitchell Award and became
a Cadet 2d Lt. I remember when all I wanted was a flight
Sergeant position, and I ended up being planning officer
for a whole year, which was really discouraging.
Eventually I became Bravo Flight Commander and then
six months later was made Tango Flight Commander.
Continued on the next page:

NCR News September 2008 Page 21

During C/Col Charles Cox’s tenure I was the Cadet
Deputy Commander. He trained me well, and I then
accepted command of Viking Squadron August 2007.
Although those are great achievements, what I learned
about character and leadership was more important. I
could probably write a book about how C.A.P. changed
my life but I’ll spare the paper.
I joined with terrible self-confidence, and slowly I gained
it, but now I face challenges with an attitude of complete
confidence and no hesitation.
Integrity was always a cornerstone in my life but C.A.P.
really focused on it and helped me to completely live by it.
Respect was something I learned also, and learned to
use all the time. Excellence was one that I really didn’t
use before joining C.A.P. I was the girl that only tried to
make the standard…now I exceed the standard.
If it weren’t for C.A.P. I would never have attended
college at age sixteen, and been on the dean’s list, in
honor society, and gradated with high honors. I would
never have been the top employee at my job, and so
many other accomplishments.
I really became an outgoing person through C.A.P. and it
has benefited me so much. Perseverance is another trait
I learned, I went through many hurdles and I learned to
be strong and keep pushing myself towards my goals.
I also learned amazing public speaking skills; I got so
much practice giving presentations and impromptus.
Then there is leadership in general, with so much hands
on experience you really get to work on being a leader. I
have learned an immense amount and wouldn’t change
anything.
Joining Civil Air Patrol was the best choice I ever made.
When did you join CAP?
I joined Civil Air Patrol in October 2003. I was fourteen
years old.
Were there any people in the squadron that
helped mentor you in the early days of your
joining the squadron?
There were many people that mentored me. There was
C/MSgt Kelly Collins who was my flight sergeant, C/Col
Joshua Waddell who was my flight commander, C/Capt.
Cory Titus, Major Al Matson and Major Terry Dull. They
all helped in different areas but were each so vital to my
cadet career. I also had C/2d Lt Julie Crevier, and C/Col
Charlie Cox as peers and we went through the program
together helping each other out.
What encampments did you participate in?
I attended sixth CTG (Cadet Training Group) (2004 MN
Wing Encampment) and was placed in Foxtrot Flight. It
NCR News September 2008
was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. I learned so
much. I actually attended twice; seventh CTG as SDS
(Staff Development Squadron).
That is where they prepare you to become staff at
encampment. That was also a great experience.
Before those two encampments I attended EPS
(Encampment Preparatory School). I showed up for a few
days at the ninth CTG encampment because I had been
selected as staff but had been unable to attend because I
was chosen to attend COS (Cadet Officer School).
What other activities/missions/etc. did you
participate in?
I attended NCOS (Non-Commissioned Officer School),
BCOC (Basic Cadet Officer School), EPS as a Flight
Sergeant, NCOS as a Seminar Leader, and COS.
I joined the Core Team, and was very involved in E.S. I
attended so many SAREXES, and SARs I cannot even
count them.
I helped out with the flooding in Southeast MN, which was
one of the most rewarding experiences for all my E.S.
training.
I flew my five Cessna flights, and two glider o-flights. I
flew in a C-130, Huey, Blackhawk, Chinook, and toured
the AWACS.
What other (outside CAP) activities did you
participate in?
At school, I joined three clubs. Phi Theta Kappa (Honor
society), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and Campus
Crusade for Christ. I started a Bible Study at school with
some friends. I also tutored German for the school and
helped the German Professor.
I taught children at Speak the Word Church International
and attended camp as a counselor.
Was it difficult to manage your CAP
commitments to your outside commitments?
Yes it was; I was working 30 hours a week at two
different jobs. I was tutoring German six hours a week,
and teaching Sunday school at my church. I also had 15
credits at college, and had to manage household duties
as well. It was not very simple but that is what excellence
is about, pushing yourself to be more.
Did you take on leadership roles with hesitation
or did you embrace them with confidence?
I embraced them with confidence; I never remember
hesitating to take on any task. I was very motivated and a
self-starter.
Continued on the next page:
Page 22
What were the major factors in your decision to
become Cadet Commander?
I wanted to enhance my leadership abilities and learn
how to be a good commander. My biggest goals were to
help the squadron grow and train the cadets to be the
best in the wing. GO VIKING!!!
When did you become Cadet Commander?
I became Cadet Commander August 2007.
What awards did you achieve?
Staff Development Squadron Most Improved Cadet
Viking Cadet Officer of the Year 2007
Congressional Recognition for Community Service
Did your fellow cadets/friends treat you any
differently when you took on the cadet
commander roll?
I was always respected in our squadron, and had been a
flight commander for a year and the Deputy Commander
the year before my tenure.
I was already a leadership figure in the squadron so
most the cadets knew me. I did not experience much of a
change, and all the Viking cadets were very supportive of
their new Cadet Commander.
Do you feel that CAP helped enhance your
leadership abilities?
Yes, very much. I was so shy before C.A.P. and it helped
me become both a better follower and a better leader. I
learned so much about people, and how to treat them as
their leader, as their follower, and as a peer.
What date do you relinquish your command?
I will relinquish command the first week in September.
Do you plan to continue on with CAP?
No, I have a full time job now as a nanny for a wonderful
Indian family.
What are your plans after CAP?
Well, there are many experiences I seek to try. My major
is foreign languages and cultures, I really hope to study
abroad, or somehow live in another country either by
missions or Peace Corps. C.A.P. has really helped me,
and it will help me with that goal.
Were there any squadron members that you
looked up to/respected above the others? If so,
for what reasons?
NCR News September 2008
Yes, he was my Tango flight commander when I first
joined and was later my Cadet Commander. C/Col
Joshua Waddell (I call him Cadet Colonel because he is a
Spaatz Cadet and I will always look at him as a C/Col.)
Most the cadets respected him above all the cadets, and
he deserved it.
He was so focused on integrity, excellence, and respect,
and lead by example. He is a great leader, and really
knew how to lead people.
He cared so much for his cadets, but what mattered most
was that he did what he asked us to do. I know many
cadets that strove to emulate him.
Major Al Matson was another great leader and I looked
up to him a lot, but never really got to work with him
much.
What personal learning experiences in CAP can
you share with new members?
I want to share many but the most important to me is
what I learned about perseverance and believing in
yourself and being confident in new situations. You will
miss out on so much of life if you hold back from
experiences because you don’t believe you are capable.
It is all in you, you just need to believe and go for it, and
you might surprise yourself at what is inside of you. I
wanted nothing more than to have a position in the
squadron, for the first years I watched as my peers got
positions and I didn’t,
I felt invisible as I did my humble job of planning officer.
My father spoke often to me about perseverance and said
my time would come, it was so hard to believe but I kept
doing the best I could.
Now I am the Cadet Commander of Viking Squadron!!! If I
had quit I never would have been honored with that
position, and if I had hesitated to accept responsibility as
flight commander or Deputy Commander because I had
never been a flight sergeant I would have missed the
opportunities that I was given.
Please include any additional thoughts, stories,
experiences that you would like to share.
Viking Squadron has had many great cadets; here is a
tiny list from some of them that I knew.
Joshua Waddell, Air Force ROTC
Cory Titus Army ROTC
Charles Cox Army ROTC
Nathan Schwartzbauer US Military Academy
They reached out without hesitation for their dreams, and
now they are living them. Push yourself for your dreams,
and believe in yourself. People aren’t born with there
dreams in their hands, they make them, and they fall a
few (some many) times before they reach them.
Page 23