WINGTIPS PLUS!

Electronic Supplement to WingTIps The Newsletter of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary May 2002

ES Trainers Learn New Skills At Workshop

On Sunday May 5th, Col. Rex Glasgow of Iowa Wing and serving as the NCR representative from the National ES Curriculum Committee taught a "Conducting Train the Trainer" Class at the MN Wing Conference. This training equips graduates to teach the "Train the Trainer" course. TTTs are vital to the new ES Curriculum, as they are the only ones authorized to sign off task completion on the 101T. As a result of this class, MN Wing has 19 new CTTT graduates, raising the total to 21. Previously, MN Wing had two CTTT graduates, C/2d Lt Christopher Reichert, Valley Squadron and 1st Lt Daniel Wilcox of Northland Squadron. Both graduates of the National CTTT Class taught at National Emergency Services Academy, Camp Atterbury, IN. by Lt Col. Pete Norris. Last December, C/2d Lt Reichert taught Minnesota Wings first TTT Class, in conjunction with the Annual Emergency Services Conclave. This class produced 38 TTT Graduates. MN Wing now has 58 TTT Graduates New CTTT Graduates 1st Lt Daniel Barto, TFO Paul Butche, Capt James Craswell, Capt Don Dalton, 1st Lt Andrew Dew, 1st Lt Deborah Feil, Major James Fisher, 1st Lt Henry Griner, C/Capt Ryan Hilger, Major Stanley Kegel, Major David Kellesvig, Major David Kenan, Major Douglas Kilian, Capt Joan Kistner, Capt Robert Kistner, Major Odessa O'Brien, 1st Lt William Reichert, 1st Lt William Reiners, Capt Gerald Rosendahl, Lt Col Bruce Sexton, Major John Vihlen, Major Vona Mae Vihlen

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Major Thomas Vashro 1953-2002

- This Eulogy was written by Major Shannon Bauer& Lt Col Stan Kegel, Wing Emergency Services Officer and Former Viking Commander. It was delivered at Services for Major Vashro on 22 May by Colonel Kegel.

He served as commander for three years, from 1997 to 1999. Most recently, he was the squadrons operation officer, maintaining and supervising the flying operation of around 35 pilots from three squadrons. He was instrumental in implementing a flying program for Viking, Valley, and the 130th and Anoka squadrons. He maintained Viking Squadrons financial assets for most of the last six years, which in the last few years, as our budget ballooned, was no easy task. He was unanimously voted as the 2000 Viking Squadron Senior Member of the Year and the 2001 Minnesota Wing Operations Officer of the Year. Tom gave his heart and soul to Viking Squadron, and he was part of the glue that holds us together. Tom will be remembered by most of us for all the free time he so selflessly gave to CAP. He flew hundreds of hours on our behalf, providing toomany-to-count check rides, cadet orientation flights and flight instruction opportunities. He served as a flight instructor at two Minnesota Wing flight academies, and many cadets over the years owe their pilots license to him.

Viking Squadron and Civil Air Patrol lost one of its most valued and respected members Monday morning. Maj. Tom Vashro was a member of our family, and we want to thank Darla and his children for sharing him with us. Tom joined Viking Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, in 1964, when he was 14-years-old. In his own words, in a testimonial we collected from him a month ago for a recruiting brochure, he said, Perhaps mostly because my dad and older brother were also members. Dad flew TBMs in WWII. CAP was a way to be around airplanes, because we couldnt afford to otherwise.

In 1966, Tom attended the CAP national glider program Tom was so popular with the in Chester, S.C., for two adult pilots in CAP that theyd weeks and obtained a private drive several hours just to get pilot glider license. Two years a check ride with Tom. He later, he spent a month in didnt yell at anyone when they Reno, Nev., at the CAP namade mistakes; he never tional solo encampment, raised his voice. He was one where he was able to obtain a of the best instructors in the private pilot, single-enginestate. land license. After he graduMajor Tom Vashro and his wife Darla. ated high school, he left CAP He often had check rides booked with individuals from but returned to Viking 25 years later, in his own words again, with the hope of enabling the same opportuni- units from all over Minnesota for six months at a time. At Viking, we worried hed get burned out and advised ties I had for some of todays youth. people to give him a break, but it didnt work. EveryMany times, we heard him say that what kept him in the body loved Tom. organization was seeing a cadets face light up during And it wasnt just in the air that he was appreciated. his or her first time at the controls of an aircraft. It Never once has anyone in CAP heard him say a bad made the many hours of behind-the-scenes work to word about anyone. He was always willing to listen keep a squadron running worth it, hed say. and throw in a helping hand. He never complained, when wed call him two or three times a day. He was Since rejoining Viking in 1992, he served in almost every squadron job there is, sometimes in five or six po- gentle, kind and caring and one of those people you only meet a few of during a lifetime. sitions at a time. At various times, he was the finance officer, moral leadership officer, safety officer, emerHe was a great friend to many of us, and he made an gency services officer, standardization/evaluation offiimpact for the better in most of our lives, as well as in cer, aerospace education officer and deputy comhis community. We are thankful for the time we got to mander. spend with him, and we will never forget him.

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PROMOTIONS
Viking Squadron: C/Tech. Sgt. Brian Rutt, April 2002 C/Chief Master Sgt. Nate Dorr, May 2002 C/Airman Kelly Collins, May 2002 C/Airman Caitlyn Mowat, May 2002 C/Airman Christopher Schaitberger, May 2002 Hutchinson Squadron: C/Amn Jonathan Werth C/Amn Greg Kock C/Amn Alex McGillick

Members Learn Mission Observer Skills

A mission observer course was held at the Red Wing Squadron Facility on 27-27 April. 15 students took part in the classroom training on Saturday, and 8 students for the flying portion on Sunday. Three CAP aircraft were involved in the weekend training, including one from Iowa Wing. 4 Iowa wing members participated in the training.

Red Wing Cadet Goes Solo!

Congratulations to Cadet Matt Brown for his SOLO Flight today (4-30-02) at Red Wing Municipal Airport. Matt's Solo was in N96579 after his instructor Lt Col Dan Schaller gave him the ok.

Rutten and Suzuki Promoted to Lt Col.

St. Croix Squadron has the unique occurrence to have two people promoted to Lieutenant Colonel the same day. Earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel does not happen quickly. It takes time and dedication. Wing Commander, Col. Dale Hoium promoted Majors James (Bill) Rutten and Rory Suzuki to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel during the weekly squadron meeting. He commented that it is a unique occurrence to have two promotions to Lt Col. the same day in the same squadron. He stated, during the presentation, that rank in the senior structure is important because it shows that you care about yourself, your unit and CAP. To promote individuals is important because a squadron should not be dependent on one person. The increase in rank gives an individual more responsibility and greater rewards. He stated the characteristics of gold and silver while changing out the new epaulets. The gold is malleable and the silver is a harder metal symbolizing the mental toughness to make the difficult decisions that go along with being a Lt Col. Up to now the squadron had two Lieutenant Colonels. Lt Col. Russell Gerber was promoted in July 1994. He joined CAP in December 1955. Lt Col. Roger Brogren, Commander, of St. Croix Squadron was promoted in October 1996. He joined CAP in June 1986. Newly promoted Lt Col. James (Bill) Rutten joined CAP late winter 1990. He has been serving as Deputy Commander for the squadron during the last few months. Lt Col. Rory Suzuki is serving the country with the US Navy. St. Croix Composite Squadron now has four Lieutenant Colonels. - 1st Lt Deborah Feil

The Students and Staff.

The Incident Commander was Major Wayne Sherman (r), and the Air Ops Branch Director was Capt Don Sorenson

Wingtips Plus
www.mnwg.cap.gov/wingtips
Minnesota WingCivil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary P.O. Box 1230, St. Paul, MN 55111 Wingtips Plus is an electronic supplement to WIngTips. Deadline for submissions: 20th Day of the Month. The views expressed either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air Force or Civil Air Patrol. Wing Commander: Col. Dale Hoium PAO: 1st Lt Al Pabon
2002 Civil Air Patrol

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North Hennepin Cadet Receives AFA Award

Cadet Bridgett Whiting, 18, of Minnetonka was selected as the North Hennepin Squadron Cadet Officer of the Year in 2001 and, in unit tradition, was selected for the Air Force Association Award. The Award was presented on 7 May 2002 by Col Kevin Sliwinski, AFA Member and Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol. Cadet Whiting received the Billy Mitchell Award in December 2001, but has been serving in an officer-level position since April 2000. Her major responsibilities included training nearly 40 basic cadets over the last two years, preparing them for their first promotion. Cadet Whiting has been in the Civil Air Patrol since 1998. In addition to attending the Basic Encampment, Cadet Whiting has graduated from Hawk Mountain Ranger School, a rigourous 10 day survival and emergency services course held in the mountains of Pennsylvania. She is also the longest standing rated Ground Team Member among the cadets. Cadet Whiting has served on the Minnesota Wing Color Guard, representing the state organization at the North Central Region Competition, where she was recognized as the fastest female runner. As part of the Color Guard, she has made presentations at the Minnesota Twins game on Cadet Brigitt Whiting Receiving the Air Force AssoFlag Day 2001, as well as marching in two ciation Award from Col Kevin Sliwinski. parades at the Minnesota State Fair, also in 2001. She is the only cadet in the unit to have a private pilot's license, the requirements for which she completed on her sixteenth birthday. Cadet Whiting and her sister, Cadet Jenilyn Whiting, often fly cross country, so much that articles of their adventures have appeared in several aviation magazines. Cadet Whiting is graduating 6th in her class from Hopkins High School and will attend the United States Air Force Academy beginning in June. Cadet Whiting is the third member of her family to attend the US Air Force Academy.

WingTips Plus!
www.mnwg.cap.gov/wingtips
Minnesota WingCivil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary P.O. Box 1230, St. Paul, MN 55111 Wingtips Plus is an electronic supplement to WIngTips, The Minnesota Wing Newsletter. Deadline for submissions: 20th Day of the Month. The views expressed either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air Force or Civil Air Patrol. Wing Commander: Col. Dale Hoium PAO: 1st Lt Al Pabon 2002 Civil Air Patrol

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North Hennepin Celebrates Space Day!

Members of the North Hennepin Squadron pose in their classroom with posters and the rover prototype to kick off the Space Day 2002 celebration.

Cadets and seniors of the North Hennepin Squadron celebrated Space Day 2002 with a theme of Adventure to Mars. Thirty-six cadets and a dozen seniors participated in the three-event "mission," creating Mars rovers, competing in red rover races, and trying their luck in the crater landing. The evening was part of the national celebration of space. The idea originated with the distribution of materials by the Minnesota Wing Aerospace Education Directorate and soon left the planet. The cadets and seniors decided on a one-day event, given the unit's training schedule, and arrived at the event based on real space problems of mission and spacecraft design, aero braking, and the challenge of landing in a crater on Mars. The cadets created Mars rovers out of 2 liter pop bottles, dowels, CDs, and binder clips, and a plastic based on a prototype designed Cadet Daniel Frost and Captain Jon Frost, Aerospace Education Officer and Project Officer. Each part of the mission was tested before the actual event to ensure that it would work. "It was really pretty fun, but it took us a few tries to get the design down," noted Captain Frost, project officer, on a late evening phone call prior to the event. The week before the event, Captain Frost worked with the 2d Lt Jeff LaBerge to construct the track reminiscent of the pinewood derby. 2d Lt LaBerge constructed a 12-foot high bar over which cadets would have to toss the rovers would have and land in a tractor tire. Creating the rovers was the easy part--or was it?

On the evening of the event, the cadets began constructing their rovers using materials provided and those that they brought from home. String, paper, and tape were everywhere, as the cadets quickly constructed, tested, and went back to the drawing table to ensure that their rover would win the events. Within an hour, the first rover was launched and the events began. Some rovers did descend the ramp, while other traveled as far as thirty feet. Chaplain Kevin Bauder kept the judging honest and declared the winner of the rover races as it rolled under the plane parked outside the hangar. The cadets then proceeded to the crater landing and the voting for appearance and design. Most participating members put on their best red clothing to add to the theme, with cadets bringing helium balloons and senior members prepared "Mars" cup cakes. All participants received a certificate and ruler. Winners of the three contests received prizes from the Science Museum, as well as a Space Day key chain and pen. North Hennepin Squadron plans to open the event up to the community next year based on the next mission challenge announced by the Space Day Foundations.

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BlackCAP 18 a Huge Success

98 cadets and 48 seniors from 21 Minnesota Wing Squadrons, North Dakota and Fremont Nebraska attended the 18th annual Black CAP Emergency Services College. It was held 5-7 April at the Red Wing Squadron hangar. BlackCAP is an event hosted by the Red Wing Squadron. It is designed to provide learning opportunities for members in Emergency Service skills and methods. The event also allows members not to take themselves so seriously and have fun as only Red Wing Squadron can host! Friday Evening began with Chaplain Don Mikitta covering the History of Black CAP using his renditions from the movie Toy Story. Members were organized into 9 flights and took time to personalize their guidons. 8 participants were called on to assist in a REDCAP mission. This ELT search sent them into the downtown Minneapolis area. The ELT was located at an airplane junkyard. One of the seniors had to climb into some tight areas to shut the ELT off. Rumor had it he left a little present of a frog. The two Nebraska Wing Cadets that were part of the search were treated to a Minnesota Delicacy, the White Castle Slider. The team made it back to the base in time for a quick nap before revile began to sound! Saturdays training required the students to divide into 3 groups to learn the basics of Ground Team Training, Urban DF Training and Ground Team Leader Training. This training was conducted with the new training plans and materials issued by National Headquarters. In the evening the annual Polecat Competition was held in the hangar. In true polecat style, the activities are never the same and must be experienced to truly understand the fun. Sunday morning the Minnesota Search and Rescue Dog Association brought in 2 of their search dogs for a presentation of their capabilities Sunday Morning. The school had its Pass in Review graduation parade and Innovative Drill competition. Lets just say that this is nothing like the National Cadet Competition at the US Air Force Academy. J Colonel Dale Hoium presided at the graduation after the review. During the graduation ceremony members were recognized for their participation and W Flight was presented with the Honor Flight designation for the 2002 Black CAP. Red Wing Squadron is planning on hosting BlackCAP 19. They promise that the next college will be even more exciting and engaging than the 18th edition. Look for it in Mid April 2003! - Red Wing Squadron Newsletter
Members who went out on the Friday Night RedCAP and Slider run.

Cadets Learn Basic Direction Finding Skills at BlackCAP

Laying Down On The Job?

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2002 NCR Chaplain Region Staff College

Graduates of the 2002 North Central Region Chaplain Service Staff College. Front row includes CAP Chaplain Service Executive Administrator Robert Hicks, CAP Chief of Chaplains Ch, Col James Melancon, and NCR College Director Ch, Lt Col David Van Horn

North Central Regions Chaplain Service conducted its annual Staff College at the Columbian Father's Retreat House, St. Columbans, NE. During the 5 Day course chaplains received training in a variety of subjects including Critical Incident Stress Management for Emergency Services Missions. Regions conduct annual colleges for the training and development of Chaplains and Moral Leadership Officers. The college provides opportunities to collaborate on projects, share best practices and to socialize. Chaplains Don Mikitta, Don Stier MN114, Karl Helwig MN122, Jim Sickmeyer MN113, Chaplain Candidate Robert McLawhorn and MLO candidate AM Bistodeau represented the wing.. The College had a total of 43 attendees.

CAP Executive Director Selected

Colonel Albert A. Allenback, USAF, has been selected as Executive Director, Civil Air Patrol, by a unanimous endorsement of the Board of Governors, with one member recusing himself. After a distinguished 28-year Air Force career, Allenback will assume leadership of the 60,000 member nonprofit corporation upon his retirement in July. Out of a field of 40 applicants, the selection committee narrowed the field to four highly qualified individuals. According to Lt General Nicholas Kehoe, Chairman of the Board of Governors, "It was a difficult decision, but the selection committee felt that Albert Allenback was the best qualified to lead the CAP national Staff in serving the CAP volunteer membership, elected CAP leadership, and the CAP Board of Governors." Allenback currently serves as commander, Civil Air Patrol-USAF headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Prior to assuming command of CAP-USAF he commanded at the base, squadron and group levels. Prior to his present assignment, Allenback served as commander, 42d Air Base Wing at Maxwell. I appreciate the Board of Governors confidence in my ability to lead the corporation as CAP, the Air Forces Auxiliary, transforms into one of Americas leading volunteer Homeland Security organizations, Allenback said.

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Hennepin CG Opens Aviation Hall of Fame

The North Hennepin Squadron Color Guard participated in the annual inauguration of ceremonies of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in April 2002 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington. The Color Guard posted the Colors and Minnesota State Flag in front of the assembly, talked with nominees and past recipients, enjoyed a sitdown dinner, and retired the colors at the end of the ceremony. The event organizer and author of Minnesota Aviation History, 1857-1945, Noel Allard, contacted the Color Guard. Mr. Allard worked through Cadet Bridgit Whiting to obtain the services of the Color Guard for the event, because other arrangement did not materialize. The Color Guard, always willing to serve, quickly assembled for the event and used their knowledge and experience to render a professional presentation. They received positive feedback on their performance and hope to be invited back next year as the team of choice.

The Color Guard consisted of Cadets Amy Broekema (Commander), Josef Kniesz, Jacob Vallejos, and Patrick Anderson. SM Janelle Gates was the Project Officer.

Jumper selects next CMSAF

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper named Chief Master Sgt. Gerald R. Murray on May 24 to serve as the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Murray assumes his new position July 1, following the June 28 retirement of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim Finch. Finchs retirement culminates 28 years of service to the Air Force.. The selection was difficult because the candidates were all so exceptionally qualified, the general said. The Air Force is fortunate to have someone of Murrays caliber leading our enlisted force during this exciting time in our services history. Murray, who joined the Air Force in October 1977, is currently the command chief master sergeant for Pacific Air Forces. His career includes various assignments in aircraft maintenance and as the command chief master sergeant for the 347th Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as well as U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, both located at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The office of the chief master sergeant of the Air Force represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, provides direction for the enlisted corps, and represents their interests to the American public and to all levels of government. The CMSAF serves as a personal adviser to the Air Force chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization, and progress of the enlisted force and their families.

Chief Master Sgt. Gerald R. Murray , 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

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Cadet Leadership Activities Logos Designed By And For Cadets

The votes have all been counted and the winners in the ILP Logo contests have been chosen. Cadets were given the opportunity to submit designs for each of the ILP Schools. Then cadets were allowed to choose the final design via e-mail ballot. Congratulations to the following cadets for their entries. These designs will be refined into the logos for the ILP activities. Look for them on the web and in school materials soon.

Airman Training School C/Capt Sonja Rostad South East MN Sqdn

Cadet NCO School C/Capt Sonja Rostad South East MN Sqdn

Basic Cadet Officer Course C/Capt Ben Banwart Viking Sqdn

Encampment Prep School C/Capt Sonja Rostad South East MN Sqdn

Advanced Cadet Staff Seminar C/Capt Jared Thompson South East MN Sqdn

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North Hennepin Hangar Gets Upgrades With USAF Reserve Help

North Hennepin Squadron completed Phase I of a three phase building renovation in May 2002. With the increase in membership over the last calendar year, the unit had to make renovations to accommodate the traffic flow. Phase I consisted of rebuilding the supply room, creating a senior administration room, and adding an external door. The 934th Air Reserve Wing completed the major elements of the construction, while members of the squadron provided the finishing touches and moved both furniture and supplies. Several plans were discussed for four months with Lt Col Stanley Thompson of the 934th Air Reserve Wing, which is based out of the Twin Cities Air Force Reserve Base. The Air Force provided consulting and the manpower to implement the decisions on which the command staff, Capt Marcel Derosier and Capt Roderic Broome, and Project and Logistics Officer, 2d Lt Joel Stepanek, decided. The project was divided into phases to accommodate the work schedule of the 934th as well as the unit's budget. Members of the 934th completed the work of installing the supply room door and external in one day, but not without hours of preparation on the part of 2d Lt Stepanek and his team. The 934th saved the unit hundreds of dollars and provided professional service unmatched by contractors. Several weeks of work remained before the supply room was ready. 2d Lt Stepanek enlisted the help of the logistics team, 2d Lt Jeffrey LaBerge and SM David Rovka, who worked towards the deadline of the impending Air Force inspection that was planned for 7 May 2002. Cadets and seniors alike, who, together, beat the deadline by four days, supplemented the team. "This is the next Red Wing," said Stepanek, as he gave a walkthrough of the supply room and administration facilities. "We hope other squadrons will look to us to meet some of their supply needs." The next phase will begin after the unit completes its current fund raising drive. The North Hennepin Squadron has a large supply of old style service coats, pants, and flight suits that can be requisitioned through channels. Pictured: 2d Lt Joel Stepanek, Squadron Logistics Officer assists Cadet Airman Garrett Braaten select the appropriate clothing item from North Hennepin Squadron's new supply room.

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Wing Honor Guard Shines at the Great Minnesota Get Together

The Minnesota Wing Honor Guard has once again expanded its participation at the Wing's Annual Conference held at Breezy Point in May 2002. The new roles this year included an inspection by the Honor Guard Officers in Charge, Cadet 2d Lt Brent Ellwanger and Cadet 2d Lt Mark Pomerleau. "The Honor Guard inspection is a good way of letting cadets know if they meet the standard," said Chaplain Don Mikitta, Wing Director of Cadet Programs. "The inspection is optional, the standard is not." The Honor Guard performed its first wedding in Minnesota Wing. Hours before the Wing Conference began, six members of the Honor Guard formed a saber arch at the wedding of Capt Douglas Mitchell and 1st Lt Tracy (Brooks) Mitchell. " It was a great service to provide two senior members who have worked with us in Honor Guard and other activities," according to Cadet Ellwanger. As with last year, the Honor Guard performed during the intermission. This year, the "B" team rendered an "A" performance and received a standing ovation by a bedazzled crowd. "That was your B team," remarked one banquet attendee. The "B" team consists of new candidates who joined the team just this year. The B team was trained and led by Cadet Brett Stadsklev of Viking Squadron. Colonel Dennis Rock, Wing Plans and Programs Officer, requested that the Honor Guard escort awardees to the podium during the award ceremonies. Begun last year at his initiative, the Honor Guard provides additional visibility to those who have performed in an exemplary manner during the previous year. The ceremonies began and they ended with the Honor Guard being formed at the Military Ball, but instead of using rifles, as in the morning ceremonies, the Honor Guard used sabers that were borrowed from the 415th Air Force ROTC Detachment. "The Honor Guard has received a lot of support from the Wing and Conference leadership, giving the cadets an opportunity to give back, " said 1st Lt Colleen Rivard, Project Officer for the performances. "Performing in front of people you know makes it easier to perform in front of large crowds." The Honor Guard has three more performances planned this season. The following members and candidates participated: Cadet Brent Ellwanger, Cadet Mark Pomerleau, Cadet Kevin Kroll, Cadet Benjamin Smith, Cadet Michael O'Connor, Cadet Amy Broekema, Cadet Amy Her, Cadet, Cadet Brett Stadsklev, Cadet Alex Friese, Cadet Bart Werness, Cadet James Hickey, Cadet Patrick Anderson, and Cadet Nathan Khan.
The B-Team performing Rifle Drill during the Conference Banquet.

C/2d Lt Brent Ellwanger leads the Honor Guard during the 2002 Wing Conference