Minnesota Wing - May 2009

8/9/2019 Minnesota Wing - May 2009

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WingTips April-May 2009 Page 1

The Newsletter of Minnesota Wing, Civil Air PatrolApril-May 2009


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Minnesota Wing Responds to Major Flooding

The I-94 bridge connecting Fargo and Moorhead.Courtesy North Dakota Wing.

Floods are an annual occurrence in the Northern Plains.When the spring thaw arrives so do floods. The RedRiver flood brought record flood levels to the Fargo-Moorhead area resulting in super saturated grounds andthe Red River cresting at a record height.

Originally predicted to reach a level of near 43 feet atFargo by March 29, the river crested at 40.82 feet at12:15 a.m. March 28

thand started a slow decline.

Members of Minnesota Wing responded to a call fromNorth Dakota Wing to help with Sandbagging operationsin the Fargo-Moorhead Area. They hit the ground onMonday March 23

rdand literally minutes after checking

in they were off sandbagging.

A big highlight of the first few days was the effort to savea local radio station.

4 Disaster Relief teams were working with members ofthe community to protect radio station KFGO Radio inFargo and its transmitting antenna/equipment. The

station is a major source of information duringemergencies for the residents of the Fargo-Moorheadarea.

If this building goes under, the city and localcommunities lose vital radio communications. Peoplecall into the station and tell them status of their situations

and vital communication of emergency messages aresent via this medium. said Lt Col Troy Krabbenhoft, theNorth Dakota Wing Public Affairs Officer.

Their efforts enabled the station to remain on the air andserving the community.

One of the areas in which our squadrons were assignedwas the Copperfield Court Cul-de-Sac. We werepresent over three consecutive days. The first was analmost summer-like day with the base being put downfor the sandbag barrier to the river extending from anoverpass to the south into the neighborhood. The riverwas about 30 yards from the barrier down a gentleslope, and by days end a base of about four feet andheight of 41 feet above normal river level was well-underway. The CAP presence lasted about 6 hours thatday.

The following day was a near blizzard condition, about30 degrees colder with a driving wind. The river wastwo-thirds closer to the barrier. Our cadets and seniorsworked well and seemed not to be very concerned withthe cold. I am sure that the physical exertion kept us

warm. The many neighbors were always about asking ifwe needed anything. Their garages were open withcoffee and hot chocolate and many snacks available allthe day long. The sandbag barrier was completed thatafternoon.

Continued on Page 3


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2009 Floods Continued from Page 3

The scope of this years event and the reaction of thepeople is something that C/SMSgt Hanna Olson ofAnoka Squadron will always remember.

Its unbelievable how high the water is, Olson said, itsalso unbelievable how everyone is pulling together.

Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of North HennepinSquadron said that despite the circumstances thereslots of positive interaction between CAP members.

Its been great socializing with members of both theMinnesota and North Dakota wing, Trombley said.

There was even an extra benefit for Trombley.

Theres a cadet in our squadron that I didnt know verywell, but after living in the same area for a few days wegot to know each other pretty well. Interesting how acommon cause like this brings strangers together.

Col Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing commander saidthis is a situation where an area needs and appreciatesCAPs assistance.

We will continue to support our citizens in their time ofneed, Altenburg said. Our members will work tirelesslyto support our local responders and communities in theRed River Valley.

The weather did not cooperate as it was snowing duringmuch of the day by members just took it in stride.

Late on Thursday March 26th

Col Karl Altenburg, NorthDakota Wing Commander made the decision to movethe Fargo Mission Command post to Casselton, ND asCity Officials in Fargo, ND issued a statement that all

major roads would be closed around the city.

Minnesota Wings ground teams were moved toMinnesota State University at Moorhead to rally theirmembers. Once accounted for, they departed for homestation.

All ground operations were suspended until furthernotice. This decision was made to allow cadets toremain with their families so they continue to help athome.

"I am very proud of the members of Civil Air Patrol who

came from all parts of the state to help in this time ofneed, said Minnesota Wing Commander Col. ThomasTheis.

The region is maintaining a website chronicling the CAPefforts in the 2009 Floods. It has updates, images,releases as well as first person accounts of the floodoperations. Minnesota Wing also has an album of floodimages. They can be accessed at:

http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2009_floods/index.htmand http://www.mncap.org/pictures/2009/floods.cfm

Thanks to Major Don Dalton, Capt Richard Sprouse andCapt Richard Geis for their contributions to this story.


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Lt Col Mike Moen with NHS members C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht.

Color Guard Teams Battle It Out For Title of Wing ChampionsSM Suzanne AlbrechtPublic Affairs Officer, North Hennepin Squadron

After countless practices folding the American flag,innumerable hours spent memorizing aerospace

modules, running laps and drilling until they could marchin their sleep, the Minnesota Wing Color Guard teamsfrom Viking, 130th, Owatonna and North HennepinSquadrons gathered at Fourth Baptist School inPlymouth to test their mettle.

The annual competition consisted of 7 events: One-MileRun, Written Test, Quiz Bowl, Uniform Inspections,Standard Drill, Indoor Practical Drill, and OutdoorPractical Drill.

C/A1C Tyler Crabtree, Owatonna Squadron, cut throughthe crisp spring air completing the mile run in a dizzying

5 minutes 31 seconds guaranteeing him the Male FleetFoot trophy. C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht, N. HennepinSquadron, wasnt far behind scooping up the FemaleFleet Foot trophy in 6 minutes 41 seconds.

However, there were more trophies and honors to bewon and many eager, well-prepared cadets. C/MSgtReuben Miller was recognized for attaining the highestindividual Written Test score.

Those who know him werent surprised.

C/SMSgt Elias Wiff, Viking Squadron, accepted FirstPlace trophies for Indoor Practical Drill, Written Test and

the Mile Run on behalf of his teammates C/A1C ZachDiets, C/SRA Richard Shmel, C/A1C Gideon Wiff, andC/A1C Andrew Prigge.

Minnesota Wing Vice Commander Lt Col Mike Moenpresided over the awards ceremony and congratulatedC/AMN Sterling Braithwaite, North Hennepin SquadronTeam 2, and his teammates C/AMN Caleb Miller,C/AMN Jasmine Sands and C/A1C Jon Sands onsecuring Third Place.

Many hours of practice paid off for Viking Squadron whosecured Second Place. North Hennepin Squadron

Team 1, consisting of Commander C/SRA FrankAlbrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/A1C CaitlinAlbrecht and C/MSgt Reuben Miller, the new 2009 WingColor Guard Champions, were honored to accept FirstPlace trophies for Outdoor Practical Drill, Inspection,Standard Drill and the Quiz Bowl.

Special thanks goes out to Maj Marcel Derosier, 1st

LtNorine Olson, Lt Col Don Mikitta, Mrs. Melody Bruffey ofFourth Baptist School, Capt Susan Blessman and themany cadet officers and volunteers who made this eventpossible.


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Wing Members recognized at annual conference

Minnesota Wing held its annual conference on May 1st

and 2nd at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN.

Members came together for a weekend of training,fellowship and recognition. An old friend of MinnesotaWing, Mr. Gerry Rozenswieg of CAP NationalHeadquarters represented headquarters and NorthCentral Region Vice Commander (and MinnesotaResident) Col Tom Weston represented the region.

During the conference several awards were presented:

Major Rolf Carlson receiving his Longevity Award from Col Theis

LONGEVITY AWARDS 20 Years

CAPT. STEVEN L. ANDERSONLT COL. TIMOTHY GOODNERMAJ. CHARLES P. SCHUMACHERCAPT. MARK W. SHORTERMAJ. ANDREW BROWNINGCAPT. DOUGLAS MCGRAWCAPT. EDWARD KLIMAMAJ. ANTONIO ROSSINICAPT. PAULW. BARTZ


LT COL. CHRIS A. GERLACHMAJ. ROLF S. CARLSON

Wing Conference Continued on Page 7


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2009 Wing Conference continued from Page 6


LT COL. JOHN R. QUILLINGCAPT. MICHAELW. HUTTNERCAPT. KEVIN E. SWANSON

Major Alan Matson presented the Federal AviationAdministrations Wright Brothers Master Pilot

Award to Capt William Menkevich.

1st

Lt Robby Sandberg receiving the 2009 Emergency ServicesSpecialist of the Year Award from Col Theis.

Specialist of the Year AwardsThe Awardees received an Achievement Award

Administration - SM Patricia SchraderAerospace Education - Capt David CoatesCadet Programs - 1st Lt Norine OlsonChaplain - Maj Robert McLawhornCharacter Development Instruction Officer - 1

stLt

Jonathan Johnson

Communications - Capt Dutch Van VrankenEmergency Services - 1

stLt Robby Sandberg

Finance - 1st Lt Janelle VanceLogistics - 1st Lt Tommy HeibertOperations - Capt David CarlstromProfessional Development - 1

stLt Donald Helgager

Public Affairs - 1st

Lt George SupanSafety - 1st Lt Karen Barrie

Capt Richard Sprouse receives a Commanders Commendationfrom Col Theis for his outstanding work in Public Affairs.

Commanders Commendation Awards - Lt Col DavidOdette, Lt Col Michael Moen, Lt Col Dennis Yeager,Major Ryan Brovold, Capt Richard Sprouse, CaptRichard Yeager and 1

stLt Nanette Berg

C/SSgt Eric Heinonen receives the Certificate of Recognition forLifesaving from Col Theis.

Lifesaving Awards - Maj Gerald Kleene, 2d Lt KarenKleene, SM Raymond Majkrzak, 1st Lt Janelle Vanceand C/SSgt Eric Heinonen

Continued on Page 8


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He also serves as the chairman of the MN Wing 108Task Force, serves on the St. Croix unit FinanceCommittee, and is a Flight Release Officer.

Lt, Col. Rutten has been an organizer for our Squadronand has been instrumental in our Squadron'sparticipation in the 2008 Shrine Circus with the St. PaulShiners (traffic management as a fund-raiser).

He is also responsible for and led the project to install anew VHF radio antenna on our hangar building andfunctions as the liaison between the squadron and ourlandlord.

Col Thomas Theis and Capt David Yost celebrate St CroixSquadrons achieving the Squadron of Merit Award for 2009

Squadron of Merit- St Croix Squadron

The Squadron of Merit Award is an annual awardestablished to recognize the top cadet or CompositeSquadrons in each Wing. The same criterion used toselect the Squadron of Distinction, which was awardedto the Viking Composite Squadron, was used todetermine Squadron of Merit Award.

At the Conference banquet our Squadron Commander,Capt. David Yost accepted the Squadron of Merit Awardon behalf of the entire unit.

Capt. Yost had commented, Congratulations are inorder to all of the members of the St. Croix CompositeSquadron for their hard work and dedications that has

earned our Squadron this prestigious award.

The St. Croix Composite Squadron received a distinctivecertificate and a streamer to be attached to ourSquadron Flag as a symbol of our achievement.

Squadron of the Year VikingSquadron

Viking Composite Squadron was recognized with theMinnesota Wing Squadron of the Year Award. TheSquadron of Distinction Award recognizes the topcomposite squadrons in each Civil Air Patrol wing fortheir excellence in supporting CAP and its missions.

Viking squadron is very honored with this recognition.The members of Viking squadron continue to strive forexcellence through their hard work and dedication, and itis this team effort that has earned our squadron thisprestigious award.

Commander of theYear Lt Col BrentHalweg

Lt. Colonel Brent E. Halweg,

Viking squadron Commanderwas recognized with theSquadron Commander of theYear Award. Colonel Halwegis an inspirational leader who

leads by example. Viking squadron is very proud of theicommander for this very deserving recognition. Col.Halweg is a retired Air Force officer pilot who served inthe active and reserve Air Force for twenty years. Hewas an Air Force CAPRAP officer for Viking squadronfor two years.

He joined the Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003. Heserved as Viking squadron Aerospace Education officerfrom 2003 until he was appointed as the squadronscommander in December 2007. As squadroncommander, he continues to promote excellence withinthe squadron. Lt. Colonel Halweg has been employedby Northwest Airlines from 1989 to present. He servedas a DC 9 Captain/Instructor Pilot from 1989 2008. InJune 2008 he became an Airbus Captain.


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Hoffman promoted to Lieutenant ColonelCaptain Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2

Ruth Hoffman, commander of the Wesota Squadron othe Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, recentlywas promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during a briefceremony at the Willmar Municipal Airport where thesquadron holds its weekly meetings.

Lt Col Hoffman, who resides in Kandiyohi, Minn., hasbeen a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) member and pilot since1993. She has been commander of the squadron forover four years.

It's a great thrill to have accomplished this witheveryones help. I could not have done it alone,Hoffman said.

Hoffman has earned CAP's master rating in Financeand the technician rating in Personnel. Her otherqualifications include Disaster Assessment

Relief/Disaster Relief Mission Pilot, Mission Observer,Mission Scanner, Ground Team Leader and Member,Mission Radio Operator, SET (Skills Evaluator), andUrban Direction Finding Team Leader and Member.

Lt Col Hoffman has been a dedicated, committed CAP member worthy of this promotion, said Major Ryan Brovold,Group II commander of the Minnesota Wing of CAP. Group II includes Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, andWesota squadrons.

Chaplains Complete Service Staff CollegeCh, Lt Col Don Mikitta

Wing Chaplain

Pictured from left to right, Ch Burt Benson- ND Wing, Ch DonMikitta MN Wing, CDIO Jonathan Johnson Red Wing, ChDavid Myers Northland, CDIO Anna Marie Bistodeau MN

Wing, CDIO David May St Paul

We had great representation from Minnesota Wing. ChaplainDavid Myers of Northland Squadron, and CharacterDevelopment Instruction Officers (CDIOs) Anna MarieBistodeau of Wing Headquarters, Jonathan Johnson of RedWing training in Emergency Services, and David May of St.Paul attended the three day event.

Over the three days, we trained in Emergency Services, CadetPrograms and Aerospace Education, upgrading ministry skills

and learned what is new in the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corpfrom the Chief of Chaplain, Region Chaplain and RegionEmergency Services Director proved beneficial for the 30attendees.

Next years event is scheduled for 19-22 Apr 2010 at BellevueNE.

(L-R) Maj Ryan Brovold, Group 2 Commander, Lt Col Ruth Hoffman, andBrenda Wall (Hoffmans daughter) promote Ruth Hoffman to Lt Col. Photo

courtesy of Maj. Gerald Kleene, Wesota Composite Squadron


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St. Croix Squadron Presents the Colors for Degree of Honors Salute to YouthProgram2d Lt Scott RichardsonPublic Affairs Officer, St. Croix Squadron

On April 21st, the St. Croix Composite Squadron Color

Guard presented the Colors at the opening ceremonies forthe Degree of Honors - Salute to Youth banquet. This

Honors banquet is held annually to recognize youth fromaround the regional area for their high school academic andvolunteerism achievements.

The Degree of Honor Society is an Organization thatrecognizes the achievements of high school seniors wholead a balanced life and participate in their communitiesthrough various means. All 39 of the honorees display abroad array of achievements in areas includingvolunteerism, academia, sports and spiritual development.

Salute to Youth Program was the brainchild of the formerInter-Club Council and has been held for over fifty years.The Degree of Honor, a St. Paul fraternal insurance society,

was asked to host the Salute to Youth Program in 1999 afterthe closing of the council. The Degree of Honor Society hasa 123-year-old history of individual and community support.

The Degree of Honor Society is based on the premise of We help each other, and we all follow the Golden Rule. TheSalute to Youth Program gives all of us an opportunity to stand amid those who represent the best in all of us.

The National President & CEO of the Degree of Honor, Ms. Jackie Felling said that, It is a privilege to host this event thatrecognizes our very special young people to whom in a very short time we will hand over the leadership of ourcommunities.

This is the St. Croix Squadrons second year of presenting the Colors at this prestigious event.

SStt.. CCrrooiixx SSqquuaaddrroonn AAiiddss iinn SSeeaarrcchh ffoorr EELLTT

On April 26, 2009, four members of the St. Croix Composite Squadron answered the call to go search for an EmergencyLocator Transponder (ELT) alert issued by Minnesota Wing.

Local aircraft coming into the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport reported picking up an ELT signal from the northern andnortheastern areas of the Twin Cities. Squadrons from the area were activated to search and to silence this signal.

Thunderstorms, low ceilings and moderate rain throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area precluded any Air Operations forthis search. Instead, ground based search teams from the participating squadrons were dispatched to do a methodicalsearch of local airports to locate the source of the signal.

St. Croix Squadron fielded a ground search team that was lead by Lt Col Bill Rutten. Team members consisted of MajMichael Bordonaro, Capt David Yost and 2d Lt Scott Richardson.

The St. Croix Team departed Lake Elmo Airport at approximately 6:35 p.m. local time and was tasked with searching fourairports in response to directions from Maj Paul Pieper, Incident Commander at the mission base. The search plan tookthe team from Lake Elmo to New Richmond, WI to Amery, WI to Osceola, WI and back to Lake Elmo

The team searched for approximately 4 hours total and covered over 100 miles. The team swept all of the airports for asignal but did not pick up a signal. The other ground teams from other squadrons were performing the same tasks at theirassigned search areas.

The Emergency Locator Transponders beacon was located and silenced by members of the St. Paul CompositeSquadron at roughly 7:40 p.m. The ELT signal was tracked to Wentworth Aviation in South Minneapolis. WentworthAviation is a recycler of aviation parts and supplies.

The St. Croix Squadron members who participated in this event

were (L-R) 2d Lt Charles Jents, C/TSgt Noah Hite, C/SSgt AlexSwanson, C/SSgt Zachary Langer, C/AMN Kati Jents, and 2d Lt

Scott Richardson.


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Fire Department invites Civil Air Patrol members to conduct training1

stLt George Supan

Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron

Snow, cold, rain and wind did not prevent the fire department members from participating in a line search trainingconducted by the Anoka County Composite Squadron team lead by Commander, Capt Andy Bosshart.

The search and rescue training held at the Blaine-Spring Lake Park Fire Department on March 9th

and 10th, 2009 was

both classroom and field training conducted in two sessions to include the firefighters from the night and day shifts.

Knowing about the persons condition, age and responsiveness makes a difference of how you search, said 1st Lt JaySpreitzer, Emergency Services Training Officer.

The location and direction the person traveled could impact the type of air search pattern that would be conducted withthe Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, stated 1st Lt Shelly Supan, Deputy Commander and pilot.

Having an article of clothing of the person would aid the search dog to find a sent, said 2d

Lt's Monika and DavidOldenburg, search dog handlers.

Capt Bosshart conducted line search training as the rain turned to snow and the cold north wind bit at our ears. The firedepartments handheld lights were a great help to find the objects in the dark during Monday nights session.

Due to the weather and that one class was at night, the parking lot next to the building was used to do the line search fora number of planted objects. Line search formation, movement and commands along with proper scanning techniqueswere reviewed with the participants.

Several fire department members commented on what a great opportunity it is to work together with the Civil Air Patrolmembers. They said, As volunteers you have spent the time to be trained and are willing to share your professionaltraining with others. Together, wemake a better-trained group from the air and the ground to serve our communities ofBlaine-Spring Lake Park.

CAP Cadets and Seniors Present Annual Report at the CapitolC/A1C Caitlin AlbrechtNorth Hennepin Squadron

The sun was shining brightly and the streets were buzzing at theMinnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, April 21st, when members ofthe MN Wing Color Guard and North Hennepin Squadron ColorGuard teams arrived to deliver Civil Air Patrols (CAPs) AnnualReport to the legislators at the State Capitol.

The group, consisting of C/SRA Frank Albrecht, C/A1C CaitlinAlbrecht, C/MSgt Matthew Bruffey, C/MSgt Reuben Miller, C/AMNCaleb Miller, C/AMN Jasmine Sands, and C/SRA Jake Teter, wereaccompanied by 2d Lt Suzanne Albrecht, 1

stLt Lieutenant Alan

Trombley and C/Maj Billy Hoffman. They were guided by MinnesotaWing Government Relations Officer Colonel Kevin Sliwinski andDirector of Cadet Programs Major Janelle Gates.

The cadets and senior members, based out of State Senator ChrisGerlach's office, spent the morning delivering reports to senators

and members of the House of Representatives.

A MN Wing specific report outlined the wings accomplishments, and a letter accompanied both reports signed by thewing commander thanking the senators and house members for being a part of CAP's Legislative Squadron or invitingthem to join.

The cadets spoke with several senators who are members of the Legislative Squadron and the day concluded with acafeteria lunch and brief but interesting tour of the capitol building.

C/Maj Billy Hoffman & C/A1C Caitlin Albrecht presentState Senator Sparks a copy of the Annual Report.


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Base and museum visits opensquadrons eyes to the possibilitiesCaptain Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2

Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron had theunique opportunity to visit state of the art facilities at anAir Force base, as well as view static displays of AirForce heritage during a recent visit to the Omaha area.

After a nine-hour drive to Offutt Air Force Base, the 15cadets and 5 senior members got a chance to stretchtheir legs a bit by playing some ultimate Frisbee withmembers of the Curtis Lemay Offutt CompositeSquadron before spending the night at nearby CampAshland, a National Guard base.

The following morning the St. Cloud Squadron touredOffutt Air Force Base, including the AerospacePhysiology Education Center learning about the possibledisorientation pilots are subjected to when operating athigh altitudes. The squadron watched a video of pilotssuffering from altitude hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the

blood) before entering a hypobaric chamber whereaviators receive training to combat the illness.

It was then off to the Air Force Weather Agency wherethe $277-million computer complex providesclimatological data to a variety of national defense andallied customers.

The cadets and senior officers learned about pilotsurvival equipment and nuclear/biological contaminationfrom members of the 55th Operations Group. Everyonewas given an opportunity for some hands-on explorationof the equipment.

Afterwards, the St. Cloud Squadron was given a K-9demonstration where they met Vihar one of the fourdogs stationed at Offutt. Three K-9 units from Offutt arecurrently deployed in the Global War on Terrorism.

After a full day at Offutt it was then back to the vans anda short trip to the Strategic Air & Space Museum nearAshland where they spent the night before a day viewingstatic displays celebrating aviation and space travel.

Here, everyone had the opportunity to view and examinelong retired aircraft as well as mock-ups where theycould familiarize themselves with the controls of aircraftsuch as the B52 bomber.

The highlight of the museum visit was squadronmember, Lt Col Jim Schlicks (Col, USAF retired),captivating personal account of his time as a B52navigator. His inspiring presentation prompted severalcadets to personally seek him out during breaks to askabout a career in the Air Force or advice on attendingthe Air Force Academy.

The trip was a unique opportunity for future leaders tosee and hear about possible career paths in air andspace.Overall, everyone felt the trip was a huge successbecause of the knowledge they gained about Air Forceheritage and Offutts involvement in the Air Forcesmission.

MINNESOTA WINGTIPS is the official newsletter of the Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol.The views expressed, either written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air

Force, Civil Air Patrol of the Minnesota Wing. Submissions are welcome and can be sentto [email protected]

Col Thomas B. Theis, Wing Commander Capt Richard Geis, Public Affairs Officer

Civil Air Patrol - Minnesota Wing6275 Crossman Lane, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Phone 651-291-0462 Fax: 651-552-7007

Cadets of the St. Cloud Squadron during a visit to Offutt AirForce Base in Omaha, Neb. (Photo courtesy of Capt Richard

Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PAO)


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Encampment Prep School helps cadets put encampment puzzle togetherCapt Richard SprousePublic Affairs Officer, Group 2

Sometimes two pieces fittogether and sometimesthey do not. What happenswhen a piece does not fit? Itis put to the side until a

match shows up.

When ramping up forencampment, each basiccadet is a piece of theencampment puzzle. Leftalone, these aspiringleaders might seemunimportant. But, whenmatched with otherinformation, the entirepuzzle can be completed.

Maybe thats why the Minnesota Wing offers several opportunities for basic cadets to start solving the encampmentpuzzle before they arrive by attending Encampment Preparatory School (EPS).

The Wing held its first EPS weekend April 17-19. Another EPS is set for May 15-17 at Camp Ripley, which will also be thesite for the 2009 Encampment from June 20-27.

The purpose of EPS is to give basic cadets attending the summer encampment an idea of what to expect by immersingthem in a similar environment, but for a shorter duration. EPS students also receive classroom and practical instruction onskills essential to be encampment ready.

"We feel the training we provide during EPS helps prepare basic cadets for the rigors of encampment and beyond," saidC/Col Charlie Cox, 2009 encampment cadet commander.

"Somewhere in this group of basic cadets," Cox said, "is a future Spaatz Cadet, cadet encampment commander, as well

as countless cadet squadron commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants. They are learning about CAP, our core values, andEPS is one of the first stops in putting that puzzle together.

"We are creating the future of the CAP cadet program in Minnesota, one cadet at a time."

Basic cadets do PT at the Encampment Preparatory School (Picture courtesy of C/1st

Lt Lydia Stone, 11th

CTG PAO)


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WWeeDDiiddnnttSSeeeeTThheeFFllooooddBy 2d Lt Linda Dilley

We got the red alertThat Fargo was in need,

So we loaded up our trusty vanWith cadets and those who lead.

As we traveled on,I head a cadet say,

Ive never seen a flood,But today I think I may.

Nearing our destination,The water showed its powerFlowing in fields and ditches,

And surrounding a radio tower

Finally at our checkpoint,Our IC gave the orders.

So we joined another detailTo sandbag around some houses.

Those sandbags, they were heavy,But we passed them right along.

And soon the dike was high enoughSo we shouted out a song

Some cadets filled sandbags,Some were loading pallets.

Some faces looked fatigued,But none complained of callous.

Our driver gave the wordThat it was time to go.

We said goodbye to friends wed metWho were very nice to know.

We didnt see the floodOf the river they call Red

Our mission was to ward it offAnd build a dike instead!

Documents

Minnesota Wing - May 2009