Minnesota Wing - Oct 2010

8/2/2019 Minnesota Wing - Oct 2010

1/21

The Official Magazine of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol

FALL - WINTER 2010

Northern Flights

Tomorrows Leaders Today!C/Capt. David Johnson of Red Wing served as the commander of the

23rd Cadet Training Squadron at this years Minnesota Wing CadetEncampment. In this issue see how Johnson and his peers led the

most meaningful week of training that our cadets will receive.

PhotocreditMajorRicha

rdSprouse


2/21

Lt. Col. Alan Matson

Stan/Eval Ofcer, Minnesota Wing

NorthernFlights

Minnesota Wing

Civil Air Patrol

6275 Crossman Lane

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

651-291-0462

[email protected]

Colonel Thomas Theis

Commander, Minnesota Wing

Northern Flights Summer-Fall 2010Editorial Supplied by Major Al Pabon

National Public Affairs Team Leader

CAP National Headquarters

Northern Flights is the authorized publicationof the Minnesota Wing of Civil Air Patrol andis edited by the Minnesota Wing HeadquartersOffice. It is published by a private firm whichis in no way connected to the United States AirForce or the Civil Air Patrol. Opinions expressed

in the articles and advertisements in this magazineare the sole responsibility of the contributorsand are in no way endorsed by the United StatesGovernment, the United States Air Force, or theCivil Air Patrol Corporation. This publication ispublished three times a year.

Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteerorganization. Federally chartered by Congressunder 36 U.S.C. 20-208, which is dedicatedto emergency services, aerospace education andmotivation of Americas youth to the highest

ideals of leadership and public service throughcadet programs. Funds received by the advertisingsales are used to support this publication and tosupport various CAP activities throughout theState of Minnesota.

For information on advertising rates

and space, please call:

1-800-635-6036

A superior pilot is a one who utilizes his/hersuperior judgment so as not to be forced to exhibithis/her superior skills. In MN Wing we are fortu-nate that a superior pilot was aboard an aircraft

during a recent ight.On June 9th, 200 Capt. Paul Van Brunt

of the 30th Squadron was providing flightinstruction for Cadet Alex Byland, also of the30th Squadron.

After conducting a normal start-up, taxi-out,and thorough run-up, a takeoff run was com-menced. No unusual indications or sounds werenoted during the takeoff until the aircraft reached2300 ft. MSL (400 ft. AGL), at which time theengine stopped producing power while the propel-

ler continued to windmill.Capt. Van Brunt reacted by immediately

performing the BOLD FACE items on the redbordered emergency checklist, reestablishedpower by adjusting the throttle to a setting of lessthan full power, and turned to back to the eld

to make a landing. Since he had reestablishedpartial power (somewhere near the bottom of thegreen arc) he was able to maintain level ight,

and he then completed the checklist items,including the PRECAUTIONARY LANDINGchecklist section.

Capt. Van Brunts timely, appropriate actions,including his use of the checklist during a stressfulsituation, are a demonstration of superior judgmentin action. He knew that he could do somethingabout the situation, and that utilizing the checklistwould be the best course of action. His decision toimmediately turn back to the eld to terminate the

ight, rather than trying to solve the problem while

ASuperior

Pilot


3/21

3 3

sorties. This will help to burn

carbon build-up from the plugs,and may help us to avoid theneed for another exhibition ofsuperior judgment and skill.

Thank you Capt. Van

Brunt. You truly are aSuperior Pilot!

airborne, was right on!While Van Brunt did exhibit

superior skill in this case, theneed for this exhibition of skillwas certainly not brought on byerror on his part.

Pauls recovery of the air-craft has really put MinnesotaWing in the l imelight in apositive way throughout the

country. Wel l done! saidMinnesota Wing Commander,Col. Tom Theis.

After a thorough inspectionof the aircraft engine it was dis-covered that the spark plugs werefouled. This may have been dueto the number of recent cadettraining flights in this aircraft,which typically involve manytakeoffs and landings during

which the mixture is not leaned.While hotter plugs were

ins ta l l ed to make foul ingless likely in the future, CAPInstructors might consider con-ducting precautionary run-ups(while leaning the mixture a bit)prior to conducting every othertakeoff during initial training

Cadet Alex Byland with Capt. Paul Van Brunt.


4/21

4 4

F e d e r a l L e g i s l a t i v eRepresentatives, Local Ofcials,

friends and family membersattended the flag pole dedica-tion by Minnesota Wing, AnokaComposite Squadron, at theAnoka-Blaine Airport on July

20, 200.

MN Squadron fag polededication with a fag fown

over Afghanistan

Capt. George Supan, Public Affairs Ofcer, Anoka Squadron

All pictures courtesy of Lloyd Johnson

Commander, Capt. Shelly Supanwho presented it to st Lt. DonRaleigh in turn presented it tothe Color Guard Commander,C/CMSgt. Don Raleigh. TheColor Guard proceeded to theag pole, unfolded and attached

the Flag. While the Flag wasbeing raised reveille was playedat the request of Birr. Whenthe Flag reached the top every-one joined in the singing of theNational Anthem.

U . S . S e n a t o r A m yKlobuchars and RepresentativeMichelle Bachmanns represen-tatives shared their thanks forthe services of PFC Birr and

Civil Air Patrol to our Country.A r m y , P F C M a t t h e w

Birr, from Fridley, MN was inAfghanistan last summer sit-ting in a tent when he was hit inthe back of the head with anincoming shell. The bullet wentt h r o u g h h i shead and outthe front. Thebullet lodged inthe computer hewas sitting at. Itwas ret r ievedand Mat t nowcarries the bul-let. Matt has hadmany surgeriesand now par t

Presenting the Flag - PFC Matt Birr

presented Commander, Capt. Shelly

Supan the U.S. Flag own over

Afghanistan when Birr was injured.

Flag raising - Anoka Color Guard

of his skull is of a man made

material.PFC Birr was a Cadet at

the CAP, Anoka CompositeSquadron before he joined theArmy. Matt has been back tothe Squadron several times andon one visit asked where is the

Army, Private First Class,M a t t hew Bi r r ca r r i ed t heU.S. Flag and presented it toAnoka Composite Squadron, Group - People attending the event.


5/21

ag pole?

Matt was given the U.S.Flag that flew over the area inAfghanistan the day he was hit.He wanted to fly his U.S. Flagon the Squadron ag pole.

The Squadron used to havea f lag pole when he was amember. Some time ago thepole was hit and damaged so itwas removed. Birr made an onthe spot contribution to start a

fund to have a flag pole. TheSquadron, Finance Ofcer, 2nd

Lt. Kris Brown, President ofBrown Technologies contactedpeople for donations and a con-tractor, Interstate CM owned bySteve Erickson and Lyle Dahlindonated the material and laborto construct an area and polebase that will not be destroyed.Muska elect r ic and IBEWLocal 0 put in three lightsand wiring so the flag will belight at night. Ground Tech,Brown Technologies and TotalFire Protection contributed timeand material.

Brown Technologies andothers have contributed towardthe flag pole along with CAP

Blaine Mayor, Tim Ryan

members. Those contributing

suggested the Squadron pur-chase a ag pole tting the sac-rifice already made by PFCBirr. So a 25 foot industrial ag

pole was installed.

material and donations were there

as special guests for the event.PFC Birr and his mother

f l e w i n f r o m C o l o r a d o ;Legislative Representative GregSwanholm from U.S. SenatorAmy Klobuchars office; TeraDahl from U.S. RepresentativeMichele Bachmanns office;Mayor Tim Ryan, Bla ine ;Andy Westerberg, MetropolitanAirport Commissioner; Bill

Willis, USAFR, State Director;CAP, Minnesota Wing Staff andairport hangar neighbors joinedAnoka Composite members forthe event and thanked PFC Birrfor his service.

A plaque with the picture ofthe light flag & pole was givento PFC Birr and Certificates ofAppreciation were given to all whocontributed time and material.

The ceremony concludedwith PFC Mat t Bir r beingcalled to front and center infront of the ag pole by 1st Lt.

Don Raleigh. All in attendancesaluted PFC Birr in honor ofhis service and sacrice he has

given to the United States ofAmerica for our freedom.

PFC Matt Birr - Greg Swanholm, Representative for Senator

Amy Klobuchar

Tera Dahl, Representative for Michele

Bachmann

The event was held to dedi-cate the ag pole and posting of

the Colors with PFC Matt Birrsag. All contributors, with time,


6/21

Col. Wofford served as a pilot with the famous

Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He com-

pleted primary training at Tuskegees (Alabama)

Moton Field, he was sent to nearby Tuskegee Army

Air Field for completion of ight training and for

transition to combat type aircraft.

In his military career he accumulated over 9000

ying hours and ew over 100 combat zone missions

during World War II and the Korean War.

After the war he served in numerous command

and staff assignments in the Air Force including

command of support units, flying squadrons

and as commander of the Tachikawa Air Base

Complex in Japan.

Col. Wofford was very active in local

and national volunteer work in a variety of

diverse organizations including the Air Force

As sociat ion and it s Genera l E.W. Rawl ings

Chapter in Minneapolis.

He is a recipient of the Civil Air Patrols

Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Lifetime

Achievement Award for his signicant contribu-

tions to the aerospace eld over his military and

civilian career.

Col. Wofford would always make himself

available to mentor and advise youth toward

educational preparedness. He spoke often

on the importance of education to Civil Air

Patrol cadets.

He would always make himself available to

speak to CAP members and units with his last

CAP appearance at the 2009 Minnesota Wing

Civil Air Patrol loses a friend inKenneth Wofford

Retired Air Force Colonel Kenneth Wofford,

a friend of the Civil Air Patrol and a patriot,

passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5th, 2010.

Conference in Alexandria, MN. There he talked

about the battles won by the Tuskegee Airmen

against racism and fascism that were left out of

the history textbooks.

Col. Wofford also urged the cadets to follow

your dreams but do not forget about your educa-

tion. He would always stress how learning thebasics, math, science, English, geography and

history will help you become a better person and a

better citizen.

Col. Wofford was a very strong supporter

of CAP and the Cadet Program in particular. He

was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, and was

a true hero in every sense of the word. said Col.

Tom Theis, the Minnesota Wing Commander.

Retired Air Force Col. Ken Wofford (center), speaking tomembers of the Anoka County Composite Squadron at a

change of command ceremony in 2004. File photo courtesy

of Minnesota Wing.


7/21

9 9

A New Pilot in Minnesota WingLt. Col. Al Matson

News from the people and

squadrons of Minnesota Wing

C/CMSgt. Alex Bee at the controls of a Cessna 172 during

the 2006 Minnesota Wing Flight Academy. Photo by Lt. Col.

Tom Woods

Pilot achieves 2 Milestones1st Lt. Scott Richardson

On Sept 2nd Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col.Dick Johnson presented Capt. David Yost,Commander of St. Croix Squadron with hissenior CAP Pilots Wings for logging over ,000hours of time as a pilot.

August 0th was a great day for one of ourmembers. C/CMSgt. Alex Bee of Viking Squadronachieved a goal he set out for himself many years

ago. Anyone who knows him knew the outcomewas never in doubt, because he has always dem-onstrated determination and a strong desire tosucceed.

Please join me in congratulating C/CMSgt. Beeon passing his Private Pilot practical exam, andbeing presented with his Private Pilot certicate!

Way to go Alex!

Capt. David Yost (right) is presented a certicate

commemorating his 50th cadet Orientation Flight by Group 3

Commander, Lt. Col. Dick Johnson.

He also received a certificate from Lt. Col.Johnson recognizing him for completing his 0thCadet Orientation Flight.

Capt. Yost is a Certified Flight Instructor instrument, a Cadet Orientation pilot, MissionPilot, a Minnesota Wing Instructor pilot and aForm check pilot as well.


8/21

0 0

New Commander at the 130thCol. Tom Theis

Please congratulate st Lt. Tom Fitzhenry as thenew commander of the 30th Squadron in Lakeville.Group 4 Commander, Major Jeff Bartelt presided ata ceremony on July 6th that transferred commandfrom st Lt. Karen Anderson to st Lt. Fitzhenry.

1st Lt. Tom Fitzhenry receives the 130th Squadron ag from

Group 4 Commander, Major Jeff Bartelt.

New CadetAdvisory CouncilChair AnnouncedCapt. Susan Blessman

Please join me incongratulating C/Capt.David Chanski of NorthHennepin Squadronon his appointmentas Cadet AdvisoryCouncil Chairman.

Please also congratulate C/2nd Lt. MatthewBruffey also of North Hennepin Squadron on hisappointment as the CAC Vice-Chairman/Recorder.Cadets Chanski and Bruffey were selected by theWing Commander after completion of an applica-

tion and interview process.

C/Capt. David Chanski

Cadets Deliver CAP Reports at theCapitalCol. Kevin Sliwinski

Thank you to the members of the MinnesotaWing Color Guard and their Senior Members whoassisted me in delivering the CAP Annual Reportto the members of the State Legislature.

The members assisting were: C/SMSgt.Jasmine Sands, C/SSgt. Samuel Kessler, C/SRAMitch Hanson, C/SRA Stephanie Sawina, C/SRAGaran Williams, st Lt. J.D. Teter, and SponsorMember Jan Sands.

The members also had the opportunity to meetformer and candidate for Governor, Sen. MarkDayton during the visit.


9/21

Members recognized for CAP ServiceCol. Tom Theis

During the June 2th Minnesota Wing Staff

Meeting I had the great pleasure of recognizingthe following members for heir service to CivilAir Patrol.

Lt. Col. Blaze Cunningham, our Wings Director of

Aerospace Education, for his 15 years of service.

Lt. Col. Anna-Marie Bistodeau, our Wings Character

Development Ofcer, for 25 years of service.

Lt. Col. Alan Matson, our Wings Stan Eval Ofcer, received

recognition for 10 years of service.


10/21

3 3

(Hutchinson, Minn.) Minnesota Wing conducted a statewide SAREX from September 0-4. TheHutchinson Squadron provided a number of air crew and ground crew training opportunities to the 40Minnesota Wing members attending the event there.

Minnesota Wing conductsstatewide SAREX

By Major Richard Sprouse, Group II PAO, Minnesota Wing

All photos courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse

LEFT: Flight Ofcer Wade

Yahnke of Mankato Squadron

refuels his plane before a

mission during Minnesotas

statewide SAREX.

Hutchinson

mission base

ight line cad

and air crews

are briefed p

to Minnesota

statewide SA

held Septem

10-14.

Major Ron MacCarthy, Minnesota Wing HQ, plans a sortie

during Minnesotas statewide SAREX.A cadet ight line crew in Hutchinson poses for the

camera during Minnesotas statewide SAREX.

RIGHT: Mission base staff

in Hutchinson share a light

moment during Minnesotas

statewide SAREX.


11/21

4 4

Members of the 200 Minnesota Ground TeamAcademy (GTA) participated in tornado and straight-line wind cleanup efforts shortly after graduation.

From August 3-, the 0 members attend-ing GTA had been honing their ground team andemergency responder skills at the Arden HillsArmy Training Site (AHATS) when severe weatherwreaked havoc in the St. Cloud area miles away.

We heard that hundreds of trees had beendowned, thousands of people were without power,and there was a need for volunteers to assist withthe clean up, said Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, GTAcommander. What better way to apply whatyouve just learned.

Cleanup is a term well known in Arden Hills, aMinneapolis/St. Paul suburb.

The AHATS, formerly known as Twin Cities

Recent Ground Team Academy graduatesrespond to emergencyMajor Richard J. Sprouse, Public Affairs Ofcer

2010 Minnesota Ground Team AcademyAll photos courtesy Major Richard Sprouse

Army and Ammunition Plant, was placed on theSuperfund cleanup list in 983 due to soil andwater contamination generated in the production ofammunition from WWII through the rst Gulf War.

The area has been on the rebound the past decade.The ,00-acre AHATS site is now being used

by the Minnesota National Guard to conduct landnavigation, drivers training, small unit tactics and

headquarters training. A $ million readiness centerto house several Guard units and about 240 soldiers isscheduled for completion in September 20.

Held previously at Camp Ripley, Minnesotas3,000-acre training facility in central Minnesota,record troop training levels there had the wingsearching for a new place to conduct its yearlyGTA. The AHATS was a perfect t.

A ground team conducts a line search during the 2010

Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.

A ground team prepares for a mission during the 2010

Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.

Cadets prepare to move a casualty during the 2010Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.

A casualty is checked for injuries during the 2010 Minnesota

Wing Ground Team Academy.

Continued on page 17 . . .


12/21

Civil Air Patrol members from across Minnesota spent the week-end in the St. Cloud area assisting with clean up efforts after lateweek tornados and straight line winds snapped or uprooted hundredsof trees, toppled silos, and cut power to several thousand homes.

Strong winds on Thursday evening led to an initial request forCAP to provide aerial photosto assess storm damage, butthe mission was delayed byweather. Less than 24-hourslater severe storms and windsrocked the area Friday causingreported damage in three centralMinnesota counties.

Fortunately, only one injurywas reported when a semi-truckwas blown over near the smalltown of Rice, which bore thebrunt of the storm.

Aircrews from 30th, Brainerd, and North Hennepin squad-rons later provided the National Weather Service with aerialphotographs of the storms path.

The aerial photos CAP provided verified that tornadoes andstraight line winds in excess of 80 miles per hour blasted through thearea, said Major Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wing emergency services

Minnesota members help withstorm clean up

Major Richard J. Sprouse, Public Affairs Ofcer, Group II

All pictures courtesy of Major Richard Sprouse

Members of Nechama, a Jewish disaster response

organization based in the Twin Cities, worked with members

of Mankato Squadron during clean up efforts in Rice, Minn.

Three members of the Mankato Squadron remove debris

from the tornados and straight line winds that hit the St.

Cloud area late last week.

C/Amn Travis Fisher of Mankato

Squadron assists with clean up effortsin Rice, Minn.

C/Amn Anthony Miller of Mankato

Squadron assists with clean up efforts

in Rice, Minn.


13/21

director. Its a miracle that no one was seriouslyinjured or killed.

Clean up over the weekend brought groundteam members from 30th, Grand Rapids,Hutchinson, Mankato, Northland, St. Cloud, St.Paul, and Viking squadrons to the area.

Mankato squadron teamed up with membersof Nechama, a Jewish disaster response organiza-tion based in the Twin Cities. Nechama, which is

Hebrew for comfort, deploys volunteers to helpcommunities clean up after oods, tornados, and

other natural disasters.The two groups worked together removing

dozens of felled tress from neighborhoods in Rice,Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud.

Their efforts were much appreciated byGene and Betty Kirchner, an elderly couplefrom Rice who shook the hands of each CAPand Nechama member.

We are so thankful for all youve done for us.Saying thank you just doesnt seem enough, saidMrs. Kirchner.

Cadet Airman Travis Fisher of Mankato squad-ron summed up the feelings of everyone whoassisted with the aerial imaging and clean up effort.

Its a good feeling you get when you do some-thing like this. The people are so appreciative.It makes being a Civil Air Patrol member reallyworth it.

2nd Lt. Dan Sargent of Mankato Squadron assists with clean

up efforts in Rice, Minn.

Our St. Paul Squadron has utilized the facilityfor some of their training and recommended itwhen Camp Ripley wasnt available, Wilberg said.The good relations established between St. PaulSquadron and the AHATS staffs made it happen.

With plenty of open space and varied terrain andscenarios, the 0 GTA members trained for an eventsimilar to what happened in the St. Cloud area.

It was a good training experience that gave usthe opportunity to train together in simulated real

world situations as a team and evaluate individualcapabilities, Wilberg said,

You never know when to expect a call forassistance from other local, state and federalemergency responders. We didnt expect the callto come within 24-hours of GTA graduation.

That call came Saturday, August 4 whenGround Team Academy attendees were asked toassist with cleanup efforts the following day inSt. Cloud, Minn., an area hard hit by tornados andstraight-line winds late that week.

Some of the challenges our members encoun-tered during the GTA were invaluable in accomplish-ing the mission in the St. Cloud area, Wilberg added.As expected, our members deployed with theproper training, motivated to help, and did anoutstanding job working there, he said.

Minnesota Wing has been requested to returnto the St. Cloud area this weekend to continuecleanup efforts.

Ground team

instructor, MajorJay Craswell of

130th Squadron,

provides some

UDF instruction

during the 2010

Minnesota Wing

Ground Team

Academy.

GTA Academy Continued from page 14 . . .Storm clean up Continued . . .


14/21

9 9

St. Croix Squadron CelebratesDouble Mitchell Awards

1st Lt. Scott Richardson

Public Affairs Ofcer, St. Croix Squadron

Most Civil Air Patrol Squadrons seldom havea Mitchell Award presentation for cadets whoreach the command level in the Cadet program,but the St. Croix Squadron had a double MitchellAward night.

It was denitely a packed house with all of the

squadron members, dignitaries, family members,Minnesota Wing members, special guests and

friends. We were also visited by Civil Air PatrolState Director, Mr. Bill Willis, Lt. Col. Broome,C/Lt. Col. Billy Hoffman, C/CMSgt. Smith, Capt.Paul Van Brunt, st Lt. Colleen McAurthur

Both Cadet Second Lieutenants Grady Bell &David Trudeau received the General Billy MitchellAwards in a brief ceremony, which was held atthe St. Croix Squadron hangar. Both Gen. BillyMitchell Awards were presented by the MinnesotaWing, Civil Air Patrols Group 3 Commander, Lt.Col. Richard Johnson and members his staff.

Also, in attendance for this special doubleMitchell Award ceremony were some distin-guished guests. Accepting our invitation to attendwere Minnesota State Senator, Kathy Saltzman andrepresenting Congresswoman Michele Bachmannwas Ms. Tera Dahl.

Ms. Tera Dhal had read a statement on behalfof Congresswoman Michele Bachmann who couldnot be present at this ceremony. She presenteda copy of each to both C/2nd Lt. Grady Bell &C/2nd Lt. David Trudeau, stating her appreciationand her congratulation to both on their successes inCivil Air Patrol.

State Senator Kathy Saltzman then personallytalked to the assembled squadron, family andfriends to express her appreciation for inviting herto this special occasion and congratulated bothCadet Lieutenants on their accomplishments inattaining the Gen. Billy Mitchell Awards.

The General Billy Mitchell Award signals the

completion of phase II - Leadership and the begin-ning of phase III - Command for cadets. The Cadetprogram consists of 6 achievements throughout4 phases, which range from Learning, Leadership,Command and executive phases of the program.

The Gen. Billy Mitchell Award has existedsince 964. This award honors the late BrigadierGeneral Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate,and staunch supporter of an independent Air Forcefor America.

The award is earned after completing the rst

eight achievements of the cadet program. In addi-tion, the cadet must pass an arduous 00-questionexamination testing leadership theory and aero-space topics. Since its inception over 30 years ago,more than 42,000 cadets have earned this honor.

After the ceremony our members, specialguests and family were treated to refreshments andcake. Pictures were taken with our honored guestsas mementos for the cadets and their families.

(L-R) C/2nd Lt. Grady Bell & David Trudeau with their Gen.

Billy Mitchell Awards.


15/21

20 20

With a ten hour drive in front of them, the mem-bers of the Minnesota Wing Champion Color GuardTeam, along with their escorts, st Lt. JD Teter andCapt. Susan Blessman, enthusiastically packed theirvan and took off from the Crystal Airport on May4th. Their mission was to motivate and dominate atregional color guard competition in Missouri.

The color guard members felt a bit nervous asthey arrived at Missouris Camp Crowder. In theparking lot were some National Guard membersenjoying some down time.

As the senior rie bearer looked out the window

toward the group of men, he said, They look tough,but we can beat em, thinking that the five youngmen were a competing color guard team. Everyonehad a laugh and the mood of the group was lightened.

The opening brieng was attended by the four

They Look Tough, But We Can Beat Em!

C/MSgt Jasmine Sands, North Hennepin Squadron

teams that would compete for the title of NorthCentral Region Color Guard Champion: Nebraska,North Dakota, Missouri, and Minnesota. The sched-ule was handed out, and the staff was introduced.

Cadet project ofcer C/Col. Joshua Carr explained

that the purpose of color guard competitions was notjust to win, but also to benet all teams by increas-ing espirit de corps. There are also benefits to thecadet career by increasing leadership, aerospace,and uniform knowledge; improving drill skills; andproviding opportunities to serve.

Exhaustion soon over-powered excitement, and

the teams rested after their long drive.Tomorrow would be a highly competitive and

stressful day.As the color guard had expected, Saturday was a

full day of competition. The Mile Run was done in twoheats with two teams in each heat. The Nebraska andMissouri teams ran rst followed by the Minnesota

and North Dakota teams in a close race.Immediately after the run breakfast was served.Following breakfast was In-Ranks Inspection.

The teams waited anxiously in the hall for their turn

to be inspected. In-Ranks Inspections are a stressfulexperience. The team stands perfectly still as judgesexamine every detail of their uniforms.

In a regular inspection, each cadet is judged indi-vidually. This also occurs in the In-Ranks Inspection.

We may not have made a clean sweep, but were sweeping

it clean.

The Color Guard performs its Standard Drill routine at the

2010 NCR Color Guard Competition.


16/21

2 22

In addition, the team is judged on their uniformity(pun intended) and on the appearance of their colorguard equipment.

Moments later, the same gym was the venue forthe Standard Drill event. Standard Drill tests eachteams prociency in marching, turning, and passing

in review as they would when called upon to partici-pate in a parade.In Standard Drill, precision is key. The color

guard marched shoulder to shoulder up to the judges,then perform a prescribed routine while carryingries and ags. The goal is to protect and proudly

display the flag of the United States of Americawhile marching in perfect unison.

Panel Quizzing was held down the hall from thegym. The content for Quizzing is aerospace informa-tion from the aerospace modules and current aero-space events. Even though quizzing is a team effort

and everyone on the Minnesota team contributed totheir success, it was clear that this event was ownedby Cadet Kessler, who upon being congratulatedresponded with a humble smile.

After lunch, some teams began the IndoorPractical event as other teams completed their nal

Panel Quizzes. Indoor Practical might be the mostwell known of the color guard events.

Teams are not allowed to preview the room, butmust survey the space for a few minutes at the begin-ning of the event.

Due to heavy rain, Outdoor Practical Drill was heldindoors. Because of the absence of a agpole, competi-tion focused on the ag folding aspect of the event.

The final event was the Written Examination.The content of the exam is from the leadershipmanual and many other CAP documents.

Following the Examination, pizza was served fordinner, and a more relaxed, social atmosphere wasencouraged. Following dinner the award ceremonywas conducted. Once the family members had lled

in nearly all the chairs in the back of the room, the

awards were presented.Minnesota Wing took rst place overall and in theMile Run, the Panel Quiz, In-Ranks Inspections, andStandard Drill. The team took second place in OutdoorPractical, Written Examination, and Indoor Practical.

Besides the team awards, C/MSgt. Jasmine Sandshad chased down the female Fleetfoot Award, andwas presented with the Outstanding Cadet Award.

We spent the evening relaxing with other cadetsfrom around the region. One of the benets of the

Cadet Program is getting to meet and hang out withcadets from across the region. The Nebraska teamgot along nicely with the Minnesota team and sooneveryone was playing Maa and arm wrestling.

On Sunday morning, departure was delayed byheavy thunder showers. Once the danger of lighten-ing had subsided, the cadets packed the van and saidfarewell to Camp Crowder.

The families of the color guard members hadalmost all arrived at the Crystal Airport, home of theNorth Hennepin Squadron, before the color guardpulled in singing We are the Champions on thepublic address system of the van. The cadets weregreeted with cheers, and many stories were toldabout their adventures down in Missouri.

I want to thank the competition staff for makingthis event a success. Many thanks to our escorts, Lt.JD Teter for driving for the entire trip, and Capt.Susan Blessman for showing up on such short noticewith her wonderfully positive attitude.

Thanks, also, to the parents of the color guardmembers for their support and willingness to bringcadets and snacks to color guard practice.

Finally, I would like to thank my team for theiroutstanding hard work and dedication.

(L-R) C/Samuel Kessler, C/Jasmine Sands, C/Garan

Williams, C/Mitch Hanson. Photo by Capt. Susan Blessman


17/21

23 2323

The bays are empty. The drillpad quiet. The blankets and lin-ens turned in. The dining facilityclosed. The 200 MinnesotaEncampment and 2th CadetTraining Group held July 0-at Camp Ripley is over.

For a week, basic cadets,24 Staff Development Squadroncadets, 3 cadet staffers, and30 Senior Members enduredthe heat, humidity and threatof severe weather normallyassociated with a Minnesotasummer to enjoy the cama-raderie, challenges, and funrelated to encampment.

It was all awesome. I wishedit wouldnt have ended, saidC/AC Austen Smith of St. Cloud

Cadets prove they possess the

Pride in Passionduring Minnesota Encampment

Major Richard J. Sprouse, Public Affairs Ofcer, 2010 Minnesota Encampment


Cadets enjoy a Blackhawk ride during the 2010 Minnesota

Wing Encampment.

Cadets enjoying Camp Ripleys condence course during the 2010 Minnesota

Wing Encampment.

C/Capt. Lydia Stone (St. Cloud) provides some land

navigation tips to C/Amn Jordan Kangwijaya (Valley) during

the 2010 Minnesota Wing Encampment.


18/21

2 2

Squadron. Histhoughts wereechoed by manyof those attend-ing encamp-ment, and for

good reason:there was somuch to do.

C a m pRipleys con-fidence coursei n c l u d e d 2 0obstacles thatr e l i eved t hepent up energyof inprocess-

ing and beganbui ld ing theteamwork somuch a part of a successful encampment for cadetsand Senior Members alike.

Later, everyone made their way into therecesses of the 3,000 acre National Guard train-ing facility to receive hands-on land navigationtraining. Teams using a compass utilized pacecounts, point plotting, and map reading skills overvarious terrain to reach their objectives.

The M4 and M16 rie simulators provided avideo game few will forget. And, no one will forgettheir ride on a Blackhawk courtesy of the 2-4thAssault Helicopter Battalion of the MinnesotaArmy National Guard.

Two Blackhawks provided about a 20 minuteride with the sun setting, a view enhanced by thelush farm elds, rich forests, and numerous lakes

and rivers found in central Minnesota.The response by the Blackhawk crews, many

of whom had completed multiple deploymentsduring the Global War on Terrorism, will also belong remembered.

The Minnesota National Guard knows howhard CAP works in preparing for search and rescuemissions, so having you ying with us has been

our honor, said Sergeant Erik Hite, a crew chiefassisting with the ights.

He also added: Weve been working hardduring annual training here, were tired, but seeing

C/Capt. David Johnson (Red Wing) leads his 24th Cadet

Training Squadron during the pass in review at the 2010

Minnesota Wing Encampment.

C/A1C Arden Heath (North Hennepin)

at prayer during an ecumenical service

during the 2010 Minnesota WingEncampment.

the look on the cadets faces after their Blackhawkride made it all worth it. We look forward to ying

with Civil Air Patrol again.As the cadets and staff prepared to leave Camp

Ripley, C/Lt. Col. Billy Hoffman, 2th CTG com-mander reected on the week long event.

For many cadets being thrown into a hugelifestyle change like encampment can be a chal-lenge, but its a good chance to develop time man-agement, teamwork and problem solving skills.Skills that Hoffman hopes they will take to theirhome squadrons and apply.

Pride in Passion was the official motto ofthe 2th CTG, an apropos description of the spritwith which the basic cadets progressed throughencampment, said Captain Nash Pherson, 200Minnesota Encampment commander.

Each cadet proved repeatedly throughout theweek that he or she possessed the pride and passionto take their places as leaders in their squadrons, inthe Minnesota Wing, and the Civil Air Patrol.

More information about the 200 Encampmentincluding daily newsletters, photo albums, dailyvideo updates and more can be found at the encamp-ment website www.cadetleadership.org


19/21

26 26

Clad in patrol caps, BDUs and combat bootsone would think these young adults were at war.The sandy soil and scrub grass under their feet,the blue sky and white sun above, the thumpingof helicopters overhead, the sounds and smells ofdiesel enginesone would think they were in Iraqor Afghanistan.

But they are not.

Arriving Friday, May 2, nearly 4 basic cadetsof the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol gath-ered at Camp Ripley for Encampment PreparatorySchool II (EPS II). Its sort of tune-up for thereal deal: the Minnesota Wing encampment setfor July 0- on the 3,000 acre National Guard

Minnesota cadets prepare for encampmentMajor Richard J. Sprouse, Public Affairs Ofcer, 2010 Encampment


training facility. An EPS in April drew about 2basic cadets.

The instruction provided by the cadet staffat each EPS will give the basic cadets a betterunderstanding of what to expect and the con-fidence to excel when the actual encampmentbegins in July, said Captain Nash Pherson, 200Encampment commander.

In-processing brought a thorough inspection ofgear, ight assignments and a brief lesson on the

history and structure of CAP. It was all a preludeto PT, customs and courtesies, drill, inspections,proper wear and care of uniforms, and CAP careerplanning and opportunities that were to followduring the weekend.

During graduation and goodbyes on Sunday, thebasic cadets had time to reect on their experience.

I thought I wouldnt like it, but it was great,said C/SSgt. Mary Rogers of Northland Squadron.The staff was exceptional. There are lots of thingsI can take back to my squadron.

Cadet Airman First Class Ryan Malcolm of St.Croix Squadron, EPS honor graduate, agreed.

It was a great experience. I would recommendit to everyone.

Cadet Airman First Class Anthony Bosch ofWesota Squadron said he learned a lot.

It was fun, but challenging. It was very well

(L-R) C/SSgt. Mary Rogers and C/SrA Christopher Madsen,

both of Northland Squadron in Bemidji, Minn., wait to in-

process during Minnesota Wings Encampment Preparatory

School II.

C/SSgt. Justin

Crow of Southeast

Minnesota

Squadron in

Rochester

prepares for

inspection during

Minnesota Wings

Encampment

Preparatory

School II.

(L-R) C/Amn James Goth of North Hennepin Squadron

and Daniel Hall of Viking Squadron join other cadets for

some drill activities during Minnesota Wings Encampment

Preparatory School II.


20/21

2 2

(L-R) Captain Brian Freseman of Duluth Squadron, a senior

cadre member, congratulates C/A1C Ryan Malcolm of

St. Croix Squadron, honor graduate of Minnesota Wings

Encampment Preparatory School II.

worth it.Cadet encampment commander, C/Lt. Col.

Billy Hoffman said it was fun to see the cadetsgrow in condence and ability.

They come in wide-eyed and nervous, but by theend of the weekend theyre learning about standards

and expectations, working as a team and making newfriends. Thats what encampment is all about.

Basic cadets await inspection during Minnesota Wings

Encampment Preparatory School II.


21/21

Thank you and congratulations to Capt. NashPherson and C/Lt. Col. Billy Hoffman and theirstaff for all the hard work that went into produc-ing a successful encampment at Camp Ripley thispast week.

A special thanks to all the parent volunteers

who served in the kitchen. Your dedication andservice to our cadets is greatly appreciated and is a

Congratulations and thank you all!

Col. Thomas Theis

Commander, Minnesota Wing

Photos stolen from the encampment website, which were taken by our award winning Major Sprouse

testament to your support of your cadets and of theCivil Air Patrol program.

The caliber of the senior (24) and cadet staff(3) was outstanding.

Congratulations are also in order to all of the

basic and 24 SDS cadets who made this encamp-ment possible. Without you, the staff wouldnthave had anything to do but yell at each other forthe past week! ;-

Cant forget all those background folks whomake all the leadership folks look good. You doyour work without little recognition, such as thelogistics, admin, medical, communications andkitchen staff to name but a few. The care and feed-ing of 8 or so members, for three meals a day foreight days or so was a monumental task.

Seeing the large group of cadets parents,friends and relatives at graduation was absolutelyphenomenal!

Job well done everyone!!!

Documents

Minnesota Wing - Oct 2010