The official publication of Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol October 2006

Minnesota Cadets Complete Leadership Schools

Cadets learning how to drill a flight at the 2006 Cadet NCOS at Camp Ripley. Photo Capt Rich Sprouse

Capt Richard Sprouse

Group 2 PAO

About 60 cadets attended the annual Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS) and Basic
Commissioned Officer Course (BCOC) held October 19-22 at Camp Ripley. The 53,000-acre National
Guard training facility served as the backdrop for cadets learning skills to be effective NCOs and officers.

“A lot of time this is a cadet’s first opportunity to drill a flight, or any type of command or authority
experience at all,” said Captain Josh Puhl, commander of the leadership schools.

Cadets went though a long weekend packed with training lectures, discussions, team building exercises,
student led classes, and drill as they gained a greater understanding of how a squadron runs, their role in
the command structure, and how to be an effective leader.

NCOS is the second part of the Wing’s cadet Integrated Leadership Program. To accomplish the transition
to non-commissioned officer, cadets attend classroom instruction on various topics and then apply what
they’ve learned during practical exercises.

1 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

NCOS/BCOC continued from Page 1

“They’ll learn about their command voice, how to drill, how to carry themselves as an NCO, and then go out the
next hour and practice those skills, which is the real magical part of this program,” Puhl said.

NCOS has been conducted in Minnesota since 1999. This year’s class included 40-45 cadets with a cadre consisting
of 12 cadet staff members who are former NCOS graduates and now cadet officers.

“It’s neat to watch a cadet you knew two years ago become commander or a seminar leader mentoring other
cadets,” Puhl said.

BCOC is step 3 in the Wing’s Integrated

Leadership Program. The focus for the 17 cadets
who attended was more academic, featuring
advanced topics like group dynamics as they
relate to leading and instructing people.

“The BCOC approach is less drill and more

tabletop with some sort of special project
assigned,” Puhl said. “Each class has to develop a
project, work at it, and then make a presentation
to cadets and senior staff at the end of the course.”

This year’s project consisted of a cadet squadron

structure where BCOC candidates had to develop
a yearly wing operational plan incorporating all
staff positions.

“The cadet commander makes overall plans for a year. Then the flight officers do the more focused planning. Then
there’s the facilitation of the communication between the different sections so they’re working toward a common
goal,” Puhl said.

The 20-25 minute BCOC presentation is then made to peers and staff.

“Not incredibly long, but considering the amount of time they have to prepare that’s a sizable task requiring them to
use the skills we’re teaching them: time management, research skills, and coping skills, tools critical to anybody’s
development,” Puhl said. “Making the presentation reinforces what they’ve been learning: use what you have
available to you as effectively as you can.”

Puhl said that NCOS and BCOC courses are great learning opportunities for senior members as well.

“A lot of senior members think they don’t know enough to be involved in NCOS or BCOC, but nothing could be
further from the truth,” Puhl said. “I’ve had seniors tell me they learned just as much as the cadets when they’re up
here.” He also explained why he’s involved with both courses.

“CAP turned me from a somewhat meek person, afraid to talk to anybody, and not believing in myself to someone
with confidence,” Puhl said. “Just having someone say ‘You can do this’ really turned my life around. It provided
so many things to me as a young person that it’s my privilege to give something back and be part of making a
positive impact on someone else’s life. That’s what makes CAP so worthwhile to me and why I encourage all
cadets and senior members to either attend or get involved with NCOS and BCOC.”

2 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

Northland Holds Dining Out and Celebrates Excellence
The Northland Squadron Color Guard Presents the colors.
Bemidji’s Civil Air Patrol held it’s 15th Annual Dining out
at the Bemidji American Legion this past week with over
150 guests.
The Squadron was overwhelmed by the community
support of this event. In attendance were state wide Civil
Air Patrol members and staff, John Watts of Home Depot,
Becky Nahvi with United Way, Pastors from six area
churches, regional educators, Senator Carrie Ruud,
Representatives Frank Moe and Brita Sailer, Hubbard
County Chief Deputy Frank Homer, Emergency Services
Manager Beryl Wernberg, Commissioner Jack Frost,
candidates David Myers, Phil Hodapp, Steve Booth, and
Mary Olsen.
Attendees came from across Minnesota and South Dakota
for the event.
The evening began with Cadet/Lt. Col. Nathan Wozniak
and Flight Officer Chris Zempel greeting each guest as
they entered the Bemidji American Legion. Guests were
then escorted to the lower level with Cadet Staff Sergeant.
Ethan Helgager and Cadet Airman 1st Class Kayla
Sundquist snapping to attention as guests passed their
posts into the Social Hour.
At 6:00 the Head Table dignitaries were seated including
Mr. Bill Willis, Civil Air Patrol State Director, Chaplain
3 Minnesota Wing Tips
Hyle Anderson, Squadron Chaplain and Pastor of Bemidji
Trinity Lutheran Church, Major Dave Odette, Group 1
Commander, Captain Terrance Best, Squadron
Commander, Col. Stephen Miller, Minnesota Civil Air
Patrol Commander, Capt. Kenneth Hartwig,
Communications Officer, Bemidji, Cadet Chief Master
Sergeant. Molly Best, Squadron Cadet Commander and
Mr. Ron Butler, 1st VP of the American Legion, Bemidji.
The Color Guard, consisting of Cadet Staff Sergeant Ethan
Helgager, Cadet Airman 1st Class Kayla Sundquist, Cadet
Airman 1st Class Eric Heinonen and Cadet Airman Trenton
Edgell, presented the colors in their first official act as a
newly formed Color Guard.
Capt. Kenneth Hartwig led a moving tribute to the POW’s,
MIA’s and KIA’s as he stood by the “Table of One”.
Chaplain Hyle Anderson followed with an opening
benediction.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Bill Willis led the room with
toasts to our Country, our Leaders and our men and
women in the armed services.
Col Miller receives a volleyball from Capt Terry Best.
Guest Speaker, Col. Steve Miller, spoke about the
importance of leadership and what a great leader looks
like. He challenged the cadets to become the leaders of
tomorrow in whatever field they pursued. Capt. Best then
presented Col. Miller with a volleyball personally signed
by Maj GenTony Pineda, National Civil Air Patrol
Commander, for his role in being such a team player in the
Minnesota Wing.
Officer Cheryl Winnett asked all Veterans, their wives and
widows of veterans to stand. Cadets then gave each person
standing a chocolate bar and rendered them a salute. Each
chocolate bar was made to look like the WW1 military
issue chocolate bars. Officer Winnett shared the history of
the chocolate bar and it’s importance to the soldier.
October 2006

Capt Terry Best
Capt. Best took the podium and spoke of the remarkable
year that Northland Squadron has experienced. The year
started with 4 Officers and 4 Cadets. The squadron was in
danger of loosing it’s charter because of low attendance.
To date the squadron has 18 cadets and 23 Officers. Capt.
Best attributes the surge in growth to the number of
parents that are involved weekly in the program.
The Award Program began with the following Cadet
Awards:
Service Before Self Award: C/A1C Eric Heinonen,
High Speed, Low Drag Award: C/A1C Kayla Sundquist,
Past Cadet of the Year Award: C/CMSgt. Molly Best,
Cadet of the Year Award: C/SSgt Ethan Helgager,
Runner Up for Cadet of the Year: C/A1C Eric Heinonen
Capt. Kenneth Hartwig was honored for his years of
service to the program with the proclamation that the
Cadet of the Year Award would now be called the
“Kenneth Hartwig Award”.
C/CMSgt Molly best receives the Mitchell Award from Group 1
Commander Major Dave Odette and Col Miller
4 Minnesota Wing Tips
The coveted Air Force Association Award and the
Mitchell Award went to C/CMSgt. Molly Best.
Officer Awards were presented to:
Capt. Kenneth Hartwig and 1LT SteveMcGuirk for their
work in Fund Raising.
The Chaplain Appreciation Award was presented to
Chaplain Hyle Anderson
The Extra Mile Award was presented to Major Dave and
Captain Paulette Odette
Senior of the Year was presented to 2LT Robin Helgager
The squadron applauded Rep. Frank Moe for his
acceptance into the Civil Air Patrol’s Legislative Squadron
in St. Paul. Rep. Moe automatically receives the rank of
Captain and was presented a certificate of Membership by
Col. Steve Miller.
Chaplain Anderson was asked to stand before the head
table and Capt. Best, Major Odette and Col. Miller
promoted the Chaplain to the rank of Major. Mrs. Gloria
Anderson assisted in changing the Chaplains epaulets.
In a show of support for the Squadron Commander, Capt.
Best, MC Bill Willis asked Capt. Best to the front of the
room. The four members in attendance that were with
Capt. Best when he took command one year ago, came and
stood next to him. Then the 36 members that have joined
the squadron since Capt. Best took command, came and
stood in an impressive line. A Commanders Appreciation
Placque was then passed down the line by each member to
Capt. Hartwig who presented the award to Capt. Best to
the standing ovation of the room.
The evening was closed with Taps played by flutist Sarah
Mandrell and the Benediction by Chaplain Hyle Anderson.
Photographs are courtesy of Hubbard Studio, Park Rapids
October 2006
Northland Squadron Achieves High Marks in National Recruiting
Campaign
Congratulations to Northland Squadron on it’s achievement of an amazing 71% growth during the recently concluded
membership campaign. Here are the nationwide results for comparison.

Nationally
PCR AK 087 Kodiak Island 174.36% Growth
NER NY 801 Rome City District 96.32% Growth
NCR MN 066 Northland Composite 70.83 % Growth

Regionally
NCR MN 066 Northland Composite 70.83% Growth
NCR NE 019 Omaha Composite 42.86% Growth
NCR KS 123 New Century Composite 23.88% Growth
NCR NE 002 Offutt Composite 16.18% Growth

“We are very pleased to represent our Region and our Wing on a National Level. We feel that our growth rate has been a
positive one! Not too much, so as not to be able to handle, and not too little, so as to not see progress! This is definitely a
TEAM game!” Said 2d Lt Robin Helgager, the squadron’s Deputy Commander.

In Memoriam: Lt Col William Cleary

Lt Col William Cleary, Red Wing, formerly of MN Wing HQ, was
hospitalized today in Lake City after suffering a heart attack.
Prayers for comfort and recovery are encouraged. Get well cards
to Bill are encouraged to 302 N. Franklin Ave, Lake City MN
55041.

It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of LTC William

Cleary, Red Wing Squadron member and former Wing staff
officer. Bill passed away overnight at Lake City Hospital in Lake
City, MN after suffering a heart attack yesterday. He was a
devoted CAP officer and a kind and caring friend and citizen. His
passing leaves a big void in our wing and he will be deeply missed.

5 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

Cadet Squadron enjoys trip to SCSU flight simulator
Capt Rich Sprouse
Group 2 PAO
Introducing students to the specialized skills and
environment they will encounter in commercial aviation
was the goal during the recent North Star Cadet Squadron
visit to St. Cloud State University (SCSU).
About 20 Cadets from the St. Cloud based squadron took
the controls of the university's state-of-the-art flight
simulator as well as test a wing they personally constructed
in the SCSU Systems Simulation Center.
"The primary objective of the cadets building a wing was
to help them better understand how lift and the shape of a
wing relate to each other in flight,"
said Lieutenant Todd Christopherson, a senior member of
North Star Cadet Squadron, SCSU aviation program
student and organizer of the event. "The cadets were also
able to learn about the different types of drag associated
with a wing, as well as use their individual creative skills
to build a wing that would produce lift."
Christopherson said the wing instruction the cadets
received was twofold: classroom work discussing wing
aerodynamics and a wing schematic provided by SCSU
Environmental and Technological Studies professor Jim
Nicholson.
"I was amazed at some of the wings, each one was
unique," Nicholson said.
"It was obvious to me that the cadets had spent weeks on
their respective wings and it showed. I would not be
surprised to see several future aerospace engineers come
out of that group."
The flight training simulator is setup to simulate a Beech
1900 turbo prop, a regional airliner holding approximately
19 passengers. The full-sized, dual visual, airline class
simulator is one of the country's most sophisticated flight
training devices. It includes a custom designed audio/video
recording system that offers debriefing capabilities
previously found only at airline training centers. The
simulator is meant to teach the systems of an advanced
multi-engine aircraft while focusing on crew resource
management.
"Any of the systems on the flight simulator can be 'failed'
to make the cadets react to the situation and make critical
decisions that will affect the flight," Christopherson said.
6 Minnesota Wing Tips
"This challenged them to land the flight simulator without
crashing, which I should say not one of the cadets did!"
During the entire visit, St. Cloud State Aviation
Ambassadors Jon Gourdoux and Tom Nichols acted as
hosts and mentors to the cadets. The Ambassadors are
SCSU students who promote aviation throughout the year
by giving airport tours, making high school visits, meeting
with prospective students, and participating in events with
other organizations that have the same passion for
spreading the word about aviation. They were joined by
Professor Nicholson, SCSU aviation professor Angie
Olson and St. Cloud Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron
member Captain Ryan Brovold.
Cadet Sam Ellis tests the aerodynamics of the wing he built at the St.
Cloud State University Systems Simulation Center.
"The most important thing the cadets took away from this
event was the realization that flying an aircraft takes a
great amount of skill and training. Also, the fact that
understanding aerodynamics is the first building block to
having a career in aviation, or just flying in general,"
Christopherson said.
"It was a great experience, and I learned a lot," said Cadet
Airman Mitchell Fuchs. "The hands-on part was great, we
all enjoyed it and are grateful to SCSU."
"Several cadets came up to me and thanked me for setting
this up, but just seeing their faces light up when their wing
worked or when they stepped into the simulator made it all
worthwhile," Christopherson said. "Aviation is amazing
and as you can tell I love it. My passion for aviation is
more then skin deep, it's all the way to the bone. I hope
there is never a day when I won't look up in the sky to see
what is making that noise. I know our cadets feel the same
way."
October 2006
 the past five years. She currently serves as cadet
commander of the squadron and facilitates overall
functions of the local cadet programs.

She also is a certified ground team member and has

received rigorous training in first aid, CPR, search and
rescue, radio communications, winter survival and ground-
search techniques. She has assisted in several ground
searches and has received commendations for excellence
in locating missing persons or aircraft.

As a Civil Air Patrol member, Pfingsten has provided

security for the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Contest,
participated in the United Way community cleanup
campaign and provided security at the Battle of the Bands
and the Brainerd Fourth of July parade for several years.

Pfingsten began volunteering at age of 4, when she helped

with a local political campaign by knocking on doors with
Reaching new heights her mother. She volunteered at the Lakes Area Senior
Activity Center at age 13, answering phones and assisting
Teen pilot Pfingsten named Brainerd the executive director. She is a member of Youth As
Area Youth Volunteer of Year Resources and has volunteered with Breakfast with Santa
for the past several years.
Sarah Pfingsten, a Brainerd girl who recently earned her
She also is active with her church youth group, serving
private pilot's license, two weeks after her 17th birthday,
senior citizen dinners, raking yards of shut-ins or the
was named Monday the 2006 Youth Volunteer of the
elderly and doing other youth volunteer tasks.
Year.
Pfingsten is a junior at Brainerd High School. She is a
Pfingsten, the daughter of Tom and Beth Pfingsten of
member of the A Cappella Choir, Symphonic Band, high
Brainerd, has volunteered in a number of capacities
school track team and MnENABL. She has attended
throughout the community.
DeWitt Tae Kwon Do since she was 7 and has attained the
rank of black belt.
She is the youngest and longest-serving volunteer in the
Brainerd Radiothon to End Child Abuse. Since 1994, when
She is one of the youngest female pilots in the world and
Pfingsten was still in grade school, she helped with the
flew solo on her 16th birthday.
annual event, said Mike Boen, managing partner at BL
Broadcasting in his nomination letter for Pfingsten.
Pfingsten is one of several award recipients who will be
honored at the 2006 Distinguished Service Awards
"Sarah has done just about every radiothon job, from being
banquet Nov. 16 at Timbermist. The banquet is sponsored
a 'runner' (taking pledge information to various station
by Brainerd Community Action, Brainerd Dispatch and
studios) to working the phones and taking pledges from
Brainerd Jaycees.
listeners," Boen said. "She often has worked on both days
of the event, showing up at 6 a.m. on the final morning of
pledging ... often the first person in the station."
Special thanks to this month’s contributors!!!!
Pfingsten has volunteered with Operation Interdependence
since the summer of 2004, helping to raise funds and Lt Col Bob Johnson
packing care packages to service personnel serving abroad. Lt Col Barney Uhlig
Pfingsten planned and organized the first Military Chili Capt Rich Sprouse
Cook-off last winter, which raised funds for the
organization.
Capt Greg Opdahl
1st Lt Scott Johnson
Pfingsten also is an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, Kirsty McKracken
an organization she credits for building her confidence and
leadership skills. She serves as a cadet second lieutenant in
the Crow Wing Composite Squadron of the Minnesota
Wing of the Civil Air Patrol and has been a member for
7 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006
 Wing squadron open house they shared how CAP helped
Former CAP Cadets share prepare them for their military careers.
experiences with Crow Wing
All three graduated from Hermantown high school. Tara
Members attended and graduated from Bob Jones University in
Photo and story by Lt. Col. Robert Johnson North Carolina, Tricia went to and graduated from the
University of Wisconsin at Madison and Tanya graduated
from the Air Force Academy. All three said that CAP
played an important part in their lives and helped each of
them in their officer training. Tara is a registered nurse and
said that after being commissioned as an Ensign in the
Navy her time in a six week officer training course was
easy thanks to her CAP training. Tricia was enrolled in the
ROTC program at Wisconsin, with her CAP background
certainly helping her being accepted as well as doing well
in the ROTC program. Tanya was accepted into the Air
Force Academy, which is a high honor in itself, with CAP
giving her an edge over other candidates.

The meeting gave the present and prospective cadets a

chance to visit with the Kobberdahls and learn from their
Proud parents Marcel and Sherryl, Lt. Tara (US Navy), and Maj. Tricia experiences. Members of the squadron as well as guests
Kobberdahl (USAF) and sister Maj. Tanya Kubinec and her husband also had an opportunity to learn about the Kobberdahls
Maj. John Kubinec experiences while serving their country.

The Kobberdahl family were special guests at a recent
meeting of the Crow Wing Squadron of Civil Air Patrol
(CAP). Three of the Kobberdahl’s daughters are serving
as officers in the US Navy and Air Force. Growing up in
Hermantown Minnesota the three Kobberdahl’s were
members of the Duluth Squadron of CAP. At the Crow
As one guest remarked “We are so fortunate to have such
wonderful young people serving and representing our
country”. All of the Kobberdahls and Maj. John Kubinec
are true heroes as they serve their country.

Milestone achieved by long time member

On October 27th Lt Col Tom O’Connor completed 64 years of membership in

Civil Air Patrol. 64 years ago O’Connor joined the Robbinsdale Squadron 711-4
(now known as North Hennepin Squadron.) This was the first cadet unit in Civil
Air Patrol and he was the 38th cadet in Civil Air Patrol

Colonel O’Connor has served in a wide variety of assignments including

Squadron Commander, Group Commander, Director of Cadet Programs and a
10 year assignment as Director of Professional Development. He has completed
all 5 levels of the Senior Professional Development Program as well as serving
in the US Air Force. The colonel is a life member of Civil Air Patrol.
Congratulations Colonel O’Connor!!!

8 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

Minnesota Wing members
hone search and rescue skills
in Mankato
Capt Rich Sprouse
Group 2 PAO
Members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol
(CAP) conducted a recent series of training operations
designed to test and exercise the ability of members to
respond to search and rescue, disaster relief, and other
mission areas. Training was conduced September 9 in
Mankato with 80 members received training in various
specialties, including Ground Team, Information Officer,
Mission Observer, Mission Radio Operator, Mission Pilot,
Mission Scanner and Operations Section Chief.

According to Lieutenant Nash Pherson, Mankato

Composite Squadron commander, 11 CAP aircraft flew 55
sorties, for a total of 32 hours airborne. In addition to
members from wing and group headquarters, CAP
members from across the state participated in the exercise.

Minnesota Wing was placed on alert for the exercise due

to the effects of a simulated severe weather incident in
Southern Minnesota. Wing aircraft were involved flying
aircraft and providing aerial reconnaissance and Incident Commander Capt Tony Rosinni checks in with Major Bill
Hewitt during the Group 4 SAREX in Mankato.
photographs of critical infrastructure. Computer sent
digital photographs of these locations from the aircraft's
cockpit to incident command staff on the ground.

Another task involved air and ground search teams from

Minnesota Wing squadrons conducting search and rescue
during a variety of training scenarios. They reported on the
discovery of clues, operational status of the search team,
and real responses to simulated conditions.

In addition to participating in "hands on" training

activities, Cadets, under the supervision of senior
members, assisted with sign in and credentialing of
members, operated radios, kept logs, escorted senior staff,
and performed flight line marshalling. Members also
provided airfield and mission base safety and security.

Other agencies and resources involved in the exercise were Capt Jo Ellen Peters of Mankato Squadron debriefs a crew at the 2006
the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Group 4 SAREX in Mankato.
Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State
University-Mankato, Mayo One Air Ambulance and
Northstar Aviation.

9 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

Metro Squadrons in Joint
Search for Missing Man
1st Lt Scott Johnson
St Paul Squadron PAO
th
On Sept 15 members of multiple Metro Squadrons joined
together with the Edina Police & Fire Department to
search for an elderly man who had disappeared the day
before. Approximately 100 searchers, and one CAP
aircrew and several dog teams, searched a large local
wooded park and lake near Flying Cloud Airport for the
missing man.
Initial reports had the man, who suffers from dementia,
walking in the park near his home. Searchers with dogs,
ground teams on foot, and the aircrew combed the trails,
muddy lake shore, and brushy hillsides to no avail.
Exactly 24 hours after the man disappeared, and with hope
of a successful outcome fading, he was found in good
health getting his afternoon mail (as he always does) at
2:30 pm. by his wife and children who saw him walking
outside. The man had become confused and spent the
night and day at a neighbors house that was left unlocked
when they were on vacation, thinking it was his house.
Maj. Al Mattson briefs a team on the situation.
A successful outcome, some great training, and cross
squadron work and public relations were the result of this
search. The Edina police department is now very aware of
the capabilities and quick response time CAP can provide.
The CAP members in attendance also learned to put their
SAR EX drills and skills into an actual mission.
The police department, much to our delight, fed us an
excellent box lunch of hamburgers and an afternoon snack
along with as much water and Gatorade we could drink all
day. Given the heat, and strenuous walking we did, we
consumed everything they put in front of us.
10
CAP Participates in FAA Drill
Capt Greg Opdahl
Southeast Minnesota Squadron
On 16 September 2006, Red Wing and South East MN
Composite Squadrons participated in the 2006 FAA
disaster drill at the Rochester International Airport.
The FAA mandates that an airport disaster drill physically
take place every three years. The scenario of the drill was
one where an aircraft takes off from Rochester and then
requests a return to Rochester stating an unspecified
problem. Once the request to return was granted, there is
no further contact with the control tower.
Civil Air Patrol was tasked to provide perimeter security
for the drill site. The secondary purpose was to show what
CAP can do for the local emergency services agencies and
officials, thereby helping spread the word about the Civil
Air Patrol.
The communications capabilities were demonstrated by
having the ground team communicate amongst themselves
with the Inter Squad radios. The Ground Team Leader
communicated to Mission Base on the regular CAP
frequencies as well as the liaison officer who was stationed
near the drill site and who was in contact with the overall
Incident Commander.
CAP received high marks from the Transport Security
Administration officials who were onsite to see that overall
security was in place. They were pleased to see an all
volunteer professional organization was up to the task of
providing security.
Members were able to see the Mayo-1 Helicopter in action
as well as tour a C-130.
They were able to ask the pilots and crew about many
facets of the aircraft. This included seeing the cockpit and
receiving a briefing on how the plane operates. This was a
good lesson in aerospace education. There was some time
to do some training while the drill was happening.
CAP drill participants standing on the rear door of the C-130
Photo by Capt Matt Wiskow
Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006
Page 5 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

Members Achievements
Wright Brothers Award Senior Member Promotions
Ethan Helgager, Northland
Derik Wobbrock, Owatonna 2nd Lt
Samuel Dicosimo, Valley Donald Helgager, Northland
Donna Swigert, St Paul
Mitchell Award Georgel Oanca, St Paul
Matthew Walker, 130th Joel Rydbeck, St Paul
Scott Lewis, 130th Nanette Berg, Grand Rapids
Alex McGillick, Hutchinson
Bethany Stepanek, North Hennepin 1st Lt
Amy Brennan, North Hennepin Andrew Fraser
Kelsey Brennan, North Hennepin Anita Hallum, Worthington
Molly Best, Northland Marnie Vonwald, 130th
James Sellen, Valley Randy Bryant, Hutchinson
Rhett Tompkins, Viking
Earhart Award Stephen Denmark, St Paul
David Lucey, Anoka Thomas Atol, Duluth
Ann Dally, Owatonna
Captain
Senior Member Awards Cecil Schmidt, Crow Wing
Dalen Kruse, St Croix
Certificate of Proficiency (Level 2) Daniel Roth, North Hennepin
Daniel Roth, North Hennepin Francis Daly, Red Wing
Megan Schroeder, North Hennepin John Vadnais, St Paul
John Vadnais, St Paul Nash Pherson, Mankato
Richard Sprouse, Group 2
Loening Award (Level 3) Steven Jazwinski, 130th
Bryce Duncan, Red Wing
Chris Priest, 130th Major
Clifford Tamplin, St Paul Chris Priest, 130th
Elizabeth Pfingsten, Crow Wing Conrad Peterson, Wing HQ
Jeffrey Bartelt, Red Wing Frank Moe, Legislative Squadron
Marilyn Lucas, Red Wing Hyle Anderson, Northland
Mark McCormick, Worthignton Mark McCormick, Worthington
Paulette Odette, Northwest MN
Lieutenant Colonel
Garber Award (Level 4) Blaze Cunningham, Red Wing
Blaze Cunningham, Red Wing

11 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

 "We're happy to be at the new location. It's a beautiful
Wesota (Willmar) squadrons building,'' said Major Ruth Hoffman, Wesota Composite
prepare for ground team Squadron commander. Wesota Composite Squadron,
organized in the early 1990s, had been meeting at the old
training near Wintrop. Willmar airport. The old airport, which is now closed, is
just two miles away.
Hoffman said pilots need to be careful not to land at the
closed airport.

The $21-million facility includes a new terminal building,

Cadets from Hutchinson and Wesota (Willmar) squadrons prepare for
ground team training near Wintrop.
main lobby and waiting area, receptionist area, pilots'
lounges, and manager's office. The lobby provides a
comfortable area for people to sit and wait for aircraft,
have a snack or view the ramp and runway. Two pilots'
lounges are available, and a larger lounge will be equipped
with weather computers, maps and television where pilots
can plan their flights, relax and visit. The federal
government pitched in about $14 million for the project,
with the rest of the funding coming from local and state
sources. The Wesota Composite Squadron will gather in
the spacious meeting room located in the terminal.

"We are excited about the move because of the new

facility, city services, telephones and Internet access, along
with more space," Hoffman said. "All in all it's been a
good move."

C/2nd Lt Andrew Puckett, Cadet Commander of the Hutchinson

Composite Squadron, reviews training tasks with Cadet/Airman 1st Class
McKenzie Johnson, Wesota Composite Squadron, while other Cadets
ready gear to begin ground team training.

Wesota Composite Squadron

has new home
(Willmar, Minnesota) The Wesota Composite Squadron of
the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has a new Major Ruth Hoffman (standing), Wesota Composite Squadron
commander, addresses squadron members and guests at their new facility
home at the to the recently completed Willmar Municipal at the Willmar Airport.
Airport (BDH).

Page 13 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

12 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

 Minnesota Wing Shines at National Board

From Left to Right Col Robert Todd Nebraska Wing Commander, Col Steve Kuddes NCR Commander, Capt Al Pabon MN Wing PAO, Maj Gen Tony Pineda
CAP National Commander, Lt Col Mike Pederson NCLR Commander, Col Steve Miller MN Wing Commander and Col Bernard King Kansas Wing
Commander. Photo by Kirsty McCracken.

At the National Board meeting Minnesota Wing was recognized with several very significant awards for excellence as a win as
well as individual excellence. These Awards are:

Counterdrug Mission Award

Cadet Programs Mission Award
Squadron Chaplain of the Year - Ch, Lt Col James Sickmeyer, Worthington Squadron
Public Affairs Officer of the Year - Capt Al Pabon, Wing HQ

Minnesota Chaplain is CAP Chaplain of the Year

Chaplain Lt. Col. James Sickmeyer, a CAP chaplain
since 1995 was recognized as the 2006 CAP Squadron
Chaplain of the year at the recent National Board
Meeting in Reno, by CAP’s National Commander Maj
Gen Tony Pineda.

He is the former chaplain of the Worthington Composite

Squadron, is currently serving as the Minnesota Wing
Chaplain.

As the squadron's trusted confidant, he gave counseling

to members who needed a caring person's guidance.
Sickmeyer also was the first staff protocol officer for the
North Central Region's Chaplain Service Staff College.
The idea of having a staff protocol officer teaching
uniform issues at chaplain service staff colleges appealed
to both former and current chiefs of the chaplain program
as a way of accentuating CAP's professionalism, and the
practice is now duplicated nationwide.

Sickmeyer is certified by the QPR Institute of Spokane, Wash., to teach basic, intermediate and advanced suicide
prevention and awareness. The free training he provides for CAP chaplains and moral leadership officers annually helps
save countless lives from potential suicide.

He is also certified as a Critical Incident Stress Management counselor by the International Critical Stress Foundation,
and he is currently serving on the CISM team for southwestern Minnesota.

13 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006

St Paul Squadron News
st
Stories by 1 Lt Scott Johnson
St. Paul holds O-Flight and Flight
Line Marshalling Program
This past October 19~20, 2006 (click links through out
page for photos) over the two day public school teachers
union convention, the Saint Paul Composite Squadron held
a Flight Line Marshalling and mass cadet Orientation Ride
program at the South Saint Paul airport. This project was
put together on short notice, but it turned out to be a huge
success.
There were 12 cadets, at least 10 seniors, and three aircraft
each day. This was a very large undertaking.
The Flight Line Marshalling program is designed to teach
the cadets how to be safe in a potentially very dangerous
environment; the airport flight line. It teaches them how to
properly direct, refuel, and park aircraft in a moving
environment.
The Cadet Orientation Flights are designed to introduce
our cadets to the joy of flight, give them a basic overview
of the mechanics of flight, and, what it takes to fly safely.
Hopefully, what they learn here will also carry over with
them at home when they ride a bike, learn to drive a car, or
are in a situation that requires them to think first (hopefully
- safety first).
Each cadet was asked to write an article on his/her
experience. They are available online at
http://www.mncap.org/stpaul/oride2.htm
14 Minnesota Wing Tips
Saint Paul holds largest Camp
Curry Weekend ever!
The Saint Paul Composite Squadron completed their
largest cadet Camp Curry weekend October 6~7, 2006 at
the South Saint Paul Airport. Making this graduating class
special was that there were four cadet leaders who attended
this course in the past and returned as instructors and
mentors, and shouldered much of the training for the proud
(and grateful) seniors who had done it all in the past.
There were 10 graduates of this camp, the largest yet. The
Saint Paul Squadron has grown from just seven cadets this
past year to 31 at last count!
Classes were conducted on CAP history, rules for
membership, communications, what it takes to be a good
cadet and much more. Many hours were spent on physical
fitness, marching procedures, reporting to an officer, and
general military bearing. In addition, cadets were taken to
the uniform supply hangar and each was outfitted with a
complete BDU and boots. A session on uniforms and shoe
shining followed.
C
Camp Curry Graduates receive their diplomas and join the St Paul Cadet
Corps
A graduation ceremony was held on 12 October with the
cadets’ parents, extended families, and friends in
attendance. The cadets’ first rank badges were awarded
and pinned by their parents. Following the ceremony,
parents were invited to stay for the regular meeting and a
short class taught by Capt. Tyra Cerny on the Airport
Traffic Pattern. Also in attendance at this class were
visiting cadets and seniors from the Valley squadron who
had just completed a tour of the Saint Paul airport and
tower operations.
The Saint Paul Squadron’s cadet program is managed by
Capt. Matt Barrett & Lt. Col. Paul Adams. The cadet
commander is Cadet Lt. Kaitlyn Bogan, who was assisted
by Cadet Airmen Cassidy Gonsoski, Peter Ryden, and
Rebecca Potter. Seniors assisting in the camp were Col.
October 2006
Steve Miller, Capt. Paul Pieper, Capt. Tyra Cerny, and Lt. Squadron attended a class sponsored by the MN Dept. of
Scott Johnson. Homeland Security and Emergency Services under
the guidance of the Minnesota Dept of Health on becoming
Radiological Protection Specialists (RPS).

Course work included a background of what radiation is,

how it is measured, and what levels are considered safe
and unsafe. Not to minimize the importance of this
program, but the instructor said at one point that the levels
of radiation that could be possibly released by a nuclear
power plant emergency are very small and most likely
would not be a danger to the public masses. In the event
of a major radiation emergency (i.e. a bomb blast), the
Army would handle the event.

Following the classroom training, a simulated emergency

Lt Col Paul Adams promotes Cadet Fox to the grade of Cadet Airman
Additional photos and slide show with music is online at
http://www.yourbenefitresource.com/curry.htm
Saint Paul Squadron Seniors
Become Radiological Protection
Specialists
Over two evenings, held coincidently on our regular
meeting night, 15 Seniors of the Saint Paul Composite
exercise was held in Cottage Grove at the National Guard
Armory. This event included numerous supporting
agencies; the local police, fire, ham radio operators, and of
course, Civil Air Patrol.
In the event of an emergency, CAPs' task will be to scan,
and clean, all incoming refugees and their automobiles for
radioactivity and to assist in directing them to shelter.
Contaminated refugees will then be directed to a cleaning
area where CAP members were trained to remove, handle,
and dispose of their contaminated clothing etc and to
decontaminate the individuals before sending them on to
shelter.

Encampment News

Capt Josh Puhl Capt Sue Vinge C/Capt Patrick Vinge C/Major Laura Broker

Encampment Executive Staff Announced

Capt Joshua Puhl has been selected as the 2007 MNWG Encampment Commandant of Cadets and Capt Sue Vinge has been
selected as the 2007 MNWG Encampment Executive Officer.

Cadet Training Group Executive Staff Announced

C/Capt. Patrick Vinge has been selected as the Deputy Group Commander and C/Maj. Laura Broker has been selected as
Group Executive Officer.

Cadet Staff Applications are now being accepted at www.mncap.org/cp/9ctg. Watch Wingtips and the Cadet Programs website
for the latest information on how you can be a part of the Minnesota Encampment Experience!

15 Minnesota Wing Tips October 2006