“Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond”

North Central Region News

Volume 2008 July

Nebraska Cadet Earns Spaatz Award

Lt Col David Waite
Commander, Offutt Composite
Squadron, Nebraska Wing

Cadet Colonel Joseph Williams, of the

General Curtis E. LeMay Offutt Composite
Squadron, recently pinned on the rank of
Cadet Colonel rank after earning the
coveted General Carl A. Spaatz Award.

The Spaatz Award is Civil Air Patrol’s

highest cadet honor. It is presented to
cadets who have demonstrated excellence
in leadership, character, fitness, and
aerospace education. Cadets qualify for this
prestigious award after devoting an average
of five years to progress through sixteen
C/Col Joseph Williams stands with retired Major General Roger
Lempke, the former Adjutant General of Nebraska after receiving
achievements in the CAP Cadet Program.
his Carl A Spaatz Award.
Along the way cadets develop self-discipline, a strong sense of personal responsibility, the ability to lead
and persuade, and the foundation necessary for pursuing a career in aviation, space, or technology.

Cadet Williams joined Civil Air Patrol in 2002. He held various leadership positions throughout his time in
the squadron. He also participated in the International Air Cadet Exchange. He is a 2005 graduate of
Bellevue West High School. He is currently a senior at The Citadel in South Carolina. He plans on
joining the US Air Force upon graduation.

On average, only two cadets in one thousand earn the Spaatz Award. Since the award’s inception in
1964, Civil Air Patrol has presented the Spaatz Award to just fewer than 1,700 cadets.

In this Issue:
• Hangar Dedicated to former Commander and Squadron Founder
• National Cadet Competition Coverage
• North Dakota Evaluated Exercise
• Iowa Wing Corporate Learning Course
NCR News • Cadets Grow at the Minnesota
July 2008Wing Cadet Encampment Page 1
• And Much MORE!!!
Brainerd Hangar dedicated to former commander
Lt Col Bob Johnson
Crow Wing Composite Squadron

The Crow Wing Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) dedicated their hanger at the Brainerd Airport in memory of Lt. Col.
Eugene Stanich on Saturday, July 5th.

The keynote speaker for the dedication was Air Force General Bruce
Carlson, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, Ohio.

The command's 77,000 people manage $47 billion annually in research,

development; test and evaluation while providing the acquisition
management services and logistics support required to develop procure and
sustain Air Force weapon systems.

General Carlson was born in Hibbing, Minn. He was commissioned in 1971

as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at the University
of Minnesota, Duluth. He has held various flying assignments to include
commanding the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M., the Air Force's
first stealth fighter wing.

General Carlson is planning on retiring in January 2009.

General Carlson also presented the Amelia Earhart Award to Cadet Captain
General Bruce Carlson Josh Woodward of Brainerd. This award recognizes cadet Woodward’s
Picture Courtesy of
Air Force Public affairs accomplishments and is a high honor achieved by only few cadets in the
Civil Air Patrol.

The day before the dedication General Carlson was the Grand Marshal at the Brainerd 4th of July Parade.

The Cuyuna Community band played music for the event, which drew a crowd of two hundred people for the
dedication of the refurbished hangar.

Mayor James Wallin presented a plaque to the squadron (Pictured

left) honoring Lt. Col. Stanich’s accomplishments and dedicating
the hanger in his memory.

Also speaking were State Senator Paul Koering, State

Representative John Ward and the Minnesota Wing Commander
Colonel Tom Theis.

Capt. Joe Stanich, a current member of Crow Wing Squadron

accepted the plaques and spoke on behalf of the Stanich family.

Lt. Col. Gene Stanich will be remembered for his friendly

disposition, dedication and service to his country and fellow CAP
members.

Major John Barsness contributed to this story.

NCR News July 2008 Page 2

 Brainerd Hangar Dedication

About Lt Col Gene Stanich

Lt. Col. Gene Stanich died on January 19th, 2005.

During World War II he flew in many different aircraft

as a member of the US Army Air Corps. When the
war ended, Gene returned to Minnesota. Because he
wanted to continue to be involved with aviation,
Gene joined CAP in 1950.

He was a charter member of Crow Wing Squadron,

General Carlson presents the Earhart Award
and was an active member right up until his recent
to C/Capt Josh Woodard.
illness. Gene rarely missed a meeting and proudly
wore his uniform, serving as an inspiration to
countless members during his 55 years in CAP. He
served in every position in the squadron and was
one of its first commanders.

The job of squadron commander included coming

early and starting a fire in the potbelly woodstove to
heat the meeting place.

Gene served as commander for four years and was

then promoted to Group Commander, a position he
would hold for 19 years! As Group Commander he
had seven squadrons and a lot of missions to keep
him busy. In those days, without ELT's, it wasn’t
uncommon to have 2-3 searches a week .
Members of the Stanich family during the festivities.
As Group commander Gene was able to do a lot of
flying. He especially enjoyed flying the T-34. He put
many hours on it, flying to visit squadrons and the
Wing HQs.

Gene’s sons, Joe and Greg, were cadets in CAP. Joe

recently moved back to the Brainerd area and has
re-joined Crow Wing Squadron.

As a retired educator, Joe has brought special skills

to the cadet program and continues his family’s
tradition of dedicated service.

Lt. Col. Gene Stanich will be remembered for his

friendly disposition, dedication and service to his
country and fellow CAP members.
CAP dignitaries including Minnesota State Director Bill
Willis (right) visit with General Carlson. Mr. Willis served
with the general during the Vietnam War when they were
serving as first lieutenants.

NCR News July 2008 Page 3

Nebraska Color Guard Takes Second at National Cadet Competition

The General Curtis E. LeMay Offutt Composite Squadron

Color Guard placed second overall at the Civil Air Patrol
National Cadet Competition held in Dayton, Ohio, 26-30
June 2008.

The team members earned the right to attend the

national competition after winning the state and regional
levels over the past year. The national competition
brings together Civil Air Patrol’s eight best color guard
teams from across the country to compete for the
national championship.

The competition was extremely tough with members of

Offutt Composite Squadron Color Guard members stand with
Interim Civil Air Patrol National Commander Brigadier Amy
Courter.
the US Air Force Honor Guard judging the cadets. The
team was judged in seven events that tested their skills
as a color guard. The competition starts with a very
detailed uniform inspection.

The team is then judged on drill events that include standard drill, indoor and outdoor presentations. The team’s
academic skills are tested in the written test and aerospace panel quiz. Finally their physical fitness is tested with a
timed mile run.

The team’s hard work over the past year paid off with the team taking first place in the outdoor presentation, and
second place in the inspection, written exam, and mile run events.

The team members were Team Captain, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Katie Waite, Flag Bearer, Cadet Senior Airman
Emily Moss, rifle bearers Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Mandy Mueller and Cadet Master Sergeant Ryan Tweedt. The
team alternate was Cadet Staff Sergeant Tony Zilli.

Only Female Cadet Commander at National Cadet Competition Does Well

C/CMSgt Sergeant Katie Waite recently had the distinction of
being the only female cadet commander of either the color guard
or drill teams at this year’s National Cadet Competition (NCC).

The NCC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, brings
the top eight cadet color guards and top eight drill teams from
across the country to compete for the national championship.

Cadet Waite was surprised when she found out that she not only
was the only female cadet commander but that at 13 years of
age she was also one of the youngest competitors.

Cadet Waite grew up watching other color guard teams train and prepare for cadet competitions. This was her second
year on the team. Last year she was a rifle bearer on the team that took second place in the Nebraska Wing
Competition.

Cadet Waite and the Nebraska Color Guard performed well at the competition with taking second place overall in the
color guard competition which ties the highest finish in the color guard competition for the North Central Region.

After the competition, she was honored with having her picture taken (above) with interim National Commander, Brig
Gen Amy Courter. General Courter is Civil Air Patrol’s first female National Commander.

NCR News July 2008 Page 4

Cadets Step-up during North Dakota Wing Evaluated Exercise
Major Sean Johnson
North Dakota Wing Public Affairs Officer

When most people hear "search and rescue," they think of big, tough, rugged men methodically searching
mountainsides looking for victims. This belief was challenged June 7, in Minot, N.D., as the North Dakota Wing went
into action during a staged search and rescue exercise.

15 cadets from five squadrons across North Dakota descended on Minot, ND to practice and receive evaluations of
their search and rescue skills.

The cadets served in a variety of different roles during

the mission and truly impressed the evaluators in just
what they could do. The typical role for most of the
cadets during the mission was ground team members,
but several of the cadets made the evaluators refer to
their own regulations by serving above and beyond in
several other tactical roles including manning a flight
crew and leading as the Air Operations Branch Director
(AOBD).

C/Lt Col Heidi Klien, of Grand Forks Composite

C/A1C Jonathan Nyberg mans radios during the North
Dakota Wing SAR Evaluation.
Squadron, served as the Air Operations Branch Director
(AOBD) and oversaw flight operations which included
briefing and dispatching five aircraft and their three
person crews. She had to keep track of where the
planes were searching, what target they were looking for
and make sure they were staying safe while in the air.
What is truly amazing is that Klien, who is 19 years old,
was able to gain the respect and trust of aircrew
members, many of whom were much, much older than
her.

Klien made sure every aircraft had what it needed and that each aircraft carried out its mission safely. In the end, the
Air Force inspectors were ever impressed coming back with a rating of Outstanding for her role as AOBD and a huge
pat on the back for a job well done.

C/2d Lt Mike Mees, from Bismarck Composite Squadron, had a bird's-eye view of the mission as he boarded a CAP
plane to search for missing persons and missing planes that were staged around the Minot area. Cadet Mees served
as a Mission Scanner on one of the flight crews taking pictures and recording information valuable to the search.
Cadet Mees is now completing flight training and should have his private pilot's license very soon. He is an inspiration
to other cadets who through him, see that if one dreams big, they can become a reality.

C/1st Lt Tyler Hetland, from the 119th ANG Cadet

Squadron, coordinated the efforts of a seven-member
ground team dispatched to locate a simulated missing
person. His team was selected to have the evaluator
ride along and observe operations from the road. The
evaluator was impressed by the quality of the team as it
coordinated the search of a small town with another
ground team.

The evaluator also threw out several monkey wrenches

that included simulating a deer strike that incapacitated
the two senior officers in the vehicle leaving Hetland,
one officer and the other cadets to provide first aid and
The Hooligan Ground Team poses with Ground Branch
get the vehicle back on the road. Director, Lt Col Erik Ludlow (r), after the GBD receives an
Excellent rating at the Evaluation.

NCR News July 2008 Page 5

North Dakota SAR Evaluation
Continued From Page 5
The inspector was especially pleased to see that Hetland and his team could have actually changed the spare tire as
they lowered it from the van. He also had to make note of the EMT jump kit and emergency gear the team pulled out
to tend to the simulated wounds of their team leaders.

Back at mission base, C/A1C Jonathan Nyberg, of the James Valley Cadet Flight, took over mission radio operator
relaying information to and from both the Air Operations Branch Director and the Ground Branch Director. His
skills shined through as he was able to make sure an officer updated the status board and all teams checked in on
time.

Although the youngest member of the mission base team at a whopping 12 years old, Nyberg stayed on the
radio, controlled the channels, and made sure his messages were transmitted clearly and efficiently to the search
teams in the field.

In no small part of the efforts of these four cadets and the nine others who were on ground and UDF teams, North
Dakota Wing received an evaluation of "satisfactory," which demonstrates to the Air Force that the wing members are
capable of performing search and rescue missions. These cadets demonstrated the skill level and abilities young men
and women bring to CAP and just what they can accomplish. They showed many members, including the evaluators,
that CAP cadets are a valuable part of the overall team.

Iowa Wing Conducts its First Corporate Learning Course of 2008

Capt Chris Colvin,
Iowa Wing Public Affairs Officer

“Professional Development is a key component of the Civil Air Patrol,” said Lt Colonel Eric Schneider, Vice
Commander of the Iowa Wing. “It insures that our members understand that we are not just volunteers, but rather
unpaid, well trained, highly motivated professionals. Our Core Values, Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and
Respect, are our guiding principals.”

Twelve members from the Iowa Wing (pictured)

graduated from the first Corporate Learning Course of
2008, held at the American Red Cross in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa.

The members came from across the state of Iowa to

attend the courses taught by Major Michael Mouw, newly
appointed Wing Professional Development Officer, who
shared his knowledge and expertise in many areas of
how the Civil Air Patrol performs its three primary
missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and
Emergency Services.

“I feel strongly about members pursuing their

Professional Development in CAP,” said Major Mouw.
“This is one of the largest groups I’ve had in a long time,
and one of the most engaging.”

The Corporate Learning Course picks up where Squadron Leadership School leaves off and addresses how the
primary missions are performed at the wing level. Both courses demonstrate how each individual member at the
squadron and wing interact with another to accomplish the missions. These courses allow the members to be better
prepared when called to serve on staff and either the squadron or wing level.

North Central Region News is published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol
Col. Steve Kuddes, Region Commander Maj. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs

Please send submissions by the 10th of each month to: pao@ncr.cap.gov

NCR News July 2008 Page 6

Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment teaches discipline, leadership
Capt Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Squadrons from across the state sent basic cadets to Camp Ripley for Minnesota Wing’s annual Cadet Encampment
from June 20 – 28.

C/A1C Kasie Mays, a member of the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Composite Squadron, was among the basics.
Encampment was a prerequisite for her to attend a flight academy so she made her way to Minnesota not knowing
quite what to expect. She was pleasantly surprised.

“It’s so structured, I learned so much,” Mays said.

While Mays made the long trip to Camp Ripley from

South Dakota, others traveled even greater distances.
First Lieutenants Tim and Jennifer Carr of the Missouri
Wing made the 12-hour drive from Norwood, Missouri,
with their son, C/1st Lt Joshua Carr, the cadet logistics
officer.

The Carr’s learned about Minnesota Encampment from

former Minnesota cadets Erik and Janna (Fosterling)
Rekedal, who attended Evangel University in nearby
Springfield, Missouri.

“They provided so much guidance to our fledgling

A cadet learning the Manual of the Guidon at the
Minnesota Wing Encampment
squadron,” said Jennifer Carr. “When there was an
opportunity to attend an actual (Minnesota)
encampment we jumped at the opportunity.” They both
said they have a lot to take back to the “Show Me” state.
There were also several cadets from Iowa that attended
the event.

Minnesota’s annual encampment hosted nearly 80 basic cadets, 30 cadet staff members, and 20 Senior Officers. The
cadet staff and Senior Officers provided leadership skills, land navigation training, an obstacle course, access to an M-
16 rifle simulator, lots of drill, plenty of physical training, and so much more. Mixed among the offerings was a heavy
academic component as well, ranging from moral leadership to the history of US air power to job opportunities in the
aviation industry.

Encampment staff said the program is intense, providing a host

of instruction that the cadets can apply throughout their lives.

“They learn to work with people they don't know and get a good
idea of the discipline it takes to accomplish goals when a task
is suddenly before them,” said Major Conrad Peterson, who
spent his second year as the encampment commander. “They
learn a lot about themselves and get lots of encouragement
from staff and other cadets.”

That became apparent to C/A1C Brandy Maxwell of Grand

Rapids Composite Squadron when she took the cadet physical
fitness test.

Continued on the next page.

Cadets practice their land navigation skills.

NCR News July 2008 Page 7

Minnesota Encampment
Continued from page 7
Preparing for Inspection.
"I am not a runner, but everyone in my flight
encouraged me and I made the time for the mile
run!,” Maxwell said. “They helped me get through it,
and I met my goal of running a mile in under 12
minutes.” The 17-year-old rocketed around the
course in 10:33.
“Encampment is geared toward building confidence
and teamwork,” said C/Col Laura Broker, the cadet
encampment commander. “We try to share with them
skills they can take back to their squadrons and
apply.”
Mays said that she appreciated the rigidity of the
encampment as well as the mentoring.
“TAC (tactical officer) time was one of my favorite
parts of encampment,” Mays said. “Lieutenant Rob
Sandberg was our senior TAC, and he was
awesome!”
For more pictures and exclusive content please go to the
Minnesota Wing Encampment Website.
The 10th Cadet Training Group assembled for review at the 2008 Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment
NCR News
C/SMSgt Luke Zahm of St. Cloud Squadron praised
the cadet staff.
“They were tough, but fair,” Zahm said. “I learned so
much that I can take back to my squadron. Thank
you!”
There were lots of great times and experiences, from
the activities to new friends to the food.
A cadet completes the Obstacle Course.
“It’s the best food I’ve ever eaten,” said C/A1C
Joshua Morey of St. Cloud Composite Squadron.
C/Amn Zach Smith of the 130th Composite Squadron
agreed. “The lasagna was the best thing I’ve ever
eaten!”
At the end of the week, the cadets and staff attended
an awards banquet in nearby Pierz, Minn., but Broker
said all the cadets and staff were winners.
“Everyone should leave proud of his or her
accomplishments,” she said. "It's not an easy week,
but everyone pushes themselves beyond the norm to
make it a special experience."
July 2008 Page 8
 Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment Award Recipients
Encampment Honor Flight: Foxtrot Flight
Honor Flight Sergeant C/CMSgt David Chanski, North Hennepin
Honor Flight Commander C/2d Lt Caleb Norman, St. Croix

SDS Most Improved Leader C/A1C Ryan Mullin, Viking

Squadron Distinguished Graduate –19th CTS C/SSgt David Nelson, Redwing

Squadron Distinguished Graduate –20th CTS C/Amn Christen Furlong, 130th
Squadron Distinguished Graduate –SDS C/MSgt Dane Bjorkman, Anoka

Encampment Commander’s Award for

Outstanding Achievement- C/Amn Richard Shmel, Viking

Wing Commander’s Award for

Academic Excellence C/Amn Anastasia Smith, 130th

Commandants Award for Leadership C/2d Lt Caleb Norman, St. Croix

CTG Command Staff Excellence Award
CTG Support Staff Excellence Award
Field Leadership Excellence Award
Senior Support Excellence Award
C/1st Lt William Hoffman, 130th
C/SSgt Travis Patterson, Viking
2d Lt Rob Sandberg, Northland
1st Lt Caralyn Flack, Northland
TFO Rachel Helgager, Northland

Nebraska Color Guard Presents Colors on National Television

The General Curtis E. LeMay Offutt Composite Squadron Color

Guard were honored to present the colors before a recent NCAA
College World Series Baseball game in Omaha, Nebraska that
was televised live on ESPN television network.

This past Spring, the squadron received a letter from the

College World Series organizers asking if the team could come
back and present the colors as they had done at a game in
2007. The crowd of over 18,000 people was impressive by
itself, but the fact that this was a primetime game on the primary
ESPN channel made the audience even bigger.

The team members handled the pressure well and hope to be

asked back for next year’s games. The team members were
Team Captain, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Katie Waite, Flag
Bearer, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Tweedt, rifle bearers
Cadet Master Sergeant Ryan Tweedt and Cadet Staff Sergeant
Tony Zilli.

In the August Edition of NCR News

This issue will feature stories about the Joint Dakota Leadership Encampment, the 2008 North Central Region Staff
College, The Minnesota Flight Academy, complete coverage of the CAP Annual Conference and National Board
meeting in Florida and Much Much More.

NCR News July 2008 Page 9

Congresswoman composes a letter read at Blaine Aviation Weekend
where Civil Air Patrol had a key role
2nd Lt George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing
Minnesota 6th District Congresswoman Michele
Bachmann composed a letter which identified the
Civil Air Patrol Anoka Composite Squadron who
played a key role in both the Minnesota State
Celebration and Blaine Aviation Weekend.
1st Lt Shelly Supan supervises the aircraft marshalling.
The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration
(commemorating 150 years of statehood) was taking
place at the State Capital. Vintage World War II
airplanes were to do two fly-over’s at the State
Capital that originated at Blaine Airport on May 17th.
Rep. Bachmann could not be there in person and
sent Jack Tomczak her chief of staff to read the letter
to the large crowd.
“I’m glad that the Anoka County Composite Squadron
is playing a key role” (in the 150th State Anniversary
celebrations. Bachman said in her letter.
Saturday May 17, 2008 was a most unusual day at
the Blaine Airport. 28 WWII airplanes along with
nearly a hundred other airplanes arrived and were
marshaled by the Civil Air Patrol.
The Anoka Squadron Color Guard presented the
Colors for the event.
NCR News July 2008
The WWII along with other airplanes arrived and
were marshaled to there parking locations. Some
airplanes left for the first flyover at the State Capital
and then returned.
The flight line became very active as the 28 WWII
airplanes left to create a large formation for the
second flyover at the State Capital. While some
returned to their home base a number of them
returned and were again marshaled to there parking
locations.
Thousands of people came to get close to and take
pictures of the great airplanes. The P38, P40, B25’s,
T6’s, Stearman and hundreds more airplanes were
there to view. People crowded around the airplanes
and took pictures from ever angle. The young people
enjoyed the bottle rocket game provided by CAP
more then the airplanes.
A cadet inspects a war bird during Blaine Aviation Days.
CAP members from Minnesota Wing, Red Wing, St.
Paul, No. Hennepin, St. Croix, Wesota, and St. Cloud
Squadrons worked together with Anoka Squadron.
CAP provided marshaling, crowd control, games for
the kids (bottle rockets), and a CAP recruiting booth
during the Blaine Aviation Days Weekend.
Members trained for six weeks to be prepared for the
event. It involved classroom, safety and live airplane
movement training on the taxiway. This was the first
time on a taxiway for some of the Senior and Cadet
members.
To have a big B-25 come your way or the opportunity
to keep the crowd controlled next to a P-38 (one of
only four left in the world) or P-40 was a great rush. It
was an awesome experience for the CAP Cadet and
Senior members who did a great job.
Page 10
Missouri Unit Cadet Commander child by replacing a missing limb or to help them live
with a disability."
Receives Scholarships
Cadet 1st Lt. Jacob Reifschneider, cadet commander Minnesota units complete SAREX
of the Spirit of St. Louis Composite Squadron, has Capt Rich Sprouse
received a $1,000 college scholarship through the Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing
Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship program and is
eligible for one of the 15 national $5,000 scholarships
that the department store chain will award at the end
of July.

One of 1,800 teenagers to receive a $50 gift card as

local Kohl's store winner, Reifschneider has since
become one of 190 regional winners to receive a
$1,000 college scholarship. The scholarships are
Kohl's way of awarding youth who volunteer in the
community.

Reifschneider has been a Civil Air Patrol member for

nearly three years. The first ribbon he earned outside
of those awarded for rank advancement, and the one
he is most proud of, is the community service ribbon.
He volunteers and assists with special needs
students in his local school district and is also
involved with specials needs children at a Bible study
at his church. He also volunteers his time with
Special Olympics and with the wing's hospice
program for pediatric and adult patients.
Reifschneider became involved with special needs
children and hospice when his younger brother,
Jonah, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He was
exposed to his little brother's physical therapists and
hospice caregivers who regularly visited their home.
The compassion he saw being extended to his
brother proved to be a pivotal factor in his life.
One of Reifschneider's other interests, the U.S. Air
Force, led him and his father, 2nd Lt. Mike
Reifschneider, to the Spirit of St. Louis squadron. He
is working towards obtaining an ROTC scholarship to
St. Louis University. His course of study will be
physical therapy with an emphasis on building and
helping patients learn to use prosthetic limbs.
Jonah Reifschneider passed away in May 2006. "The
brief time Jonah was with us has made a huge
impact on my life," his brother said. "I hope to honor
Jonah by helping others.
"I cannot think of anything better than helping one of
our injured soldiers regain their mobility. Or to help a
C/SrA Jarek Connolly of Mankato Squadron provides some
ELT guidance to C/AB Peter Spicer of St. Cloud Squadron
during the recent SAREX at St. Cloud Airport.
While most Minnesotans were sleeping in the
morning of June 14, members of the Minnesota
Wing took to the skies and ground in a search and
rescue exercise from St. Cloud Regional Airport.
Overall, the exercise went well, organizers said, with
nearly 100 cadets and senior members participating.
all, 42 air sorties were flown, with an actual electronic
locator transmitter mission included, resulting in 40
total flight hours.
"A lot of good training was accomplished," said Capt.
Paul Pieper of the St. Paul Composite Squadron,
incident commander. He compared the benefits of
the exercise to any type of workout program: "As with
any exercise, you find sore muscles that need to be
worked on."
Pieper said 15 ground sorties were conducted,
including an ELT and missing person searches. Civil
Air Patrol vans and ground teams covered 2,222
miles during the event.
An estimated 600 man-hours were committed to the
exercise.

NCR News July 2008 Page 11

Squadron celebrates arrival of new aircraft
2nd Lt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

Anoka Composite Squadron members and guests with the new CAP airplane

The Anoka Composite Squadron's meeting July 1 was a special one, as members celebrated the arrival of the
unit's new aircraft.

The squadron's deputy commander, 1st Lt. Shelly Supan, transported the CAP Cessna 172 airplane from
Minnesota Wing headquarters. Steve Antus, a reporter for local cable company CTN Studios, was on hand to
capture the celebration on video, along with the squadron's other activities for the evening, including drills,
formations and cadet training under the direction of Cadet Tech. Sgt Emily Tholen.

In addition, Capt. Bill Menkevich, the squadron's operations officer and pilot, had scheduled an orientation flight for
Cadet Tech. Sgt Hanna Olsen.

Antus also interviewed Supan, Menkevich and the unit's

commander, Capt. Andy Bosshart (left).

“It was over a year in the making," Supan said, "and this was a
great celebration for the squadron.

“A lot of people in the squadron and others have put in a great

number of volunteer hours for this night to be a reality."

The interviews concluded, Menkevich and Olsen set off on the

orientation flight. The sun was setting when they returned.

"How was the flight?" Antus asked Olsen as the camera rolled.

The smile on her face got even wider as she replied, “It was great, can’t wait to fly again!"

NCR News July 2008 Page 12

Squadron's senior member’s use break for glider flights
Maj. Troy Krabbenhoft
Public Affairs Officer, 119th Air National Guard Cadet Squadron, North Dakota Wing

When the cadets were away, the seniors played.

That was the case when the 119th Air National Guard Cadet
Squadron partnered up with the Red River Valley Senior
Squadron for orientation rides in a Civil Air Patrol glider on July 15.

The majority of the cadet squadron's younger members were at

Camp Grafton in Devils Lake, N.D. for this year’s encampment

Instead of their normal Tuesday night meeting, typically devoted

to briefings, computers and training, the senior members took a
trip out to Casselton Regional Airport to pull the glider out of the
hangar and ready the aircraft for preflight.

Members of the Red River Valley squadron piloted the glider by

providing a tow plane and pilot for the ANG squadron.
th
Maj. Steve Olslund (right) of the 119 Air National
Guard Cadet Squadron listens to pointers from Maj.
The glider was towed off the runway and positioned up to 3,000
Mark Vollmers of the Red River Valley Senior Squadron
feet in the air where it was released to glide home to the airport. before his glider flight.

For nine of the cadet squadron's senior members, it was their first glider ride and an experience of a lifetime.

“It was incredible,” Maj. Steve Olslund said. “I’ve been a member of CAP for over 10 years and I’ve never done
anything like this before. This was definitely an awesome Tuesday night meeting.”

NCR Members attend National IG College

Four members of the North Central Region devoted a week to training in handling and investigating complaints and
conducting inspections.

In all, 51 students attended CAP's Inspector General College, held from June 9-13 at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.,
The college, CAP's master-level course for inspectors general, and has been held every other year since 2000.

Most of the curriculum consists of scenario-based training, as opposed to straight classroom instruction. As part of
that training, participants were presented with a complaint. They analyzed the complaint, interviewed the parties
involved and any witnesses, conducted follow-up investigations and issued a report.

Those attending also heard lectures and participated in seminars on a variety of subjects, including inspection
methods, aspects of investigation, procedure with complaints and the role of the legal officer.

The U.S. Air Force Inspection Agency acted as host for the college. The agency's commander, Col. Michael
Kingsley, appeared at the graduation banquet as guest speaker on the subject of integrity.

North Central Region participants were

Col. K. Walter Vollmers, Inspector General, North Dakota Wing.

Lt. Col. Thomas Kettell, Inspector General, Minnesota Wing.
Lt. Col. Darrell R. McMillan, Inspector General, Nebraska Wing.
Maj. Gerald J. English, Assistant Inspector General, Missouri Wing.

NCR News July 2008 Page 13

CIVIL AIR PATROL
C IVIC
L EAD ER SH IP
ACADEMY
If you’re interested in politics and careers
in public service, CAP’s Civic Leadership
Academy, an intensive 1-week program in
Washington, DC, is for you.
CLA cadets receive behind-the-scenes
tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme
Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA,
FBI, Arlington, and more.
They interact with national leaders while
learning about the democratic process.
The week culminates with Legislative Day,
when cadets meet with their elected rep-
resentatives on Capitol Hill.
This is not your average field trip to
Washington. CLA is an academically-
focused activity that includes seminars,
readings, and group projects.
CADET ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Have earned the Mitchell Award by 1 October 2008
2. Must be at least 16 years old by 21 February 2009
HOW TO APPLY
1. By 1 October, email a completed CAPF 31 to
bjtourville@capnhq.gov. Attach an email from your wing
commander that endorses your application.
2. Include a 1-page resume of your achievements in CAP,
school, and community service.
APPLY BY 1 OCTOBER 2008
Washington, DC
21-28 February 2009
$295 Tuition
“I learned more about the
United States and its government
in one week at CLA than I did in
an entire year of AP Government
class at school.” Cadet Daniel Ruffin, ‘06
3. Include a 1-2 page essay on one of the following topics:
a. Why is widespread educational opportunity necessary
for a nation to develop a democratic system of government?
b. Why should federal courts have the right to declare
an act of Congress unconstitutional?
4. Include a recent photo (jpeg) of yourself properly wear-
ing the AF-style blues uniform.
5. Include a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
6. Selections for the Class of 2009 will be announced via
email in early December.
SENIOR STAFF
CLA is seeking a small number of adults to serve on the
“full-time” staff. “Part-time” escorts are also needed for
Legislative Day, 26 February. To apply, email your resume
to bjtourville@capnhq.gov by 1October.
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
The National Association of Secondary
School Principals has placed the CAP
Civic Leadership Academy on their National Advisory List
of Contests & Activities for 2008-09. CLA staff can help
cadets request their school’s permission to attend the academy.
ACTIVITY FEE
Tuition is $295, which covers meals, lodging, and activities.
A $150 deposit is due on 4 Jan, with the balance due 1 Feb.