Professional Documents
Culture Documents
North Central Region - Oct 2008
North Central Region - Oct 2008
Also, due to some changes at the Red Cross building in Cedar Rapids, our offices will be moving so
there will be some disruption for a short time while phone and fax lines plus Internet service is being
moved. That will be occurring sometime this month so requests for awards, promotions etc will be
delayed for a short time as the office is packed up in preparation for the move.
Please join me in welcoming Rex back to Civil Air Patrol and the North Central Region as we continue
to move forward as the best region in the Civil Air Patrol.
In this Issue
• Kansas cadet receives Spaatz Award
• Leaders complete National SAR Management Training
• North Dakota Wing impresses local officials
NCR•News
And MUCH MORE!!!!! October 2008 Page 1
Commander’s Column
Col Steve Kuddes
Commander, North Central Region
The North Central Region, along with the rest of CAP, has just concluded the
fiscal year. That means new money is available for training and Cadet
Orientation rides but for us, it means a new way to do business.
The NCR staff has been actively working on their plans and activities for the
next 12 months. Our goal is to provide the best possible professional support
to all 7 Wings of the North Central Region and to our members.
All of us at NCR believe it is our mission to provide the support required by our Wings to make their missions a
success.
• Whether it is helping with SLS, CLC or conducting the Region Staff College or Chaplain’s Region Staff
College, we need to provide the Professional Development Programs to help shape the leaders of CAP
for tomorrow and beyond.
• We need to train our Public Affairs Officers so they can tell our story resulting in new members who can
share the opportunities we have or letting America know we are here ready, willing and able to help at
any time.
• Our Cadet Program gives our young adults life experiences that are unique to CAP and helps prepare
them for an incredibly successful future.
• And in Emergency Services, we must make sure we are ready to serve professionally by training and
being prepared to provide the best possible service to our communities, states and country in time of
need.
Since my space here is limited, I have mentioned only a few of our staff areas. But rest assured we are all
excited at the plans we have for the next 12 months and beyond. Colonel Tom Weston, Colonel Dale Hoium
and I are very proud and blessed to have a region staff of very professional people with many years of service
and experience in CAP.
In a few months, we will be ready to close out 2008 and start a new calendar year. With that comes the time
when our Wing commanders will be welcoming nominations from our members for numerous annual awards.
A list of those awards and when they are due at Wing, Region and NHQ will be posted on the NCR website. I
encourage every member to nominate a member through your chain of command so we can recognize and
honor the service they provide.
In October 2009, we will meet again at the North Central Region Conference in Des Moines, IA to learn and
celebrate another successful year in the North Central Region and CAP.
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
He served as Missouri Wing Encampment cadet commander this year and has served as the New Century
squadron's cadet commander.
A graduate of Olathe North High School, he is attending Johnson County Community College and plans to
pursue a medical degree.
Members of the North Central Region joined fellow search and rescue professionals in advancing their search
and rescue capabilities by attending the Inland Search and Rescue Planning Course, taught by staff from the Air
Force Element of the National Search and Rescue School.
The National Search and Rescue School is a joint training agency, established in 1966, between the U.S. Air
Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Air Force Element is part of the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
and is tasked with Inland Search and Rescue training. The Coast Guard Element is tasked with Maritime Search
and Rescue training.
Lt Col Eric Steward, the director of the Air Force Element of the National SAR School – and MSgt Jen Lyons,
the NCOIC of the Air Force Element – taught the course at Camp Grafton, North Dakota, from 22 – 26
September 2008.
“Teaching this course reminds me of what is good about America”, said Lt Col Steward in his closing comments,
“it’s people like you, who put yourself in harm’s way and give of your time and talents, embracing the motto:
‘these things we do, that others may live.’ It is quite a humbling experience to meet and talk with such fine
citizens of this great country.” said Steward.
Graduates of the Inland Search and Rescue Planning Course are awarded a certificate and are authorized to
wear the National Search and Rescue School patch and pin.
Lebanon, MO - Just as we celebrate our first complete year as a unit, we find ourselves getting busy with ES.
We decided to do our first unit SAREX, and having attended many in the past, we laid out an extremely
aggressive training schedule.
Since we have built up such a large contingent of pilots, one of our primary goals for this exercise was ground to
air coordination, and at the same time getting pilots oriented with ground team procedures. The results were
fantastic. The first morning started off with a little confusion, as we struggled to get sign-ins and proper forms
out, the tent set up, and teams picked for the days adventures. We did quickly sort out everything and things got
smoother and smoother as the day wore on. We chose fairly basic areas for the first day ELT locations, and
made those locations extremely challenging for day two. We had the aircraft locating ELT's and guiding ground
teams in before proceeding to a second location. We even had scanners locating smoke, mirror signals, and
ground signals all while performing the ELT missions. All personnel performed admirably, especially considering
that many of them had never been out on a CAP ground team before.
With the new qualifications and experiences, and the first SAREX out of the way, we now have a more
energized group about ground operations, and all are much more comfortable with ground/air operations after
having experienced the "other side".
We are now looking forward to more difficult training and our next SAREX.
Lebanon, MO - One of the greatest feelings in the world is to feel useful right? As a functioning Color Guard one
of those fuzzy feelings is getting requested to post Colors for something admirable. Seems like lately our Color
Guard has been extremely busy doing just that, and the requests keep coming.
On Monday, 29 SEP, our Color Guard had the honor to be requested to post the colors for the MSDA, Missouri
Deputy Sheriffs Association, annual conference and banquet.
Our cadets showed up early on Monday morning, and the Sheriffs had kindly reserved us a parking spot right up
front. As the cadets geared up, they talked about being a little intimidated by the fact that these were officers of
the law, and there were so many of them! However, as we stood at the back of the room with the flags, all lined
up and ready to go, many of those officers passed us and commented on how sharp the cadets looked, and
how they appreciated them being there. The cadets lost some of their trepidation, and once again, performed an
awesome presentation in a room they had not previously got to see.
As their commander, I would like them all to know, and anyone else who reads this, how proud I am of their
achievements and efforts. And to the Deputy Sheriffs who requested us, thank you for the honor of presenting
the Colors for you.
It was another mission to show the local, state and federal officials that the Civil Air Patrol is a precise, proficient
and professional organization. Members across the state of North Dakota took part in a Roads Acting as Dams
(RAAD) exercise.
Civil Air Patrol members took over 200 photos of aerial footage for a much needed bird’s eye view of various
possible weak spots on the ground.
Devils Lake has brought havoc to local citizens in recent years with the massive acreage it has consumed due
to flooding. With heavy rains in 1993 the lake rose 5 feet in 6 months and hasn’t stopped since. It has risen 24
feet in the last 15 years consuming over 81,000 acres of houses, trees, farmland etc. The lake is currently
120,000 acres with no stop in site. It is forecasted to rise and consume up 300,000 acres in the years to come.
This has been an ongoing battle for the engineers of the community and state. Major Bill Kay is the North
Dakota Director of Operations and was the incident commander of this mission he states “this was the first
opportunity to work with Ramsey County and the department of emergency management to help protect the
Devils Lake basin”.
Kay also said that “This was a very successful exercise with over 200 photos provided to the local, state, and
federal agencies”
They were pleasantly surprised by the support of an all volunteer organization and enjoyed working with the
CAP. It was great for the members to hone in their skills on an exercise so when they are on a mission they will
be that much better.
During the exercise there was also a mock search and rescue of a civilian boat that was also a success. This
exercise was put together by the Emergency Management office to see how Ramsey County could react to any
breaches in the roads that are currently acting as dams.
On Sunday, September 14th, Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar was the guest speaker when the City of
Walker rededicated the city airport.
The congressman has represented the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota for 34 years and he is the
chairman of the House Transportation Committee where he is a strong advocate of general aviation. When
federal and state funding was needed to improve the Walker city airport, the congressman’s assistance was
instrumental in moving the project forward.
The City had requested support from Civil Air Patrol for the airport rededication ceremony. The Tri-County
Senior Squadron (based at the Walker airport) hosted a pancake breakfast reception and the Northland
Composite Squadron (based at the Bemidji airport) provided a cadet honor guard.
Civil Air Patrol leaders who attended the event included the North Central Region Vice Commander Colonel
Tom Weston, Minnesota Wing commander, Colonel Tom Theis, Vice Commander Major Jerry Rosendahl and
Group One Commander Lt. Col. Dave Odette.
North Central Region creates on-line forum for Health Services Officers
Capt Chris Havran, the region’s Health Services Officer (HSO) recently created a special forum for HSO’s on
Yahoo! Groups. This forum is for current Health Services / Medical / Nurse Officers - and their assistants -
throughout the region to communicate and exchange ideas with one another.
Membership in Civil Air Patrol and appointment as a Health Services / Medical / Nurse Officer (or assistant
Health Services Officer) within the North Central Region is required for group membership.
To join, please send an e-mail with your name, CAPID, unit and duty assignment - from the home page
( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCR_HSOs/ )
Capt. Terrence Best, squadron commander of the go through a winter encampment “boot camp,” and
Northland Composite Squadron of the Civil Air learn survival techniques.
Patrol based in Bemidji tells of the need for a
system in place to succeed, and CAP provides that “They’re taught discipline, they have a plan,” Best
system, during his keynote remarks Saturday night said. “They go to leadership labs. Service before
at the squadron’s Dining Out banquet at Bemidji self, respect for themselves and others …
State University. Pioneer Photo/Brad Swenson mentoring.”
“Civil Air Patrol has a military system, but that can Widows of the squadron’s early founders were
be spun off from when we’re not performing a honored guests and given bouquets and special
function,” said Best, who is an anesthesiologist at recognition. They include Bernadette Jorstad,
North Country Regional Hospital. widow of Bob Jorstad, and Betty Dunbar, widow of
Bob Dunbar. Unable to attend was Sally Steffen,
CAP has three missions, he said: Aerospace, widow of Woodrow Steffen.
emergency services and cadet programs.
“To our honored guests, Mrs. Dunbar and Mrs.
Cadets are taught model rocketry, aerodynamics Jorstad, your husbands had a dream and a mission
and the principles of flight. Qualifying cadets learn — it’s in good hands,” Best said. “I want to thank
to fly a Cessna 172 at age 16. Cadets participate in you for helping us keep the dream alive and
search and rescue exercises locally and statewide, perform our mission.”
A record turnout of Civil Air Patrol Cadets and Duties included kitchen duty, facility access
Senior Officers representing 38 Wings from control, aircraft marshalling, and emergency
around the world participated in the National services including first aid and search and
Blue Beret Academy 2008 in Oshkosh, rescue duties.
Wisconsin playing a key role in the success of
the world’s largest air show, The Experimental Captain Warneke, having a background in
Aircraft Association (EAS) AirVenture aircraft marshalling was placed in command of
Oshkosh. a flight of CAP Cadets and Seniors charged
with the marshalling and safety of all arriving
"National Blue Beret and departing flights. During the 2 weeks on
is truly an amazing duty Warneke’s flight team marshaled over
experience" said 10,000 aircraft safely in and out of the
Captain Shawn Oshkosh Airport.
Warneke (left), CAP
Officer and pilot In addition, the personnel were credited with
from Minnesota locating 33 overdue flights and 14 ELT
Wing’s St. Cloud locations of missing aircraft.
Composite
Squadron. Two special details this year involved cadets
serving as escorts for Harrison
Warneke said that Ford and John Travolta, both of whom are
all of the attendees, aviation enthusiasts.
Cadets (those ages
12 to19) as well as Graduates of the Blue Beret program received
the Senior members were very motivated, a special commendation and a thank you from
disciplined and a very dedicated group. the Warbirds, and the Air Force Office of
Special Investigations adding that they were so
This year’s EAA event known as the "World’s impressed that they wish to return and work
Greatest Aviation Celebration” attracted more with the CAP cadets and their programs.
aviation enthusiasts from over 75 countries
and drew record crowds despite high gas As a graduate of the Blue Beret program
prices and a struggling economy. Warneke was presented with his personal Blue
Beret, which becomes an official part of the
To be considered for the Blue Beret members CAP uniform and worn only by graduates of
over the age of 16 must apply and then are the academy.
very carefully screened before being officially
invited to attend. Attendees generally are Also, Warneke's flight team was awarded
responsible for paying their own expenses. "Honor Flight" status for its performance and
achievement throughout the Blue Beret
Those attending Blue Beret are able to see all program.
three of Civil Air Patrol’s missions - aerospace
education, emergency services and cadet
programs - in action.
(L-R) C/SSgt Lydia Wiff, Major Brent Halweg, and C/AMN Drake
Willis just after an Orientation Flight.
st
Squadron Emergency Officer 1 Lt Mario Fabrizio reviews aerial Also known as O-flights, these flights are offered to
imaging equipment with flight crewmembers. cadet members of the US Air Force Auxiliary Civil
Air Patrol. The program is voluntary and primarily
There are great advantages of taking aerial motivational and it should stimulate an interest in
photographs and being able to download them from general aviation and aerospace activities. The
the airplane to a ground center for review. It is an program is offered to cadets between the ages of
effective way to communicate with ground teams, 12 – 18 years of age.
firefighters, law enforcement, and government
officials what challenges they might face on the The goal of the cadet orientation flight program is to
ground. introduce youth to flying through hands-on
orientation flights in single engine aircraft and
Having trained aircrews increases the effectiveness gliders. Each cadet is offered (free of charge to
of this air to ground communication. Whether it is them) five single engine aircraft flights and five
to view damage to structures, floodwaters, forest glider flights.
fires, grass fires, building fires, animal populations,
plane crashes, vehicle crashes, and missing These flights are intended to stimulate the cadet’s
persons, the scenarios seem endless. interest in aviation, and many cadets find
themselves going on to attending wing flight
Being able to take clear photographs, record them, academies where cadets can learn to fly. For many
and transmit them to the ground while you are cadets the program is a stepping-stone to a career
bouncing around in the back seat of the airplane or private participation in aviation.
can be a challenging task.
Many of their fondest and earliest memories of
Viking squadron emergency services officers have aviation will be formed with this great program.
set a goal to effectively train and qualify all flight
crewmembers in AI training using a variety of
methods on the ground as well as in the air.