The Official Newsletter of Civil Air Patrols North Central Region

Seven Wings, Three Missions, One Goal

April 2011

Lt. Col. David Miller Public Affairs Officer, Missouri Wing

After an extensive search for a missing airplane in southeastern Missouri covering more than 5,100 square miles an area larger than the state of Connecticut a Missouri Wing, Civil Air Patrol, aircrew finally spotted the wreckage late on the fifth day. The local sheriffs department verified the crash site as the aircraft in question. There were no survivors. The single engine aircraft with three persons aboard was travelling from Arkansas to Wisconsin when it fell off radar near Poplar Bluff, Missouri, early on the morning of March 27th.

Concerned family members reported the plane overdue and the Missouri Wing was activated by the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center early the next morning. Aircrews and ground teams were immediately put on alert and the first sorties of the day were launched at first light. Eventually, more than sixty CAP personnel from across the state, including members of the Arkansas and Illinois Wings, using seven aircraft spent more than 1,500 man-hours and over 100 flight-hours searching southeastern Missouri. The search was made difficult by inclement weather, rough terrain, and no emergency locator transmitter being heard. The Piper Lance was found approximately 65 miles from where it was lost from radar contact approximately eight miles southeast of the town of Ironton, Missouri. Continued on Page 13
2nd Lt. Hans Brosbol, & 2nd Lt. Stan Edwards of the Gateway Senior Squadron prepare for the first flight of the final day of the search at the new mission base at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

(Clockwise, from left) Maj. Esther Grupenhagen, Gateway Senior Squadron, and three St. Charles Composite Squadron members -Capt. Jim Abbitt, C/Capt. Clay Sakabu and Capt. Rick Sexton (back to camera), at the mission base at Malden Airport. Photo by Capt. Michael Foppe

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News and Information from the 7 Wings of Civil Air Patrols North Central Region
News Item
Missouri Wing Finds Missing Aircraft Commanders Column 2011 Flood Response Commanders Go To School New Region Patch Minnesota Wing Conference Wrap-up 2011 Region Staff College 2011 Chaplain Corps Staff College Civic Leadership Academy 2011 Encampments Column: Social Media Part 1 Member Recognition News From Iowa Wing News From Kansas Wing News From Minnesota Wing News From Missouri Wing News From Nebraska Wing News From North Dakota Wing News From South Dakota Wing

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Page & Page 13 Page 3 Page 4 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 19 Page 20 Page 22 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 31 Page 32 Page 34 Page 35

Col. Theresa Schimelfening, Commander of the South Dakota Wing, receives a memento from CAP Executive Director Don Rowland at the 2011 Wing Commanders Course. Photo by Susan Schneider, CAP National Headquarters

Please click on these graphics for important Information about these programs and activities.

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From the Commander:

Colonel Sean Fagan Commander, North Central Region
Members of North Central Region,
NCR NEWS is the official newsletter of the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol. The views expressed, written or implied are not necessarily those of the U.S. Air Force or of the Civil Air Patrol. Submissions are welcome and can be sent to pao@ncr.cap.gov Receive an e-mail notification each month letting you know that the latest edition of NCR News has been published by going to http://lists.ncrpao.org/m ailman/listinfo/ncrnews

As your new Region Commander, I would like to take this opportunity to tell each and every one of you what an Honor and a privilege it is to be selected as the Commander for the North Central Region. I hope to take this opportunity that I have been given to help make the North Central Region the best Region in the entire Civil Air Patrol. Many of you know me from my previous assignments as the Missouri Wing Commander and as a former Commander of the North Central Region. For those of you that do not know me, please allow me to take just a moment to explain to you my Command Philosophy. Many think that the North Central Region is in place to Command and oversee the Regions Wings. Under my Command, this could not be farther from the truth. The North Central Region Staff and I are here to serve the seven Wings in our charge. It is the duty of the Region to provide the Wings with any assistance or guidance they may need and to be the point of contact to the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters. The staff members of the North Central Region are all experts in their particular fields. They are here to assist and mentor their counter parts in the Wings, just as I am here to assist the Wing Commanders. It is my personal philosophy that no call to the North Central Region for assistance should go unanswered. I look forward with great anticipation too working with each and every one of you as we help to build the success of the North Central Region. Respectfully In Service,

Colonel Sean Fagan Commander Colonel Emmit Williams Vice Commander Lt. Col. John Quilling Chief of Staff Major Al Pabon Director, Public Affairs http://ncr.cap.gov

SEAN P. FAGAN, Colonel, CAP Commander, North Central Region

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Northern Floods Test CAP Readiness

The Civil Air Patrol Motto Semper Vigilans or Always Vigilant was once again proved to be accurate this spring. Forecasts predicted that the 2011 flood season would be one for the record books. With huge amounts of snow fall and weather conditions ideal for floods North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota Wings were ready for anything. While the crests did not reach their estimated peaks, there was significant flooding and CAP was there to support our state partners and the federal government with imaging flights. Our Public Information Officers are on the ground and are proud to share these stories with you. The 1997 flooding on the Red River of the Northwhich flows north instead of south from near the South Dakota border to Lake Winnipegwas a flood of historic proportions for Grand Forks, Fargo, Moorhead, Minnesota, and other communities. However, in 2011, while the Red River has again been troublesome, other rivers in the Peace Garden State have hit historic or near historic flood stages, such as the Sheyenne, James, Des Lacs, and Souris Rivers. Hardly an area of the state has been spared this spring from flooding.

Geo-Tagged image of the James River, from the ARGUS System. Flooding in Grand Forks, ND

North Dakota Wing - Civil Air Patrol: Everyday heroes, every day
Story & Photos by Capt Todd Epp Public Affairs Officer, South Dakota Wing
When spring finally arrives to North Dakota, you can expect two things: flooding from snowmelt and the North Dakota Wing heavily involved with the local, state, and federal response to that flooding. The spring of 2011 has been much the same as the springs of 2009 and 2010 in this northern plains state too much water from too much snow in too many places affecting too many people.

In response, the North Dakota Wing has already flown nearly 100 hours of flooding missions in February, March and April. These have included photo surveillance and geo-tagging of images which were uploaded into the North Central Region of the CAPs still new ARGUS system. Disaster relief managers use the geo-tagged images to plan for expected flooding as well as assess damage from past or ongoing flooding. Other sorties have included flying a member of the North Dakota State Water Commission and North Dakota National Guardsmen and women on reconnaissance flights around the state. Continued on Page 5

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Flooding Continued from Page 4 Interestingly, the North Dakota Wings flooding missions do not stop at state or even international borders. The North Dakota Wing has also been responsible for taking photos of flooding on the Minnesota side of the Red River and west central Minnesota communities such as Perly and Crookston. The North Dakota Wing also received permission to fly into Canada to check snowpack conditions and potential flood waters that would impact N.D. flooding. All told, as of April 18, 2011, the North Dakota Wings five Cessna 182s and two Cessna 172s had flown nearly 40 sorties, a heavy load on a wing that only has about 275 members sprinkled across a large state stretching from Minnesota to Montana.

Cessna 182. FLIR has both infrared and video capabilities. The State of North Dakota purchased the unit for the wing last year to assist with search and rescue (SAR) and border patrol duties. But the video camera, which records to a DVD, has been a useful tool for the state in the flood fight. Bismarck, which sits on the Missouri River, has not been threatened by flood waters but its central location in the state has kept the local squadron busy flying sorties to other parts of the state. The mission for us has been a little different this year, said Lt. Col. Kevin Iverson, the Bismarck squadrons commander. We started out taking video (via FLIR) of the Knife, Heart, and Cannonball Rivers (in south central N.D.) in February. Now, our missions have been rather long (going to other parts of the state) of over 100 miles away. We flew four or five sorties last week alone. And while flying state officials, using FLIR, and taking aerial photo missions that give incident commanders an actual birds-eye view of the situation, other squadrons have been involved in the less glamorous but critical job of supporting relief efforts at or near the flood waters. Col. Karl Altenburg, commander of the 119th ANG Cadet Squadron in Fargo, said his squadron has supplied air crew members to the effortbut also lots of muscle. Last week we were principally involved in calls for help in sandbagging and supporting members of the Air National Guard, Col. Altenburg said. We have been sandbagging homes of members of the ANG and the public in Fargo and the surrounding communities of Harwood and Horace. Because the Fargo cadet squadron meets at the North Dakota Air National Guards (NDANG) base, they have close ties to the Guardsmen and women. In appreciation for all that the NDANG airmen and women do for the squadron, the cadets and senior members return the gesture by helping out Guard families who are threatened by flooding. We have a close relationship with the Air Guard, Col. Altenburg said. We have a few squadron members who are members of the Air Guard. Continued on Page 6

Flooding in Lisbon, ND

Photo sorties have averaged at least one hundred photos each, with thousands of geo-tagged photos sitting in the ARGUS system, map-coordinated for easy use by state and federal disaster planners. The hard work has fallen on North Dakota Wing staff in Bismarck and across the state as well as the volunteers in the Wings six senior, cadet, and composite squadrons in Bismarck, Valley City, Jamestown, Dickinson, Minot, and Fargo. Besides staffing air crews, senior members and cadets have also been called upon to help with preparing and positioning sandbags and actual sandbagging operations. The Bismarck squadron has also the new Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras which are attached to a

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Flooding Continued from Page 5 Altenburg said his squadron was busier in the 2009 and 2010 floods on the Red River, but he attributes the somewhat reduced workload this flood season to greater pre-planning and preparedness in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. The Minot squadron in the north central part of North Dakota has had a similar experience but for different reasons. Our involvement with the flood this year isn't as large as the other squadrons in the state, said Capt. Jeffrey Thomas, commander of the Minot squadron. The majority of our members are active military and through an unfortunate set of circumstances, we have had exercises at Minot AFB that really dominated the majority of our time and it seems the weather is a factor at the times we are able to peel ourselves away from work. Nonetheless, the Minot squadron has been busy during the 2011 flood season. We've gotten out to take pictures of Devils Lake, Towner, Granville, Capt. Thomas said. We also got good images of Burlington, Foxholm, Donnybrook, and Kenmare, as well as the Souris and Des Lacs Rivers from Burlington to the Canadian border--both before and after the thaw started. We also got pictures of Belcourt and Ox Creek though they were still pretty much frozen over at the time. Right now, were available to Valley City, Kindred, and Lisbon, Col. Altenburg said.

by flooding. But like the Bismarck squadron, its members have flown extensively on sorties lasting four or five hours, covering thousands of square miles. Dickinson squadron commander Lt. Col. Ray Thompson described one such lengthy mission. I flew a mission to the Souris River (from Dickinson), Lt. Col. Thompson said. Then we flew the Souris and Des Lacs Rivers. We took photos of interest such as flooded roads. Then we flew to Minot then to Canada. We took over 200 photos. Coordinating all this activity is also no small challenge. Interim NDWG commander Lt. Col. Bill Kay said the NDWG is using an area command system, with himself as the area command incident commander. Other incident commanders are located across the state at the various squadrons. Meanwhile, at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Bismarck, other CAP members are assisting in the air operations branch (AOB), where twenty or so men and women representing the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, the FAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state and federal agencies manage air and water assets like airplanes, helicopters, rescue boats, and airboats. The North Dakota Wing is right in the middle of it.

The air boss is Lt. Col. Sean Johnson, (pictured above) a N.D. Department of Emergency Services employee from Bismarck and the North Dakota Wings chief of staff and public affairs officer. Elsewhere in North Dakota, in Dickinson in the western part of the state, the community has not been threatened Continued on page 7

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Flooding Continued from Page 6 He is the chief AOB director (AOBD), overseeing AOBDs from other agencies and directing the air and water operations. The AOB is located just a few stairs and hallways from the State Emergency Operations Center.

Lt. Col. Sean Johnson briefs Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mary Landry on Air Operations in North Dakota.

Coast Guard Admiral tours flood operations

Also in the AOB is Major Darrel Pittman (pictured above), the N.D. state coordinator for the CAP. Major Pittman, a retired federal air traffic controller and instructor, is a liaison officer for CAP, helping coordinate resources and needs between CAP and other state and federal agencies. Topping off how closely the wing works with the State of North Dakota, the wings headquarters is located in a modern office in the basement of the N.D. National Guard headquarters building at historic Fraine Barracks, which is just down the sidewalk from the SEOC. Though one of the smallest wings in numbers in the Civil Air Patrol, when disaster strikes in the Peace Garden State, CAP members from every corner are counted on by state and federal agencies as a major part of the response. From sandbagging to aerial reconnaissance, when flooding hits, the NDWG is an example of the CAPs motto, Everyday heroes, every day.

Capt Todd Epp Public Affairs Officer, South Dakota Wing

Members of the North and South Dakota Wings of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mary Landry on April 18, 2011. Admiral Landry, commander of the Eight Coast Guard District, visited the air operations branch (AOBD) of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) after a tour of flooding in North Dakota. The AOBD, located up the stairs and across a couple hallways from the SEOC, is where CAP members, a contingent of active duty and auxiliary Coast Guard members, and other state and federal officials coordinate airplanes and helicoptersand airboats and rescue boats. North Dakota is in the midst of another springtime battle against flood waters across the state. Were all one team, Admiral Landry said in impromptu remarks at the AOB. Im proud of all of you but Im especially proud of my Coasties, she added with a smile. Two North Dakota Wing members are heavily involved in the AOB that Adm. Landry toured in the basement of the North Dakota National Guard headquarters. Continued on Page 8

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Flooding Continued from Page 7 Lt. Col. Sean Johnson, the wings chief of staff and public affairs officer, is the man in charge of the AOB, overseeing other air branch directors from other state and federal agencies. Lt. Col. Johnson is employed by the N.D. Department of Emergency Services. Lt. Col. Johnson was also effusive in his praise of the Coast Guard members during the flood fight. They are an important part of an extremely talented team, Lt. Col. Johnson said.

Admiral Landry also noted that Americans should be proud of its nations ability to respond to disasters like the N.D. flooding. We have the greatest disaster relief capability in the world, Admiral Landry said. You look at something like the disaster in Japan and think, there but for the grace of God go I. After the admirals half hour visit to the AOBD, it was back to work for CAP members and Coasties alike. Even flood waters do not stop for an admiral.

SOUTH DAKOTA WING FLIES FIRST MARCH FLOODING SORTIE

Story & Photos by Capt Todd Epp Public Affairs Officer, South Dakota Wing
While the expected large-scale flooding hasnt hit the Dakotasyetthe Civil Air Patrols South Dakota Wing has already been flying flooding missions. An aircrew from Sioux Falls flew a staff videographer/photographer from the City of Sioux Falls over Sioux Falls, the Big Sioux River north to Dell Rapids, then down Skunk Creek from west of Dell Rapids to Sioux Falls, then the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls.

Major Darrel Pittman greets Admiral Landry.

Besides Lt. Col. Johnson, other CAP members met Admiral Landry. Maj. Darrel Pittman, NDWG director of administration, is the CAPs liaison officer in the AOB. Col. Gene Kellogg, former Iowa Wing commander, is also a Coast Guard Auxiliarist who has been assigned to Bismarck to assist with the disaster. Capt. Todd Epp, the South Dakota Wing public affairs officer from Sioux Falls on temporary assignment to the North Dakota Wing, was also in attendance and met the admiral. During her tour, Admiral Landry also discussed the many lessonssome painful--that the Coast Guard and other agencies like the CAP have learned in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and last summers Deep Water Horizon oil spill. She added, however, that the learning has been critical. We have all these nuggets of experience from all these disasters now, Admiral Landry said. Its great that we can all work together. She added the people with this experience can now be deployed to other states when they become overwhelmed by a disaster.

A large ice jam forms on the Big Sioux River north of Sioux Falls, S.D. March 17, 2011. Such ice jams contribute to flooding. The Big Sioux River valley in eastern South Dakota is bracing for what meteorologists predict could be some of the worst springtime flooding since 1969. The photo was taken while a CAP Cessna 172 crew took a City of Sioux Falls videographer up to monitor and videotape the river, which runs through Sioux Falls.

Continued on Page 9

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Flooding Continued from Page 8 Sioux Falls emergency managers wanted a look at what water might be coming towards the Dakotas largest citybefore it arrives. The crew spotted ice jams on the Big Sioux between Sioux Falls and Baltic. It also noted that Skunk Creek, which enters Sioux Falls west side, was widely out of its banks west of Dell Rapids but within its banks just north of Sioux Falls.

The State of South Dakota's King Air was pressed into service for flooding photography due to bad weather on March 23, 2011.

South Dakota Wing - When the Weather Gets Bad the CAP Goes Big
Story & Photos by Capt Todd Epp Public Affairs Officer, South Dakota Wing
When South Dakotas early spring weather turns back to winter, it grounds the South Dakota Wings single engine Cessna 172 and 182s. That presents a problem when the State of South Dakota has tasked the wing with important aerial photography missions of ongoing flooding in eastern South Dakota.

Skunk Creek southwest of Dell Rapids, S.D. spills over its banks and over local county and township roads March 17, 2011. Skunk Creek sometimes causes flooding in western Sioux Falls and empties into the Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls.

The wing has already flown one flooding photography mission. A crew from the Black Hills area flew out to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in February. The flight of Skunk Creek and the Big Sioux River on March 17th has been very useful. The Flood Management Teams Planning Section, including Engineering staff and Army Corp of Engineers technical experts, reviewed the film footage and still pictures to help develop current state of snow melt runoff. We also showed the video at our daily Command and General staff meeting. As part of our public information effort, the film footage was shared with local television stations that used the product in their coverage of potential flooding. The information we received from the flight is very helpful in our flood planning efforts and will be of historic value to public works and emergency management. Mr. Regan Smith, Emergency Manager, City of Sioux Falls (SD)
Air National Guard Capt. Kollin Ellis and CAP Captains Scott Giles and Joe Oye go over an aeronautical chart while planning a special flood photo mission in the State of South Dakota's King Air on March 23, 2011. Capt. Giles took photos of flooding while Capt. Oye acted has his observer.

But when the weather got bad on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 with snow and low clouds preventing VFR (visual flight rules) flying, the wing was not put out of business. The State of South Dakota, owner of several twin engine Beechcraft King Airs, requested the CAPs photo expertise even if CAP aircraft were grounded and the area Redfield, S.D. was flooding. Continued on Page 10

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Flooding Continued from Page 9 The State requested Captains Joe Oye and Scott Giles, both mission pilots and airborne photographers, to fly in the King Air and take photos of critical flooding in the Huron and Redfield areas. They are members of the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron. Adding to the cooperative nature of the mission, Captains Oye and Giles were joined by State pilot Roy Ondell, who piloted the King Air, and South Dakota Air National Guard F-16 pilots, Captains Steve Schultz and Kollin Ellis. Captains Schultz and Ellis have been activated to assist with the states flooding and will be working with the SDWG in planning subsequent flooding missions. They will also work out of the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron headquarters, located at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls. Foss Field is also the home of their F-16 squadron, the 175th Fighter Squadron, the Fighting Lobos. This type of close cooperation speaks highly of the wing and the CAP, said Captain Jerry Foy, Sioux Falls Composite Squadron commander. We are honored to help our state and our colleagues in the SDANG in this important mission. It is also satisfying to know that we can all work together to solve problems like bad weather and complete our mission.

Minnesota Wing Responds to Floods

Minnesota Wing began preparing for the annual spring flooding early January by preparing a Concept of Operations which got the Wing thinking about locations, staffing and equipment needs. Actual operations, providing imagery for known problem areas started in March. Sandbagging operations this year were limited to some local efforts, the wing did fly several photo imaging missions for a variety of local agencies and the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. These missions were flown over critical infrastructure, flooded areas in the state including the Twin Cities and important waterways. Of particular concern to the state was the flooding on highways in Southern Minnesota. These flights allowed us to not only train but provide important imagery that was of critical use by the counties, the State of Minnesota and the federal government. said Major Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wings Emergency Services Officer.

The images from these missions were used by HSEM and posted to their Facebook. Link:http://www.facebook.com/pages/CrossFit/109357715750499#!/p
ages/MnDPS_HSEM-Homeland-Security-EmergencyManagement/175754430840 Capt. Joe Oye (r) and Capt. Kollin Ellis (l) of the South Dakota Air National Guard review a chart prior to a special flooding photo mission over Huron and Redfield on March 23, 2011.

Continued on Page 11

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Continued from Page 10 The wing also flew a number of missions using the ARCHER (Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance) System for the cities of Chaska, Jordan and St. Paul. For the first time in several years Minnesota Wing was seated at the States Emergency Operations Center as part of the Air Operations Branch so it could directly coordinate with state, local governments and other agencies. It is a real honor for the wing to have a place at the table and work directly with our partners. said Incident Commander and Minnesota Wing Flooding Coordinator, Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg. I would like to thank Maj Paul Pieper and Lt Col Chet Wilberg, and all the pilots, aircrew and ground personnel which our squadrons provided to support these missions. said Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander. Theis added that; It is very satisfying to know that the resources of Civil Air Patrol, such as the ARCHER and other related imagery systems provide valuable in preparing for and assessing the damage to our and our neighboring states officials. said Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander. Minnesota Wing played a role in its success by interfacing into this vital ICS position (Air Operations). We found the photo recon missions that the wing flew were very well done and of great importance to our planning staff and we really like the ARGUS (Image Management) technology. The overall success of this operation was people and organizations working together for a common goal of helping our fellow citizens. Again, thank you and the entire Wing for a job well done. Kim Ketterhagen, Logistics Chief, State Emergency Operations Center, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management

CAP trains on new imaging software

Capt. Colleen McArthur Public Affairs Officer, Viking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing Over 40 aircrew members from a dozen Minnesota Wing squadrons received training on new software to process aerial images held recently at the Anoka-Blaine Airport. The AGRUS and Phyllis software systems allow CAP aircrews to quickly tag aerial photos with critical information including latitude, longitude, as well as detailed descriptions of the target area, during a natural disaster or search and rescue operation. Once on the ground, the aircrew can upload the information to a secure website that is accessible to the requesting agency. The goal (of the software) is to provide first responders with visual images to enable them to make sound tactical decisions during an emergency, said Lt. Col Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wings Assistant Emergency Services Officer. ARGUS is a web-based, web-accessible software that can overlay GPS locations to the photographs taken by the aircrew to draw a comprehensive map of the assigned target (mission) area. Phyllis is very similar to ARGUS, but it operates as a stand-alone program run on a Windows platform. The software enables aircrews to process their photos when they are in a location without internet access. The final package can then be quick downloaded to ARGUS once internet connection is established. Aircrews throughout the North Central Region are currently utilizing both software applications to document flooding conditions for local and state agencies.

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NCR Wing Commanders Go To Charm School

North Central Region Commander, Col. Sean Fagan; Nebraska Wing Commander, Col. David Plum; South Dakota Wing Commander Col. Theresa Schimelfening and newly appointed Missouri Wing commander, Col. Erica Williams attended the 2011 Wing Commanders Course, held at Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in early March. The intense, graduate-level course helps prepare participants to assume high-level command at the wing level as members of the CAP National Board, a key governing body for the organization. Participants are selected for the course by their region commanders and must be approved by the CAP National Commander, Maj. Gen. Amy Courter. The Wing Commanders Course covers everything a CAP commander should know in order to be an effective leader, Courter said. As with all of our training, its content is thorough and its effect on participants is dynamic, which are qualities essential to success in todays technologically savvy world.

Col. Williams

The program focused on three main blocks of study leading the organization, tools for corporate officers and tools for commanders. The curriculum featured seminars, lectures and hands-on exercises in more than 20 different sessions on such topics as ethics, legal matters, managing volunteers, finances and other resources. A major focus of this years course was Flight Operations. Col. Plum said he finds his background as a pilot and flight instructor invaluable as Nebraska Wing commander. It gives me an overview of CAP's three missions, he said, and particularly provides him with a huge prospective on the wings cadet program.

Col. Schimelfening

Plum serves as the activity director for the CAP National Flight Academy - Nebraska held each year at Camp Ashland, Neb. Such flying opportunities help him understand what motivates youth involved in the CAP cadet program what makes them tick. Participants gained a better understanding of CAPs aerospace education, cadet, operations, information technology, public affairs, membership development and logistics programs. Along with Courter, guest speakers included Brig. Gen. Chuck Carr, CAP National Vice Commander; Col. Paul Gloyd, CAP-USAF Vice Commander; Mr. Don Rowland, CAP Executive Director, and subject-matter experts from the Air Force and National Headquarters staff.
Col. Plum

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Missing Aircraft Continued from Page 1

"Our members did an outstanding job despite the many challenges of this search," said Lt. Col. David Miller, public information officer for the mission. "Although it was a wide search area, we were able to find this aircraft and bring closure for the families." Reports of unusual aircraft activity from the public helped narrow the search efforts and greatly assisted in CAP finding the crash site. Especially helpful were reports from scouts camping near where the plane was eventually found who were awakened by a low flying airplane very early on the morning it went missing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all that participated and those that offered to respond, said Lt. Col. Randy Fuller, Missouri Wing director of emergency services and one of two incident commanders for the mission (along with Lt. Col. Carolyn Rice).
The cell phone of Lt. Col. Randy Fuller, incident commander for the search and the Missouri Wings director of emergency services, takes another in a seemingly unending stream of calls as the search area continued to narrow. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

I know it is a difficult task to be asked to be on alert or standby and then not get called upon. The aircraft was located in an area that was not in a highly probable area until late in the search said Fuller.

Capt. Keith Nikodem, Mid Rivers Senior Squadron reviews the days pending flights. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

Rich Almeida, CAP-USAF state director for the Kansas and Missouri wings, lends his experience to the search. Photo by Capt. Michael Foppe

2nd. Lt. Peter Danza of the Mid Rivers Senior Squadron works the radios at the Spirit of St. Louis mission base. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

Capt. Rita LaVanchy, Bootheel Composite Squadron prepares for another flight while listening in on radio traffic of the latest grid search with Cadet 2nd. Lt. Timothy Shelby of the Laclede County Composite Squadron. Photo by Capt. Michael Foppe

Capt. Rick Sexton (left), of the St. Charles Composite Squadron and Maj. David Nagel, of the Gateway Senior Squadron help prepare a Missouri Wing aircraft for another flight. Photo by Capt. Michael Foppe

Mission Observer, 2nd Lt. Stan Edwards, of the Gateway Senior Squadron, awaits takeoff of the first flight of April 1, which proved to be the final day of the search. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

Lt. Col. Michael Smith, Commander of Missouri Wings Group II, is interviewed by the local Fox TV affiliate in St. Louis concerning the previous nights find of the crash site. Photo by Lt. Col. David Miller

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NCR Announces New Organizational Emblem

Col Fagan recently announced that the region is adopting a new organizational emblem. It is based on the classic North Central Region emblem that has not been in use for some time. Many parts of the historic patch were incorporated into the redesigned emblem.

Old North Central Region Emblem

New North Central Region Emblem

This emblem will not take the place of the gray and silver Region Rocker that is worn on Utility and Flight Clothing, but it will serve as the Squadron Patch for the Headquarters Squadron (NCR-001) as well as an emblem worn by members of the region in recognition of completing certain activities such as the Region Glider Academy and other Region Training Events. said Col. Fagan. It will be used on letterhead, patches, coins and many other regional applications as per CAP regulations. The emblem was re-designed by Lt. Col. John Quilling, Lt. Col. Jerry Rosendahl, Major Conrad Peterson and rendered by CAP historian, Patch Collector and nationally known CAP patch designer, Major Andy Ace Browing. It was approved by the National Historian and the CAP National Commander. The new region emblem was designed with Air Force Heraldry Standards in mind and the redesign respects the heritage, history and lineage of the North Central Region as illustrated in our original emblem. said Lt. Col. John Quilling, North Central Region Chief of Staff.

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Heraldry of the North Central Region Emblem

The shield shape of the emblem represents the traditional shape as is required for Air Force unit levels of Group and higher. The blue background of the shield represents the sky, which was the primary theater of operations when Civil Air Patrol was established as an organization of volunteer service. In the field of the shield is a large star with a contrail. The star is large; it represents North Central Region Headquarters and all members of North Central Region. The large star is located high (North) and centered (Central). The star is white; it represents the purity and integrity of our purpose. Behind the large star is a red contrail. The red represents strength and bravery. The position of the contrail suggests the star is rising. It is symbolic of the continually raised level of excellence of North Central Region. Over the star is a yellow number five. Yellow represents excellence in all we do. The five is symbolic of the original charter number of North Central Region, 9-5-001. Around the large star are seven smaller stars. These stars are equally spaced from the large star. They represent each of the seven Wings in North Central Region; North Dakota Wing, South Dakota Wing, Iowa Wing, Kansas Wing, Minnesota Wing, Missouri Wing and Nebraska Wing. The equal spacing of the smaller stars is symbolic that all seven Wings will be treated equal and with respect. The lower part of the emblem has a red scroll. Again, the red represents strength and bravery. The scroll contains the identity of North Central Region and represents the North Central Region Headquarters. In the center of the large star is the triangle and propeller of Civil Air Patrol. The white triangle and red propeller represent the organization we are a part of, Civil Air Patrol, and the three missions. Those missions are; Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services. With this emblem being established, there will also be a motto for North Central Region that is established. That motto is as follows; Seven Wings, Three Missions, One Goal. The seven wings are those that comprise North Central Region, the three missions are those of Civil Air Patrol, and the one goal is the enrichment and education of our members and our communities. This emblem is based on the historical North Central Region Emblem that has been updated to reflect current Air Force heraldry standards.

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Minnesota Wing Comes Together at Conference

Over 300 members and guests of the Minnesota Wing came together at Breezy Point Resort for the wings annual conference. The conference was a weekend full of learning, growth, camaraderie and recognition of individual and unit excellence within the wing. The conferences theme was Everyday Heroes Every Day!

The highlight for many members was Army Brig. Gen. Gerald Langs (pictured above) memorable keynote that paid tribute to the courage, loyalty, leadership and patriotism of the National Guard and the Civil Air Patrol. General Lang is the Assistant Adjutant General - Army of the Minnesota National Guard. Members of the wing were recognized for their excellence in accomplishing the Civil Air Patrols missions as indicated below: Aerospace Education Awards Unit with the most Yeager Awards North Hennepin Composite Squadron (95% completion) Brewer Awards Civil Air Patrol Senior Member Major Paul Prior, St. Croix Organization outside of Civil Air Patrol Cirrus Aircraft Corporation of Duluth, Minnesota Communications Awards

They were joined by dignitaries such as North Central Region Commander Col Sean Fagan and North Central Liaison Region Operations Officer, Major Jeff Peterson, (pictured above) who recently returned from a year long tour in Afghanistan. Members participated in social activities including receptions and a Military Ball. They also took part in many break-out sessions put on by the Minnesota Wing Staff and guest presenters.

Best HF Net Participation Northland Composite Squadron Best VHF Net Participation St Croix Composite Squadron Conference continues on Page 16

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Conference continued from Page 15 Operations Awards Highest Completion Rate of Orientation Flights by Unit - Hutchinson Composite Squadron Orientation Flights Flown by a Single Pilot Glider - Capt. Bill Pagel, Minnesota Wing Headquarters completed 45 glider orientation flights Powered - Capt. Allen Alwin, 130th Composite Squadron completed 30 powered orientation flights Recruiting and Retention Awards Top Individual Recruiter - 1st. Lt. Lois Kriegh, Crookston Composite Squadron who recruited 7 new members in 2010. Specialist Awards - These awards are given to one individual for their performance in that duty at the unit or wing level. Each member who earns one of these awards received an Achievement Award. Administration - 2nd. Lt. Patricia Schrader, Northland Aerospace - Major Paul Prior, St Croix Cadet Programs - Major Jared Scribner, Viking Chaplain - Major Curtis Martin, Southeast MN Character Development - Lt. Col. Anna-Marie Bistodeau, Wing Headquarters. Emergency Services - Lt. Col. Tony Tarpy, Viking Finance - 1st. Lt. Thomas Simonet, St Croix Historian - Capt. Norine Olson, Valley Logistics - 2nd. Lt. Deborah Gailloux, Viking Operations - Major Carl Hallum, Worthington Professional Development - Capt. Mario Fabrizio, Viking Public Affairs - 1st. Lt. Scott Richardson, St Croix Recruiting & Retention - Lt. Col. Barney Uhlig, Viking Safety - 1st. Lt. David Winters, Viking Emergency Services Awards (CAP Achievement Awards) Col Edwin Lewis Jr. Incident Staff Member of the Year - 1st. Lt. George Anderson, North Hennepin Col Dion E DeCamp Ground Team Member of the Year - Capt. Don Helgager, Northland
Minnesota Wings Group Cadets of the Year; C/2nd. Lt. Anastasia Smith, C/1st. Lt. Lydia Wiff, C/SRA Jessica Holmes and C/Capt. Ethan Sundquist

Group Level Awards (CAP Achievement Awards) Group 1 Senior Member of the Year Capt. Robin Helgager, Northland Group 1 Cadet of the Year C/Capt. Ethan Sundquist, Northland Group 2 Senior of the Year Major Michael Bordonaro, St Croix Group 2 Cadet of the Year C/SRA Jessica Holmes, Crow Wing Group 3 Senior of the Year Capt. Tommy Hiebert, Ft Snelling Group 3 Cadet of the Year Cadet 1st. Lt. Lydia Wiff, Viking Group 4 Senior of the Year Capt. Gail Kephart, Southeast Minnesota Group 4 Cadet of the Year C/2nd Lt Anastasia Smith, 130th Commanders Commendation Awards: Lt. Col. Tom Woods, St Paul Composite Squadron for his organizing MN Wings C-182 Glass Cockpit Training. Capt. Paul Van Brunt, 130 Composite Squadron, Superior Pilot Award 50 Year Life Membership - Major Linda Soderman Gill Robb Wilson Awards - Lt. Col. Thomas Hollenhorst, North Hennepin Composite Squadron. Conference continues on Page 18
th

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Conference continued from Page 17

Minnesota Wing Staff Member of the Year - Major Paul Pieper, Minnesota Wing Emergency Services Officer.

Exceptional Service Award - Major Wayne Sherman, (above center) Minnesota Wing Headquarters for his work on the narrowband transition project. Dorothy Sindelar Memorial Award Capt. Don Helgager, Northland Wilbur Coffin Memorial Award - Cadet Sponsor Member Carla Hansen, 130th Dunbar Award - 1st. Lt. Thomas Stinar, Northland Minnesota Wing Cadet of the Year - C/Major David Nelson, Red Wing

CAP Family of the Year - The Jents Family, St Croix (from left to right after Col. Theis) 1st. Lt. Chuck Jents, 2nd. Lt. Judi Jents, C/A1C Thomas Jents and C/SSgt Kati Jents CAP Quality Cadet Unit Award North Hennepin Composite Squadron Squadron of Merit North Hennepin Composite Squadron

The leadership of Anoka County Comp. Sqdn, with Col. Theis, receives the Unit Citation Award recognizing them as the 2010 Squadron of the Year.

Minnesota Wing Squadron of the Year Anoka County Composite Squadron Photos by C/1st. Lt. Lydia Wiff & C/Capt. Ethan Sundquist

Minnesota Wing Cadet of the Year, C/Major David Nelson embraces Capt. Susan Blessman as she received the CAP-USAF Torch Award.

CAP-USAF Torch Award Capt. Susan Blessman, Minnesota Wing Headquarters Minnesota Wing Senior Member of the Year - Major Aron Leavstrom, Owatonna

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NORTH CENTRAL REGION STAFF COLLEGE 2011 5-11 June 2011, Offutt AFB, NE
If you are looking for the perfect start to the summer of 2011, then its time to think about attending the 2011 North Central Region Staff College! The NCR Staff College will be held at Offutt AFB, NE from 5-11 June 2011. If you are working on completion of Level IV in the Professional Development Program or just want to work on your leadership and management skills, then Staff College is for you. During the week of Staff College you will be in seminar groups with your peers and work together on different activities involving communication skills, as well as focus on leadership styles and management skills.

We also throw in fun with a field trip to satisfy you airplane nuts! There is outstanding billeting available on base for a reasonable rate. The rooms come furnished with microwaves, refrigerators and coffee pots. There are also ample dining options on base as well as a multitude of places to eat near the base. We start the week out getting together Sunday evening June 5 about 5PM for supper and social time and will end the week about noon Friday, June 11 with a graduation and farewell and get you on your way home! Registration can be made by contacting Col. Mary F. Donley, CAP North Central Region Staff College Director or online through National Headquarters. Please fill out a CAPF 17 and send or email it to: Col. Mary F. Donley, CAP 5510 S. Lewis Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 Cell: 605-321-8056 E-Mail: mfdonley@sio.midco.net Cost: $75 Registration fee includes: supplies, books, college polo shirt, and the social on first evening and the banquet.

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Chaplains Prepare to Serve

Ch, Lt. Col. Don Mikitta Minnesota Wing Chaplain

19 members of the Civil Air Patrol Chaplains Corps participated in the annual North Central Region Chaplain Corps Staff College (NCR CCSC) from 28-31 March 2011 at the Columban Fathers Retreat Center, St Columban NE to prepare to better serve the CAPs membership as they serve their communities. The main emphasis of this years college was a training session led by Dr. Dan Casey of St Cloud. MN, on the subject of Compassion Fatigue. Compassion Fatigue addresses the techniques of stress management the responder implements in their life that helps them prepare for service in emergency setting, that are critically stressful. The second day of the college included an update on the CAP Cadet Program by Minnesota Wing Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col., Donald Mikitta; program updates from the North Central Region Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col., Jim Sickmeyer. A tour of Offutt Air Force Bases Traffic Control Tower and a trip to the Base Exchange closed out the day.

The final days sessions included briefings by the CAP Chief of CAP Chaplains, Ch, Col, Whitson Woodard; Lt. Col. Anna Marie Bistodeau a Character Development Instructor for Minnesota Wing, briefed on Uniform Wear, Character Development and Protocol. Chaplain Sickmeyer gave a status update on the Region Chaplain Corps and the incoming Region Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col. Eugene Abrams spoke to the college. Brig Gen Richard Anderson, the Chairman of CAPs Board of Governors updated the college participants on current issues affecting CAP. The college concluded with a celebratory banquet at the Papillion Latter Day Saint Stake House, hosted by the Stake President Daniel and Lorilee Reinhardt. Mr. Reinhardt was recognized with an Honorary CAP Membership for his support of the CAP Chaplain Corps and the NCR Chaplain Staff College. Continued on Page 21

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Chaplain Staff College continued from Page 20 Nebraska Wings Curtis Lemay Offutt Cadet Squadron presented the colors. Chaplain, Lt. Col., Fred Smelsers life was memorialized during the banquet. He had served as a CAP Chaplain for 20 years before his passing.

Col Sean Fagan (c) presiding at the change of responsibility ceremony between outgoing North Central Region Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col. James Sickmeyer (r) and incoming region Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col. Eugene Abrams (l)

The highlight of the evening was the transfer of responsibility ceremony, transferring the duties of North Central Region Chaplain from Chaplain James Sickmeyer to Chaplain Eugene Abrams. It was such a pleasure to join our Chaplains and Character Development Officers for this years college. The CAP Chaplaincy is so unique in that they must be ready to help with our cadet programs and senior members, but they also deploy to serve during our Operational Missions and to directly serve the Air Force as chaplains. The NCR Chaplain Staff College definitely helps our Chaplain Corps to better serve. said Col Sean Fagan, Commander of the North Central Region, who attended this years college. North Central Region will hold the 2012 NCR Chaplain Corps Staff College from 23-26 April 2012 at the Columban Fathers Retreat Center.

Col Sean Fagan, Commander of North Central Region (c) presents a CAP Honorary Membership to Mr. Daniel Reinhardt (r), president of the Papillion Latter Day Saint Stake House, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To the right is outgoing NCR Chaplain, Ch, Lt. Col. James Sickmeyer.

Attendees and graduates received certificates, and staff members were shown gratitude for service at the completion of the staff college with service awards. Chaplains and CDIs must complete two Chaplain Corps Staff Colleges to be considered graduates and receive credit for Level IV of the Senior Member Professional Development Program.

Chaplain, Lt. Col. Eugene Abrams North Central Region Chaplain

Chaplain Eugene Abrams has extensive experience as a CAP Chaplain and is an accomplished communicator and leader. He was recognized (pictured with Maj. Gen. Courter) in 2010 as CAPs Senior Chaplain of the Year for his work a unit and higher headquarters chaplain, crisis counselor, his support of the NCRs Chaplain Corps Staff College, and leadership In the Critical Incident Stress Management Program. Welcome to the team Chaplain Abrams!

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Civic Leadership Academy - An Opportunity of a Lifetime

Capt. Cindi Wachholz Assistant Public Affairs Officer, Iowa Wing
The Civic Leadership Academy was founded to help foster Civil Air Patrol cadets civic awareness, persuasive leadership ability, and overall interest in the democratic process. Only twenty-four cadet officers are selected to go to Washington, D.C. for a week of tours, seminars, and briefings from leaders at the top levels of our military and civil government. At this years Civic Leadership Academy, Iowa was represented by C/Major Adam Wachholz, from the Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron (IA-007). He participated in the eight-day National Cadet Special Activity, coming away with a deepened experience and knowledge about the American system of government and how it relates to national defense and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

A highlight of the Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) was the cadets participation in Legislative Day. Cadets assisted in delivering CAPs Annual Report to their Representatives, Senators, or their staff. Cadet Wachholz had the opportunity to accompany Wing Commander, Col Ron Scheitzach, on this task. It was a great experience for me, said C/Major Wachholz, I came away with a deeper appreciation of the connection between Congress, the military and its auxiliaries. Part of the CLA cadets mission was to lobby for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded for CAPs World War II sub-chasers. By the end of the day, numerous key legislators had signed on to the resolution, giving a solid basis for the eventual recognition of this shining moment in CAPs history. CLAs busy schedule includes two trips which required a security clearance that had to be set in motion a month in advance. The first was a visit to the FBI Academy at Quantico, VA, where cadets toured the facilities, learned about the latest developments in covert surveillance, and spoke with experts in law enforcement. The second was an all-day visit to the CIA headquarters in Langley, where, this year, cadets were personally briefed by CIA Director Leon Panetta. In addition, they were able to see how the worldrenowned intelligence agency operates on a day-to-day basis, speaking with the editor of the World Factbook, touring the CIA Museum, and talking to past agents.
With C/Capt. Matt Frame (l) of Minnesota Wing. In exchange for such a rewarding National Cadet Special Activity, a Photo Courtesy of CAP National Headquarters. great deal is expected from the Civic Leadership Academy cadets. Applications open in September, and require a letter of recommendation, an essay, and a photo upload. If an applicant is accepted, there is a six-week Civics course which educates the attendees on American history and our form of government. It was a lot of work, but in the end, it added so much to my experience, C/Major Wachholz explained, It was a great opportunity to see what careers could be available to CAP cadets who strive toward excellence.

C/Major Adam Wacholz at the World War II Memorial. Photo Courtesy of CAP National Headquarters.

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Cadet gains unparalleled access to the nations capital

Capt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing
Cadet Captain Matthew Frame, of Ramsey, MN participated in the Civil Air Patrols Civic Leadership Academy from Feb. 26 to March 5 in Washington, D.C. He was one of 24 top cadets selected for this activity. The CLA, an academically intense, interactive study of U.S. government in action, provides participants the opportunity to grow as citizens and young leaders through lessons in persuasive leadership, federal government, public service careers and American heritage. Frame, a member of the Anoka County Composite Squadron, has distinguished himself in numerous ways. He is a recipient of the Amelia Earhart Award, the third highest Cadet Award in CAP along with be promoted to Cadet Captain, Billy Mitchell Award and promoted to Cadet 2nd. Lt.., winner of a essay scholarship, Leader in the MN Encampment the past four years and again selected to be on the staff in 2011 along with being a strong leader on the Cadet Staff at the Squadron and is a member of the Minnesota Wing Cadet Advisory Council. Frame, has been a CAP cadet since 2006. The Civic Leadership Academy provides cadets an unrivaled opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of leadership, public service and the principles that guide our nation, said Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAPs national commander and CLAs founding director. The activity empowers them to apply those principles in their lives and to be thoughtful participants in our nations future. In addition to a blend of field trips, lectures, seminars and assigned readings from historic and current sources, Frame and the other CLA cadets will visit the U.S. Capitol; the Supreme Court; the State Department; Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Central Intelligence Agency; the Pentagon; the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.; legislative offices; and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, as well as the World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Women in Military Service and Lincoln memorials.
(l to r) is Cadet Lt. Col. Billy Hoffman, Col. Tom Theis, Congressman Chip Cravaack, Col. Tom Theis, Lt. Col. Bonnie Braun, and Cadet Capt. Matthew Frame (photo by: Col. Kevin Sliwinski)

They will also encounter VIP speakers at these locations who will provide insights designed to deepen their understanding of government in action. Their CLA tasks will culminate with a final project a presentation on their CLA experience to their peers in

their home squadrons and wings. The success of CLA has been to keep the cadets engaged in activities they could not do on their own, said Lt. Col. Bill Brockman, CLA activity director and founding faculty member. They are not just learning about government, but also how to interact with government, how they can be involved to make a difference, and how to look for internship opportunities. In recognition of the programs outstanding academic value, the National Association of Secondary School Principals has again placed CLA on the National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2010-2011. In addition to their activities, Frame and the other CLA cadets participated in CAPs 2011 Legislative Day on March 3 by working alongside their wing commanders and legislative officers to brief legislators on how CAPs primary missions emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs have benefited their communities.

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2011 Cadet Encampments

The Experience That Brings it All Together
Each year thousands of CAP cadets come together for The Encampment Experience. CAP encampments are a key part of the cadet program in that they allow cadets to apply the skills learned at the home squadron in the ultimate Leadership Laboratory. Completing an encampment is a requirement for the Mitchell Award and is one of the most rewarding experiences in the entire cadet program. This year five of our wings will be conducting encampments.

Joint Dakota Encampment (ND/SD)

Dates: 9-17 July 2011 Location: Camp Rapid, Rapid City, SD Key Personnel: Commander: Lt. Col. Linda Buechler nd Cadet Commander: C/2 Lt Preston Lee More Information: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/CAPJDE

Missouri Wing
Dates: 9-16 July 2011 Location: Camp Crowder in Neosho Missouri Key Personnel: Commander: Major Brad Sanker Executive Officer: Captain David Brown Commandant of Cadets: Lt. Col. Julie Oldham Cadet Commander: C/Capt. Marlan Campbell More Information: http://ctg.mowgcap.org/home

Minnesota Wing
Dates: 11-18 June 2011 Location: Camp Ripley, Little Falls, MN Key Personnel: Commander: Capt. Nash Pherson Executive Officer: 1st. Lt. JD Teter Commandant of Cadets: 1st. Lt. Don Raleigh Chief Tactical Officer: Major Brian Freseman SDS Director: 1st. Lt. Luke Frederick Cadet Commander: C/Major David Nelson More Information: http://www.mncap.org/cp/13ctg/

Nebraska Wing
Dates: 25-30 July 2011 Location: Camp Ashland, NE Key Personnel: Commander: Lt. Col. Darrell McMillan (E-mail below) Executive Officer: Commandant of Cadets: Cadet Commander: More Information: hurrisnow@hotmail.com

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Social Media An Introduction

Major Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs, North Central Region
Nothing has changed how we communicate more, since the roll out of the Internet in the 1990s. An entire industry of web based applications has developed around the concept of an interactive internet. You will find everything from picture sharing sites, blogging, voice and video communications, social connections, virtual worlds and entire libraries at your finger tips. So what does this mean to Civil Air Patrol? By its nature, social media is an un-controllable environment. Its just too big and its constantly evolving. 5 years ago who ever heard of Twitter or Facebook? A few years ago My Space was all the rage. Now cadets may say Whats My Space? and five years from now who know what the rage will be? But this environment can be harnessed by our units and individual members to tell our CAP Story. In the past our Public Affairs efforts have focused on us talking to an audience and not really listening to them. A good PAO should be listening but most of the time when we send a release or post an item to a website or publish a newsletter we dont hear anything back. There is little or no feedback. Now with Social Media it is as easy as a mouse click for a member of the public or a CAP member to respond or comment on a CAP related story/posting. Therefore, social media represents a seismic shift in the way Public Affairs Officers do business, because Social Media is all about 2-way communications! Over the next few months we will explore the different aspects of Social Media, share best practices for units & members and most importantly encourage you and your unit join the Social Media Revolution Next Month: Social Media - Member Responsibilities and Opportunities

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Member Recognition
The Member Recognition Section highlights achievements in the CAP Cadet Program, the Senior Member Professional Development Program and field grade promotions over the last 30 days.

Cadets
Amelia Earhart Award
C/Capt. Muriel Eaton, Kansas

Senior Program
Gill Robb Wilson Award
Lt. Col. Brent Halweg, Minnesota Lt. Col. Thomas Hollenhorst, MN Lt. Col. Carolyn Rice, Missouri

Gen. Benjamin Davis Leadership Award

1st. Lt. Joseph Kempl, Iowa 2nd. Lt. Ron Mutchler, Iowa Capt. Edwin Spoelstra, Iowa 1st. Lt. Patricia Crockett, Kansas Capt. Mitchell Edwards, Kansas Capt. Carl McElwee, Kansas 2nd. Lt. Dyann Berglund, Kansas Capt. Colleen McArthur, Minnesota Capt. Luke Frederick, Minnesota Capt. Jeffrey Leif, Minnesota Capt. Charles Terry, Minnesota Capt. Charles Jents, Minnesota Major David Deucher, Missouri Capt. Jason Linder, Nebraska Capt. Philip Jossi, Nebraska Capt. Todd Epp, South Dakota 1st. Lt. David Small, South Dakota

Brig Gen Billy Mitchell Award

C/2 Lt Nathaniel Medrano, Missouri nd C/2 Lt Stephen Couture, Missouri nd C/2 Lt Tawner Stefan, Missouri nd C/2 Lt Drake Biggers. North Dakota nd C/2 Lt Kelly Oberg, North Dakota nd C/2 Lt Steven Sasiela, North Dakota
nd

Paul E. Garber Award |Major Jonathan Schlesener, Kansas

Lt. Col. Larry Burch, Kansas Major D Martin, Minnesota Capt. Norine Olson, Minnesota Capt. Malcolm Decker, Missouri Capt. Michael Mcclellan, Nebraska

Wright Brothers Award

C/SSgt Chance Tromp, Kansas C/SSgt Matthew Linder, Minnesota C/SSgt Noah Hall, Minnesota C/SSgt Timothy O'Reilly, Minnesota C/SSgt Valeriya Kolyadenko, MN C/SSgt Brady Cutler, Missouri C/SSgt Quinn Greenheck, North Dakota C/SSgt Thomas Lobash, North Dakota

Grover Loening Award

1st. Lt. John Ellis, Iowa Capt. David Franz, Kansas Major Gary Isker, Minnesota Major James Harris, Minnesota Capt. Delores Kirchner, Minnesota Capt. David Brown, Missouri Capt. Jim Peyton, Missouri Major David Deucher, Missouri Capt. William DiMarsico, Missouri Capt. Linda Burch, Missouri Capt. Athol Hetzel, North Dakota Capt. Bryan Sharp, South Dakota

Promotions
Major
Jason Suby, Minnesota Gary Isker, Minnesota James Harris, Minnesota David Deucher, Missouri Douglas Mullins, North Dakota

Lieutenant Colonel
Larry Burch, Missouri Vincent Teuber, Missouri Michael Hurst, Missouri Elwin Callahan, Nebraska

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Col. Ronald Scheitzach, Wing Commander

1st. Lt. Jessa Brace, Public Affairs Officer

L to R: C/2nd. Lt. Isaac Wachholz, C/Capt. Felix Knutson, Capt. Cindi Wachholz, Lt. Col. Eric Schneider, C/Maj. Adam Wachholz Photo by 2nd. Lt. Betsy Becker

Northwest Squadron Members Receive Milestone Awards

2 Lt Betsy Becker, Public Affairs Officer, Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron, Iowa Wing Members of the Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron were honored to have Lt. Col. Eric Schneider, Vice Commander of th the Iowa Wing, on hand to present two Cadet Milestone Awards at their meeting on Saturday February 5 . C/Capt. Felix Knutson was presented the Amelia Earhart Award. The award commemorates Amelia Earhart, who in 1928, was the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air and attempted, in 1937, to circumnavigate the world in a twin engine Lockheed Electra. Less than 5% of Civil Air Patrol cadets reach this milestone. I have a goal to reach the Spaatz Award in CAP and I am on my way to achieving that milestone, states Cadet Knutson, who has also applied to the United States Air Force Academy. C/2 . Lt Isaac Wachholz was presented the General Billy Mitchell certificate by Lt. Col. Schneider. The Mitchell milestone is a hard sought award to receive as well. This award honors the late General Billy Mitchell, an aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent air force for America. Fewer than 15% of CAP cadets reach this milestone. The Mitchell milestone has been a goal of mine for some time. By receiving this award I was promoted to a cadet officer, said Wachholz. I am looking forward to continuing my training in CAP and assuming more responsibilities with this promotion. Others squadron members who were recognized were Cadet Adam Wachholz with a promotion to the grade of C/Major. Cadet Jozef Lamfers was promoted to C/SRA. Senior Member Jim Wachholz was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and 2nd. Lt. Betsy Becker received the leadership ribbon.
nd nd

Get the Latest news from Iowa Wing at the Iowa Wing News Blog! http://www.iawgcap.com/news.html
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Col. Regena Aye, Wing Commander

Col. Jerome Hanson, Public Affairs Officer

Kansas Cadet Honored for Volunteer Firefighting Service

Courtesy, Kansas Wing AD Astra Newsletter

C/1st. Lt. Brendan Finley-Davis of the Micky Axton Composite Squadron, Kansas Wing was selected as the recipient of the 2011 National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Junior Firefighter of the Year Award. The award is sponsored by Tyco International. We are very pleased to honor the 2011 NVFC award recipients and recognize the amazing contributions they have made to the emergency services, said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. Outstanding departments and individuals from across the country were nominated for these awards, and the recipients that were chosen truly exemplify outstanding service and commitment to the fire service. We thank you for all you do to strengthen the emergency services and protect your communities. Finley-Davis received a trip to Alexandria to attend the award ceremony, a personalized award, and complimentary one-year membership in the NVFC, among other items. In addition, members of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year, including Finley-Davis spent a day on Capitol Hill meeting their Congressional representatives. Brendan has been a junior firefighter with the Hackberry Township (KS) Volunteer Fire Department for over six years. He is consistently one of the first on the scene in an emergency call and the last to leave, making sure all clean-up is done and equipment is ready for the next use before he heads home. Thanks to his teaching and leadership skills, Finley-Davis is in charge of educating new junior firefighter program recruits about the responsibilities of being a junior firefighter. In addition, he teaches Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH) fire safety lessons to kindergarten through 3rd grade students at the local elementary schools. Finley-Davis is also a member of the National Honor Society, track and cross country teams, and the Future Farmers of America. Special Thanks to National Volunteer Fire Council

For the Latest news from Kansas Wing read the Kansas Wing Newsletter at this link! http://kswg.cap.gov/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=284&func=select&id=14

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Col. Thomas Theis, Wing Commander

Staff Training Weekends prepare cadet cadre, senior staff for Encampment
Maj. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment
The STWs are short and to the point, but manage to address a wealth of important information. For cadets and senior members who have served at an Encampment before, its a helpful refresher. For those who have never served at an Encampment it provides a wealth of important information; it provides the skills to be more effective and gives them the tools and techniques needed to succeed. We owe it to them, as well as to the basic cadets attending Encampment. The STWs cover topics including situational and persuasive leadership, mentorship and feedback, team building, practice inspections, drill, avoiding the hazing trap, legacy building, uniform standards, and so much more.

(From left) C/2nd. Lt.s. Libby Berg, 13th CTG leadership officer (Grand Rapids Squadron) and Rueben Miller, 13th CTG Standards/Evaluation officer (North Hennepin), finalize a presentation on inspections during Minnesota Wings Encampment Preparatory School-2.

From Mar. 18-20, the Minnesota National Guard training center at Camp Ripley was home to nearly 50 cadets and senior members participating in the final phase of the Minnesota Wings Encampment Staff Training Weekend (STW). The purpose of STW is to familiarize cadet cadre and senior staff with the operations and management of the 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment being held here June 11-18. An earlier STW was held in Feb. Encampment is the stepping stone to the numerous opportunities available to a young adult in Civil Air Patrol, so we need to make sure that the cadet cadre and senior staff has the necessary training and skill set to ensure a positive experience for each basic cadet, said Capt. Nash Pherson, 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment commander. Cadet Capt. David Nelson of Red Wing Squadron, th commander of the Encampments 13 Cadet Training Group, agreed.
Jennifer Teter, a registered dietician and person trainer, addresses cadet cadre during Minnesota Wings Encampment Preparatory School-2.

I liked the situational leadership segments the best because they helped with really making you analyze what is needed for any situation you may encounter while working during Encampment, said Cadet Staff Sgt. Mikayla Frey of Anoka Squadron, Encampment cadet logistics officer. Continued on Page 30

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Encampment Continues From Page 29 Staff Training Weekend also provided a platform to exchange best practices, as well as enhance teamwork. I found STW helpful to bounce ideas off of other Tactical Officers (TACs), along with getting to know the rest of the cadet and senior staff. I made new friends and met old ones, all of whom I'm looking forward to working with during Encampment, said 1st. Lt. Rachel Helgager of Northland Squadron, Encampment Alpha Flight TAC.

We are hoping that this will minimize TACs overstepping on flight staff's duties and vice versa. We also wanted to encourage the TACs and flight staff team to start and build a positive working relationship, Freseman said. Encampment executive officer, 1st. Lt. J.D. Teter of North Hennepin Squadron, was impressed by the personal growth, as well as the leadership development of the cadet staff that transpired in the four weeks between each STW session.

(From the left) C/Maj. Nick Trombley, 13 CTG deputy commander (North Hennepin); C/Capt. David Nelson, 13th CTG commander (Red Wing); and C/Lt. Col. Amanda Folberg, 13th CTG executive officer (Ft. Snelling) visit with cadet cadre during Minnesota Wings Encampment Preparatory School-2.

th

(Right) C/2nd. Lt. Caitlin Albrecht (North Hennepin), Delta Flight commander during the 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment, practices drill with the Encampments cadet cadre during Minnesota Wings Encampment Preparatory School-2.

New this year was bringing the cadet and senior staffs together sooner, reinforcing the concept of the flight team. It seems that many times issues arise because TACs and cadet flight staff haven't trained together, worked together or even met before encampment starts. The push this year was to have all the TAC positions filled and require them to attend the staff training so they could work with their cadet counterparts, said Maj. Brian Freseman, Minnesota Wing assistant director of Cadet Programs, and Encampments chief TAC. Four situational leadership exercises included the entire flight team, allowing TACs and cadet flight staff an opportunity to train and work together.

I really like how we are integrating the training of the flight staff as a whole: TAC, flight commander and flight sergeant. This is a crucial element that has, for the most part, been overlooked or taken for granted at past Encampments. They are truly acting as a team after this weekend, Teter said. Teter also praised the attitudes of both senior and cadet staff, and their willingness to listen and learn from each other. The U.S. Navy veteran summed up STW and its application to the 2011 Minnesota Wing Encampment best. As one of my shipboard security response team instructors used to say: I am pumped up, psyched up and motivated!

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Col. Erica Williams, Wing Commander

Lt. Col. David Miller, Public Affairs Officer

Wing Concludes Successful Statewide Disaster Drill

Lt. Col. David Miller, Public Affairs Officer, Missouri Wing Members of the Missouri Wing, from across the state responded Saturday to a simulated 7.2 magnitude earthquake disaster drill. Formal disaster relief and search and rescue training exercises are held on a regular basis several times each year to help keep these dedicated volunteers ready for any contingency.

population. Dams, including the one at Mark Twain Lake, were also evaluated from the air. Aircrew and ground teams also responded to a number of simulated emergency beacons across the state. Emergency beacons, or Emergency Locator Transmitters, are activated in aircraft if damaged or otherwise disrupted (such as by an earthquake). Once pinpointed from the air, ground teams can move in and physically find the beacons and turn them off. Finally, a new real-time video streaming system for photo reconnaissance was tested with the assistance of the Missouri National Guard. The drill had been planned for many months but the training was brought into sharper focus by the tragic earthquake in Japan earlier in the week. The events in Japan clearly drive home the devastating effects of a similar large earthquake along the New Madrid fault, noted Lt. Col. Randy Fuller, Missouri Wing Emergency Services Officer and incident commander for the exercise. This is what we train for training we hope we never have to use but are ready when needed.

Responding to simulated extensive damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and the loss of telephone and cellular phone communications, CAP aircrew immediately established a new network of radio communication utilizing airborne repeaters. Photo reconnaissance missions were then flown according to an established earthquake plan to evaluate possible damage to critical infrastructure, such as key roads and bridges, in order for other agencies to determine appropriate routes for moving in heavy equipment and supplies and the evacuation of the local

Mission base for the drill was centrally located at the Sedalia Regional Airport in Sedalia, Missouri. Additional staging areas were located at Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport in Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri

Get the Latest news from Missouri Wing at the Missouri Wing Website!

http://www.mowg.cap.gov
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Col. David Plum, Wing Commander

2nd. Lt. Zachary Miller, Public Affairs Officer

Nebraska Wing Conference

Nebraska Wing held its annual conference recently and there were 81 senior members (including guests) and 72cadets in attendance. One of the honored guests was Mr. Ronnie Mitchell, Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics and had this to say about the conference: Thank you for the opportunity to speak at the banquet this past Saturday. I considered it to be a distinct honor for the leadership of CAP to invite my wife Doris and myself and then allow me to take up some valuable time of all the attendees. Thanks again, we had a very enjoyable evening. You did a marvelous job of organization for the event. The following awards were presented at the conference: 1st. Lt. Twyla Burge 1st. Lt. Justin Amundson 1st. Lt. Christopher Goodrich Captain Laura Moss Captain Lloyd Burge Captain Richard Milota Major Kathryn Petersen Major Donald Stilley Major Glen Witte Major Steve Sutton Lt. Col. Michael Kolster Lt. Col. Darrell Nelson Lt. Col. Beverly Talbott Lt. Col. Robert McCartney Lt. Col. Darrell McMillan Col. Robert Todd CAP Achievement Award Major Steve Sutton Air Force Association Awards C/SSgt Landon Brand & C/SrA Anthony DeGroot, Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Cadet C/Capt. William McLaughlin Senior Major David Jones Continued on Page 33

Lt. Col. Melissa Plum is presented with the CAP Exceptional Service Award by Col. Fagan for her dedication as Region Director of Finance. She is accompanied by her husband, Col. David Plum, Nebraska Wing Commander.

Exceptional Service Award Lt. Col. Melissa Plum Commanders Commendation Awards C/SSgt Landon Brand C/CMSgt Alexander Burgess C/CMSgt Shelby Robey C/2nd.Lt.Tyler Fusselman C/Major Daniel Deever SM Tara Pavelka 2nd. Lt. Erich Deitenbeck 1st. Lt. Clark Dix

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Nebraska Wing Continued from Page 32

Lt. Col. Don Palmer (r) of Nebraska Wing HQ is recognized for his 50 years of CAP Membership with a CAP Life Membership.

Col. Plum and Lt. Col Mike Pederson, Commander of the North Central Liaison Region recognizes the Cadet of the Year, C/Major Dan Deever (r) and the Torch Award recipient Lt Col Jason Johnson (2nd from right).

Longevity Awards Lt. Col. Don Palmer & Maj. Bob Washington Safety Officer of the Year Major Tom Pflug

Cadet of the Year C/Major Daniel Deever CAP-USAF Torch Award Lt Col Jason Johnson Brig. Gen. Richard L. Anderson Wing Staff Member of the Year Lt. Col. Robert McCartney Lt. Col. Robert Reichert Wing Staff Member of the Year - Lt. Col. Darrell Nelson Tex Marymee, Emergency Services Award Senior Member - Major James Croson Cadet C/CMSgt Christopher MHaijsman Lt. Col. William Lowery, Finance Officer of the Year Lt. Col. Ralph Gibbons Evelyn Sharp Award, Aerospace Education Officer of the Year - Lt. Colonel Carl Willert

Col. David Plum presents the Senior Member of the Year Award to Nebraska Wing Chief of Staff, Major Thomas Schaefer.

Rickenbacker Cadet of the Year C/2nd.Lt. Christopher Kolster Legislative Officer of the Year - Lt. Col Karl Eisbach Ground Team of the Year General Curtis Lemay Offutt Comp. Sqdn. & Siouxland Comp. Sqdn. Cadet Programs Officer of the Year Lt. Col. Jason Johnsen Character Development Instructor of the Year 2nd.Lt. Scott Isaacson

Senior Member of the Year Major Thomas Schaeffer Arthur C. Storz Victory Award Offutt Comp. Sqdn Carl B. Lang Award 155th Comp. Sqdn. Public Affairs Officer of the Year 2nd. Lt. Anthony Doremus

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Lt. Col. William Kay, Interim Wing Commander

Lt. Col. Sean Johnson, Public Affairs Officer

Volunteer aviators provide government agencies with a view from the sky
(WDAY TV) - We usually see them when they are called upon to search for a missing person from the air, but most of the flights by the Civil Air Patrol are flood related. So what is the mission of these volunteer aviators? High above the flooding in the Red River Valley the North Dakota Civil Patrol is giving rides to a variety of agencies. LT. COL. TROY KRABBENHOFT - North Dakota Civil Air Patrol: We could have a sheriffs office call us, the water department, FEMA, who ever needs a ride to kind of look at some areas of interest. But on most of their flights during the flood they are not just sending back information about what they see LT. COL. TROY KRABBENHOFT - North Dakota Civil Air Patrol: We actually provide the photos for them so we'll go up; get the latitude and longitude on the photos and of the direction of our flight. When there up they are looking for washed out roads, bridges that have been swamped or have debris against them, they can even tell if dikes are too wet or in danger of being topped. This view from above can notify officials of problems they weren't aware of or the scope of damage in an area. And when these planes go up its not just the pilot who goes up. It's actually a three person crew that goes up to conduct the survey. Photographing from the air brings its own set of challenges BRUCE EMMEL - North Dakota Civil Air Patrol: When you are looking through that sight window and you looking down and things are shaking around its kind of difficult to get a good picture. Plus Emmel says one big difference from the ground. BRUCE EMMEL - North Dakota Civil Air Patrol: And there are times when we get sick. This is a volunteer group and even people who are not pilots are welcome LT. COL. TROY KRABBENHOFT - North Dakota Civil Air Patrol: We can train them to be a scanner and that's just seriously peeking out the window and when we're flying at certain altitudes you can see quite a bit and all you do is scan it. These eyes in the sky will continue to look down from above as long as flooding continues in the region. The Civil Air Patrol will take volunteers as young as 12 as part of its cadet program.

Please click on this link to see the video associated with his story:

http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/45989/
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Col. Theresa Schimelfening, Wing Commander

Capt. Todd Epp, Public Affairs Officer

County farms flooded

The Brookings Register - Tuesday, Mar 29th, 2011 http://www.brookingsregister.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=76&story_id=10731
The city of Brookings has escaped some would say remarkably the flooding occurring elsewhere in the county and throughout eastern South Dakota. The Six Mile Creek overflow, for example, has receded; Sexauer Park is no longer under water, and northwest Brookings streets are all passable. Still, neighbors are struggling with flooding. This view three miles south-southeast of Brookings, taken March 24 by the S.D. Civil Air Patrol, shows several farmsteads that have become islands in a sea of water. The Big Sioux has flooded land from Bruce to Lake Campbell. The river measured11.63 feet near Brookings today. Flood stage at the local gauge is 9 feet. Those numbers are still well under those recorded last September, when the Big Sioux reached 13.66 feet, and in April 1969, when the river rose to 14.77 feet an all-time high. Officials expect a second crest on the river later this week following another warm-up. Meanwhile, significant flooding is ongoing at many area lakes, including Campbell, Thompson and Poinsett. The worst is yet to come for many, because the ice melt hasnt yet occurred. Lake Poinsett is 58 inches over full and rising at a rate of 6 inches per day. The current prediction is for the lake to rise several more feet before the ice melts and continue to rise all year. Department of Public Safety/Civil Air Patrol photo

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Discover what you can do in the Civil Air Patrol!

Civil Air Patrol offers challenging opportunities for cadets such as learning how to fly at a Flight Academy or leading fellow cadets at an encampment or participation in National Cadet Special Activities. Cadets can also serve as members of CAPs Emergency Services Team performing ground searches, disaster relief and mission base work. These are just a few of the exciting benefits of community service and CAP membership for cadets. For more information please talk to someone in your chain of command or go to www.capmembers.com

Civil Air Patrol Citizens Serving Communities

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