WINGTIPS — PLUS! - Minnesota Wing

PAGE 6 WINGTIPS PLUS MAY 2002
BlackCAP 18 a Huge Success
98 cadets and 48 seniors from 21 Minnesota Wing
Squadrons, North Dakota and Fremont Nebraska attended
the 18th annual Black CAP Emergency Services
College. It was held 5-7 April at the Red Wing
Squadron hangar.
BlackCAP is an event hosted by the Red Wing Squadron.
It is designed to provide learning opportunities for
members in Emergency Service skills and methods.
The event also allows members not to take themselves
“so seriously” and have fun as only Red Wing Squadron
can host!
Friday Evening began with Chaplain Don Mikitta covering
the “History of Black CAP” using his renditions from
the movie “Toy Story.” Members were organized into 9
flights and took time to personalize their guidons.
8 participants were called on to assist in a REDCAP
mission. This ELT search sent them into the downtown
Minneapolis area. The ELT was located at an airplane
junkyard. One of the seniors had to climb into some
tight areas to shut the ELT off. Rumor had it he left a
little present of a frog. The two Nebraska Wing Cadets
that were part of the search were treated to a
“Minnesota Delicacy,” the White Castle “Slider.” The
team made it back to the base in time for a quick nap
before revile began to sound!
Saturday’s training required the students to divide into
3 groups to learn the basics of Ground Team Training,
Urban DF Training and Ground Team Leader Training.
This training was conducted with the new training
plans and materials issued by National Headquarters.
In the evening the annual “Polecat Competition” was
held in the hangar. In true “polecat” style, the activities
are never the same and must be experienced to truly
understand the fun.
Sunday morning the Minnesota Search and Rescue
Dog Association brought in 2 of their search dogs for a
presentation of their capabilities Sunday Morning.
The school had its “Pass in Review” graduation parade
and “Innovative Drill” competition. Let’s just say that
this is nothing like the National Cadet Competition at
the US Air Force Academy. J
Colonel Dale Hoium presided at the graduation after
the review. During the graduation ceremony members
were recognized for their participation and “W” Flight
was presented with the “Honor Flight” designation for
the 2002 Black CAP.
Cadets Learn Basic Direction Finding Skills at BlackCAP
Laying Down On The Job?
Red Wing Squadron is planning on hosting BlackCAP
19. They promise that the next college will be even
more exciting and engaging than the 18 th edition. Look
for it in Mid April 2003!
- Red Wing Squadron Newsletter
Members who went out on the Friday Night RedCAP and
“Slider” run.