Fall-Winter - Minnesota Wing

Northern Flights
The Official Magazine of the Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol
FALL - WINTER 2009
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Northern
Flights
Minnesota Wing
Civil Air Patrol
6275 Crossman Lane
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-291-0462
gsupan@mncap.org
Colonel Thomas Theis
Commander, Minnesota Wing
Northern Flights Fall-Winter 2009
Editorial Supplied by Major Al Pabon
National Public Affairs Team Leader
CAP National Headquarters
Northern Flights is the authorized publication
of the Minnesota Wing of Civil Air Patrol and
is edited by the Minnesota Wing Headquarters
Office. It is published by a private firm which
is in no way connected to the United States Air
Force or the Civil Air Patrol. Opinions expressed
in the articles and advertisements in this magazine
are the sole responsibility of the contributors
and are in no way endorsed by the United States
Government, the United States Air Force, or the
Civil Air Patrol Corporation. This publication is
published three times a year.
Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteer
organization. Federally chartered by Congress
under 36 U.S.C. §§201-208, which is dedicated
to emergency services, aerospace education and
motivation of America’s youth to the highest
ideals of leadership and public service through
cadet programs. Funds received by the advertising
sales are used to support this publication and to
support various CAP activities throughout the
State of Minnesota.
For information on advertising rates
and space, please call:
1-800-635-6036
Minnesota
Flight Academy
Flying High has New
Meaning for Cadets
at Minnesota Flight
Academy
Major Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
Minnesota Wing
Regardless of the distance traveled, training
young glider pilots is a job Senior Member
Steve Dee loves doing for the Civil Air Patrol.
Even better is doing so when one of the cadets who
takes their solo flight also happens to come from
south of the Mason-Dixon Line as well.
So how does a glider instructor pilot from
Tennessee Wing connect with a cadet from Georgia
Wing at the Minnesota Wing Flight Academy
“It’s a great group of positive cadets and adults
that make the Minnesota Flight Academy such a
success, so I look forward to coming back each
year,” Dee said.
Dee, a retired Colonel who served 30 years in
the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, is a pilot for
FedEx when not sharing the finer points of how to
fly gliders to cadets. He has been making the trip to
the Minnesota for nearly 10 years.
This was the first visit to “The land of sky blue
waters” for Cadet Airman Basic Nathan Bernth of
Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron
in Georgia.
Continued on page 5 . . .
COVER IMAGE: C/AB Nathan Bernth is congratulated by
SM Steve Dee after soloing.

Sprouting Wings
Pat Christman
The Mankato (MN) Free Press
A glider lands while a powered flight takes off during the
Minnesota Wing Flight Academy.
Ben Leaf, 15, closes the canopy on a glider as he prepares
for his second solo flight during the Civil Air Patrol’s flight
academy at the Mankato Municipal Airport. Photo - The
Free Press
One of their instructors likened the group of
25 Civil Air Patrol cadets learning about flight at a
weeklong flight academy to sponges.
“They’re soaking wet, tired and full of information
at the end of the day,” he said, “but they
come back the next day fresh and ready for more.”
The academy, sponsored by the Minnesota
Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, is an intense course
designed to teach students from Minnesota, Iowa,
South Dakota and Nebraska about ground and air
operations of both powered airplanes and gliders,
said the Civil Air Patrol’s Dave Skaar.
“The idea is to give them the experience of flying,
not necessarily time in the airplane,” Skaar said.
To get that experience, cadets spent the first
three days of the academy in the classroom, learning
about how an airplane or glider works and
the basic controls. The students also learn about
safety around aircraft and performing duties on the
ground with the gliders, such as hooking them to
the tow plane and guiding the wing as they gain
speed on the ground.
For the next three days, the cadets learn to fly
the airplane or glider, taking short flights called
sorties with an instructor.
Many of the 14- to 18-year-old cadets take
their first solo airplane or glider flight during the
academy, an experience that leaves them smiling
from ear to ear, but also costs them their shirt.
A tradition among pilots, students taking
their first solo flight have the date written on
their shirt and a panel cut out of it to remember
the experience.
C/CMSgt Ben Leaf gives the thumbs up with his
ground crew.

Scholarship helps
Minnesota cadet
reach new heights
Capt. Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
Minnesota Wing
A scholarship honoring
a late Civil Air Patrol
member will help an aspiring
pilot earn her wings.
C a d e t S e c o n d
L i e u t e n a n t E m i l y
Jensen, a member of the
Crow Wing Composite
Squadron in Brainerd,
Minn., received the Jacob
Pfingsten Memorial Flight
Training Scholarship during
the recent Minnesota
Wing Flight Academy.
Jacob Pfingsten, a cadet and senior member
of the Crow Wing Squadron, obtained his FAA
(L-R) Cadet Emily Jensen and Jolene Parks, Jacob
Pfingsten’s sister. Photo courtesy of 2009 Minnesota Flight
Academy
C/TSgt Don Raleigh hooks a glider to a tow line during the
Minnesota Wing Flight Academy.
Private Pilot Certificate through the CAP program.
He died in February 2005 of natural causes while
serving with the U.S. Army in Germany. The
scholarship was created by his parents, Tom and
Beth Pfingsten of Brainerd, both Civil Air Patrol
members, and LaDonna and Randy Blackorbay of
Maple Grove.
Jensen, the Crow Wing Squadron cadet commander,
said the scholarship has special meaning
to her.
“Receiving the scholarship meant that I’d be
able to go on to get my private pilot’s license,
something I’ve wanted to do since I can remember,”
Jensen said, “and I felt privileged to
receive the scholarship since I had known the
Pfingsten family, and Jake, since joining CAP
six years ago.”
The scholarship provides up to 30 hours of
flight training. The cadet has one year to utilize
the funds and to obtain their certificate. Jensen was
selected as the recipient of the scholarship from
several outstanding candidates by the senior staff
and flight instructors at the flight academy held
near Mankato, Minn.
Flight academy also provided Jensen
with the opportunity to solo in an airplane.
“Soloing was incredible. Being up in the sky is
amazing enough, but being up in the sky, flying a
plane by YOURSELF, is unbelievable!”

Flying High at MN Flight Academy
Continued from page 1 . . .
“My Dad saw a flight academy was being held
in Minnesota so he made all the arrangements for
me to be here,” Bernth said. “I also wanted to solo
in a glider and coming to Minnesota made that a
possibility.” Cadets need at least 30 flights before
they can fly solo in a glider.
The July 17-25 flight academy drew 25 pilots
in training from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska,
Kansas and Georgia and put them behind the controls
of either a Super Blanik L-23 glider or Cessna
172 aircraft. The cadets were joined by nearly 30
senior officers supervising the activity.
The gliders travel at about 50 miles per hour.
The flights are towed to 3,000 feet by a powered
aircraft. Then the glider pilot releases the tow
cable and looks for thermal columns of warm air to
give them lift like the eagles and hawks that hunt
the fields near the Mankato Municipal Airport.
After that the emphasis is on landing patterns and
landing the glider from 1,000 feet.
The two-seater gliders provide room for a
FAA certified flight instructor, who can make
adjustments using rear controls if the young pilot
makes a mistake. Cadet Bernth was teamed with
SM Dee during a supervised flight before taking
the controls for a solo.
“I was confident he (Cadet Bernth) was ready
to solo,” Dee said. “There’s a lot of accountability
here for cadets, from running the flight line to
preparing for their solo. So, they are in charge as to
whether flight academy is a successful experience
or not.”
Bernth said soloing in the glider was
awesome.
“The flight academy was very well run and the
quality of the instructors was outstanding.” Bernth
said he also made a lot of new friends.
All powered aircraft training is conducted at a
minimum altitude of 1,500 feet at an air speed of
about 100 miles per hour. During the solo flight the
cadet is by themselves and typically performs 1-3
take-offs and landings.
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jenna Ernst of St.
Cloud Composite Squadron soloed in the Cessna
172. She called it the biggest accomplishment of
her life.
“You’re having so much information thrown
at you during the classroom phase, it’s impossible
not to be overloaded. But, working through that
really shows you what you’re made of. So at first it
was frustrating, but at the end it was just amazing
to see how far I’d come.”
Ernst had high praise for her instructors.
“At the beginning of Flight Academy I
never would have imagined that I’d hold perfect
altitude and airspeed during my solo, but I did
it! My flight instructor, Capt. David Yost, was
wonderful and his confidence in my capability
encouraged me to do my best. Maj. Manny
Block, our ground school instructor, was positively
awesome. He shared so much information
with us and I felt privileged to learn from him.”
Ernst’s flight academy experience seemed to sum
up the feelings of all the cadets, whether in a glider
or powered aircraft.
“Flying high has a whole new meaning,” Ernst
said. “There’s no feeling ite as exhilarating as
your first solo.” For more information about the
Minnesota Flight Academy please go to their
website at:
www.mncap.org/cp/flightacademy
BACKGROUND PHOTO: A cadet ground crew positions
gliders on the tow line during the Minnesota Wing Flight
Academy.

NCR PA OF THE YEAR
Minnesota Wing member named Region’s
Public Affairs Officer of the Year
C/CMSgt Lydia Wiff
Cadet Executive Officer
Viking Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing
It didn’t take long for Major Richard Sprouse
of Sauk Rapids to make an impression on the
members of the Minnesota Wing of the US Air
Force Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol.
In 2007, he was named the Minnesota Wing’s
public affairs officer of the year after joining the
organization the previous year.
That award happened to be the first in a host
of others to come, including the most recent:
North Central Region public affairs officer of the
year. The NCR includes North Dakota, South
Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and
Kansas.
The award was presented by Colonel Tom
Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, at the Army
National Guard Aviation Facility in St. Cloud on
November 23.
“Major Sprouse has a wealth of experience in
news and public relations that’s proved to be a tremendous
asset to the organization’s public relations
efforts,” Theis said. He noted Sprouse’s nearly
150 stories and pictures published in local, state,
regional, and national publications as evidence.
“When I ‘hung up my boots’ through the
Reserves in 2005, I really missed the camaraderie
of being around troops,” Sprouse said. “Now I
have the best of both worlds – I get to continue
to serve my community, state and nation, and put
my PR and news skills to work telling the CAP
story.”
The NCR Public Affairs Officer of the Year
Award is given to members who demonstrate
exceptional expertise, professionalism, and
advanced public relations skills.
The award was the latest honor Sprouse has
(L-R) Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, Maj.
Richard Sprouse, North Central Region Public Affairs
Officer of the Year. Photo courtesy of C/Capt Lydia Stone,
Minnesota Wing
received from the Minnesota Wing. In October,
he was promoted to his present rank, in April he
received the Commander’s Commendation Award
for excellence in public relations, and in the past
three years his efforts have earned a number
of awards from the Minnesota Association of
Government Communicators.
Major Sprouse continues to be an excellent
example of professionalism to Seniors and Cadets
alike. His experience in public relations and writing
is well known throughout Minnesota and the
Region. All who have worked with Major Sprouse,
appreciate his expertise in these areas and have
learned much from him.
“The regional recognition is much appreciated,
but the honor really goes to the many Minnesota
Wing members across the state that include me in
their PR efforts,” Sprouse said. “Yes, it was hard
work, but it was also fun. Otherwise, I wouldn’t
have done it. Overall, CAP has been a fantastic
experience!”

NCR CONFERENCE
A Cadet Perspective -
North Central Region
Conference
C/SrA Jasmine Sands and C/SSgt Catlin Albrecht
North Hennepin Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing Commander Col. Theis with some cleverly
disguised senior members.
Late Friday night October 30th, despite the chill
wind, North Central Region Color Guard excitedly
packed their van and headed off to Des Moines,
Iowa, for the North Central Region Conference.
At the conference, members from the seven different
wings in our region were able to meet and learn
about what has been happening and what is planned
for the future. There were also members from the
Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force (CAP-
USAF), and National Headquarters in attendance.
During a brief meeting on Saturday morning,
the North Central Region Color Guard posted the
colors to signify the beginning of the conference.
Before everyone headed off to a class of their
choice, the North Central Region commander,
Wing commanders, and other guests were introduced.
After the meeting, members eagerly headed
off to various classes. There were classes on color
guard, the new cadet curriculum, the role of the
cadet staff, and many others.
Some of the classes that were particularly
enjoyed by the North Hennepin Squadron cadets
NCR Color Guard: C/SMSgt Bruffey, C/TSgt Albrecht, C/
CMSgt Miller, and C/SSgt Albrecht
were NCOs and Dynamic Followership, taught by
C/2nd Lt David Nelson, Respect on Display, taught
by C/1st Lt David Blessman and C/1st Lt Dainec
Stefan, and the Drug Demand Reduction class
taught by Lt. Col. Bonnie Braun, Mid East Region
Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator. There were
many useful classes for cadets that taught how to
be a better leader. All the classes were interactive,
memorable, and educational.
Senior member 2nd Lt. Suzanne Albrecht said,
“I was very impressed with the classes conducted
for the cadets. It occurred to me that the leadership
skills being taught to the cadets were the same
ones that employers pay big bucks to have their
employees learn.”
The banquet Saturday evening was a celebration
of the achievements of our members, region,
and organization. And, since it was Halloween,
costumes were encouraged. Among the characters
walking around at the banquet were Tigger, Zorro,
and a Roman Spartan.
The food was delicious, the company was
enjoyable, and many awards were given to outstanding
members of the North Central Region.
Hearing of the numerous accomplishments of
so many different members of our region was
both impressive and encouraging. The evening
concluded with the retrieving of the colors. After
many goodbyes to friends old and new, the North
Central Region Color Guard piled into their van
and headed home to Minnesota.
“I loved getting to see old friends and making new
ones! It was great to catch up and see what squadrons
in other states were doing in the CAP program. I had
a blast!” said C/SSgt Caitlin Albrecht.
With many memorable experiences still fresh
in their minds, everyone eagerly stated their intention
to attend the conference again next year.

BLACK CAP
Minnesota BlackCAP ES
College celebrates 25 years
Major Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
Minnesota Wing’s BlackCAP Emergency
Services College celebrated 25 years September
25-27 with a near record turnout of 130 members
on a brilliant fall day.
Created by the Red Wing Squadron in 1984,
BlackCAP is devoted to teaching the search and
rescue procedures that enable Civil Air Patrol wings
everywhere to save nearly 100 lives every year.
Cadre at the event wears a special black cap.
“Each year at BlackCAP is different from every
other year, though the curriculum has always been
centered on ground team training,” said Major
Mari Lucas, one of the event organizers. She noted
teamwork is stressed, as well as creativeness and
the ability to make training and learning fun.
BlackCAP attendees are issued a small rubber
frog upon arrival and are held responsible for it during
the weekend; a life’s first lesson on accountability.
“BlackCAP is a great activity for new cadets,
and that little rubber frog teaches them the importance
of being responsible, especially when carrying
out a search and rescue mission,” said Lt. Col.
Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wing Chief of Staff.
“It’s a characteristic that is at the core of
Using resources available and innovation are a big part of
Minnesota Wing’s BlackCAP ES College. Here, members
portray aircraft while a flight line marshaller directs the
“plane” to the appropriate location. 130 Minnesota Wing
members attended the event.
Attendees at Minnesota Wing’s 25th BlackCAP ES College
practice stretcher-bearing techniques.
CAP’s emphasis on mission execution, whether
that mission is saving lives or securing the nation:
accountability.”
Among the course offerings were flight line
marshalling, field first-aid, use of radios and direction
finding equipment, line searches, handling the
news media, and transitioning from a search to a
rescue operation.
Scenarios with missing persons and injuries put
the skills learned in the classroom to work in the field.
BlackCAP seems to have something for everyone.
It was a first time opportunity for young leaders
like C/2Nd Lt Ben Leaf of St. Cloud Squadron.
“It was my first time in a leadership role at a
CAP event, and it was outstanding!”
It was also a first for enthusiastic new members
like C/AB Michael Teener of Ft. Snelling Squadron.
“This is the first time I’ve attended a CAP event,
and it was awesome. I plan to come back next year!”
Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wing Chief of Staff, gives
a class on flight-line safety during Minnesota Wing’s 25th
BlackCAP ES College.

NCOS BCOC
Minnesota Leadership Academy
graduates 50 cadets
Major Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
M i n n e s o t a W i n g ’ s
Leadership Academy (MLA)
had a full house during its annual
session at Camp Ripley, graduating
16 cadets from the Basic
Commissioned Officers Course
(BCOC) and 34 cadets from
the Noncommissioned Officer
School (NCOS).
The MLA is part of the
Minnesota Wing’s Integrated
Leadership Program, which provides
cadets continuous training
and development from cadet
basic to cadet colonel.
Drill and ceremony, human
behavior modification, verbal
and written communication, and
conflict resolution are major
components of NCOS.
“I learned a lot about proper
drill and ceremony during
NCOS, and how I was doing it
before was wrong,” said Cadet
Airman First Class Kati Jents
of St. Croix Squadron. “I can’t
wait to go back to my squadron
and practice what I learned.”
The BCOC addresses elements
such as character development,
project management,
ethics, and leading by example.
“I took a ridiculous amount
of notes during each session,”
said Cadet Second Lieutenant
David Nelson of Red Wing
Squadron, “and I will apply what
I learned at BCOC to make us an
even better squadron.”
T h e M L A p r e p a r e s
cadets to become leaders
through academic study and
practical excises focusing on
improving communications and
interpersonal skills, affirmation
of the leadership skills the
cadets already have, as well as
provide them ready resources
that will help them deal with the
challenges confronted by most
young leaders.
Each graduating class had a
number of award winners who
were selected for overall academy
performance and leadership excellence.
The cadets were presented
their awards by Col. Tom Theis,
Minnesota Wing commander.
The distinguished graduate
of the BCOC seminar was
Cadet Second Lieutenant David
Nelson of Red Wing Squadron.
For the NCOS seminar, the distinguished
graduate was Cadet
Staff Sergeant Caitlin Albrecht
of North Hennepin Squadron.
Other cadets recognized for
excellence included:
N C O S s e m i n a r d i s t i n-
guished graduates: C/A1C
Megan Halek, North Hennepin
Squadron, Alpha seminar; C/
A1C Abdulrahman Haji, Valley
Squadron, Bravo seminar; C/SrA
Jasmine Sands, North Hennepin
Squadron, Charlie seminar; and
BCOC’s C/SMSgt Jarek Connolly, Mankato
Squadron, explains the successful characteristics
of rocket flight during an Aerospace Education
course during the 2009 MN Leadership Academy.
C/SrA Matt Klugherz, 130th
Squadron, Delta seminar.
BCOC seminar distinguished
graduates: C/2nd Lt
Korben Weidenborner, St. Cloud
Squadron, Alpha seminar and C/
CMSgt Libby Berg, Grand Rapids
Squadron, Bravo seminar.
While the MLA curriculum
and experience provides a solid
foundation for being a leader,
the primary benefit Col. Theis
wants cadets to leave with is
a strong dose of confidence in
their ability to be leaders.
“We want them to feel
empowered,” he said.
That feeling was not lost
on BCOC C/SMSgt Lydia Wiff
of Viking Squadron, who said
she was excited about applying
what she had learned because
the MLA experience was still
fresh in her mind.
“It really helped me develop
that confidence . . . you can’t be
afraid to speak up sometimes.
You may just have an idea that
would contribute to Civil Air
Patrol as a whole, so speak up
and make a difference,” she said.
*All pictures courtesy Maj.
R i c h a r d S p r o u s e , 2 0 0 9
Minnesota Leadership Academy
BACKGROUND PHOTO: C/2nd Lt Korben Weidenborner (St. Cloud Squadron), BCOC Alpha seminar
10 distinguished graduate, proves it not all work and no play at the 2009 Minnesota Leadership Academy. 10

GROUND TEAM ACADEMY
Minnesota Wing members prepared for
search and rescue, anytime, anyplace
Major Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
BACKGROUND PHOTO:
Cadets take the high ground
to pick up an ELT signal
during the 2009 Minnesota
Wing Ground Team
Academy. Photo courtesy
of Capt. Richard Sprouse,
Minnesota Group 2 PAO
A couple of your friends have decided to
spend the weekend hiking. It’s a remote area with
plenty of trails and waterways, and you expect
your friends will have a great time. Suddenly those
thoughts are shattered when you receive a call that
your friends are missing. Your mind starts racing
and your heart is pounding. Where are they What
if they’re injured What do you do
If you were among the 80 cadets and senior
officers who recently attended Minnesota
Wing’s annual Ground Team Academy you
possess the skills to perform search and resc
u e o p e r a t i o n s , a n y t i m e , a n y p l a c e .
“There are so many things that can go wrong in
any search and rescue mission. You never know
what you may encounter. That is the reason
C/Capt David Johnson of Red Wing Squadron, a GTA instructor, provides
some map orienteering instruction to GTM1 candidates during the 2009
Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo courtesy of Capt. Richard
Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PAO
why Civil Air Patrol invests so much time and
effort in properly training its members when
the call comes,” said Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg,
Minnesota Wing’s Director of Emergency
Services, and Ground Team Academy Commander.
After some classroom instruction on land navigation,
tracking ELTs, conducting a line search,
working with search dogs and first aid training,
the cadets and senior officers spent several days
in the recesses of Camp Ripley’s 53,000 acres
honing their newly acquired skills under a variety
of search and rescue scenarios.
Wilberg said the goal of the Ground Team
Academy (GTA) is to get everyone attending to complete
one level of CAP Emergency Services training.
“Ground Team Academy is an intensive event
designed to help prepare our members
mentally, physically and technically to
deal with life threatening emergencies.”
Last year, Minnesota Wing logged
103 actual or training missions totaling
a whopping 14,929 personnel hours,
593 air sorties and 9,120 air hours.
“We teach our members to be proactive
and think well ahead in a search and
rescue situation so they can effectively
operate in an ever-changing environment,”
Wilberg said. “The best way
to improve life saving skills is to train
harder and work smarter. No two rescues
are ever alike and CAP members should
never take any rescue for granted.”
Looking back, C/A1C Katie Jents of St.
Croix Squadron attributes Ground Team
Academy to finding her niche in Civil
Air Patrol. “This program (Ground Team
Academy) is so addicting that I want to
come every year just because it is always
so fun and enjoyable. GTA was where
I first learned a lot about Emergency
11 11

Services, it got me hooked, and now I’m the
Cadet ES Officer of my squadron.”
First Lieutenant Nate Stoeckel of Mankato
Squadron agreed. “I had a blast, and would
highly recommend GTA to any member of
CAP who plans on being an active participant.
The staff was great, and Camp Ripley is a great
training facility. I do plan on trying to get more
people to go from Mankato next year. It’s an
easy way to get one level of training out of
the way in one weekend. The level of training
was also good because it required you to think,
but it wasn’t such that it was set up for failure.
It opened my eyes to a few new things that I
hadn’t thought of before. Hearing the real life
experiences from the staff and how they dealt
with them was most beneficial.”
“We’re ready to go on a search and rescue
mission, anywhere, anytime,” said Wilberg.
Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wing’s Director of ES, and
GTA Commander, congratulates C/SrA Gunnar Bontjes
of Anoka Squadron upon successfully completing GTM3
training during the 2009 Minnesota Wing Ground Team
Academy. Photo courtesy of Capt. Richard Sprouse,
Minnesota Group 2 PAO
(L-R) 1st Lt. Steve A. Csizmadia and C/Amn Steven L.
Csizmadia, both of Mankato Squadron, were among a
number of family member teams that attended the 2009
Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo courtesy of
Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group 2 PAO
“It’s kind of like a life insurance policy. We pay the
premium with training events like Ground Team
Academy. We get our dividend on that premium
every time we’re called out on a mission.”
Certificates and badges presented to those who successfully
completed the 2009 Minnesota Ground Team Academy.
Photo courtesy of Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Group
2 PAO
13 13

1st Lt. Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer
Viking Squadron
Anoka and Viking squadron cadets
working on the flight line insuring
the public safety while planes such
as these T6 trainers return to their
parking area.
Members Volunteer at Wings
of the North Air Expo
Minnesota Wing members were present at the
annual Wings of the North Air Expo at Flying
Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN. Members
from three metro squadrons were on hand to
volunteer their time to make the 2009 Air Expo a
success. Cadets from Anoka Squadron and Eden
Prairie based Viking Squadron worked together to
help with security and flight-line duties at various
locations around the Air Expo.
Squadron cadets were stationed on the flightline
to provide additional safety to the public while
demonstration planes made their way to-and-from
their designated parking areas on the field. Cadets
were also on hand near the shuttle bus drop-off
points to provide additional safety and guidance to
the incoming and outgoing visitors.
The Civil Air Patrol’s Cessna 182 Nav. III glass cockpit
airplane on display at the Air Expo.
Air Expo Organizer (L), Major David Kenan (C) (St. Croix
Squadron), and Lt. Col. Barney Uhlig (R) (Viking Squadron)
discuss operations, while cadets prepare to go out on their
assignments. Viking Squadron Cadets C/SSgt Gideon Wiff
(L), C/CMSgt Alex Bee (C), and C/A1C Tyler Peabody (R).
Cessna 182 static display seen in the background.
The cadets did an outstanding job at their
volunteer positions. The execution and rotation
of duties was flawless due to the skillful and cooperative
attitude among members of both squadrons,
primarily their cadet NCO’s.
The outstanding leadership of the cadet
NCO’s is to be highly commended. Cadet Charles
Atchison, Cadet leader for Anoka Squadron,
14 14

C/TSgt Richard Shmel and C/CMSgt
Alex Bee of Viking Squadron did an
outstanding job in their leadership
roles.
They represented the Civil Air
Patrol with the highest professional
behavior and appearance. The cadets
received many unsolicited praises
from show organizers and the general
public.
The Civil Air Patrol also had a
vendor display in which more information
could be found on the Civil
Air Patrol and its missions. Our
goal is to promote CAP, and to make
people in the community aware of
who we are and what we do. CAP
also encourages people to join our ranks. CAP
educates the public on the aerospace education
programs offered by the Civil Air Patrol such
as the Fly-A-Teacher Program, and the Making
Aerospace Education Real for Students (MARS)
program.
The display also included one of the Civil Air
Patrol’s newest (Nav. III) glass cockpit Cessna 182
airplanes, and featured onboard high tech aerial
imaging equipment for show visitors to view. This
static display was a big hit with many visitors.
Special thanks to Major David Kenan from St.
Croix Squadron and Captain David Coates from
Viking Squadron for their work at the display
area talking with visitors. Also, Lt. Col. Barney
Uhlig and 1st Lt. Mario Fabrizio, both of Viking
Squadron, for working at the Cessna 182 display.
Lt. Col. Barney Uhlig (Viking Squadron) discussing Civil Air
Patrol opportunities with a young prospective cadet in the
Cessna 182 display.
Anoka and Viking squadron cadets preparing to go out on
their assigned duties.
Major David Kenan (St. Croix Squadron) discussing Civil Air
Patrol opportunities with a family attending the Air Show.
The Civil Air Patrol is very proud to be able to
serve the local community at wonderful activities
such as the Air Expo. The Air Expo promotes
education and interest in aviation to both young
and old, which is also a mission of the Civil Air
Patrol. By supporting such activities the Civil Air
Patrol works to provide Aerospace education to its
members and the community.
15 15

(L-R) C/Capt David Johnson, Earhart Award recipient and
Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander.
RED WING HONORS
Red Wing cadets receive
honors in double ceremony
Captain Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
During a double presentation ceremony on
August 20th, two Red Wing Squadron cadets were
honored for their commitment.
Cadet David Johnson received the Earhart
Award, which honors the late Amelia Earhart, a
pioneer who set many records for women pilots in
aviation’s infancy.
To receive the award, cadets must, among
other criteria pass a rigorous 100-question examination
covering aerospace topics, leadership
theory and staff duties. Once a cadet earns the
Earhart Award, he or she is promoted to the grade
of cadet captain.
Recognized with the Mitchell Award during
the ceremony was Cadet David Nelson.
The Mitchell Award is given to Civil Air Patrol
cadets who have completed the first eight achievements
of the cadet program. The cadet milestone
is named after a pioneer in aviation and an early
supporter of an independent Air Force.
Cadets must pass a comprehensive 100 question
exam covering aerospace topics and leadership
theory. Cadets earning the Mitchell Award are
promoted to the rank of cadet second lieutenant.
(L-R) C/2nd Lt David Nelson, Mitchell Award recipient and
Lt. Col. John Barsness, Group IV Commander.
Any cadet who earns this award, and who later
enters CAP’s Senior Officer ranks, is eligible for
immediate promotion to CAP 2nd Lt at age 21. In
addition, recipients of this award are eligible for
advanced placement to the grade of airman first
class (E-3) should they choose to enter the U.S. Air
Force. They are also eligible for advanced credit
in AFROTC, various CAP scholarships, and CAP
special activity opportunities.
The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of
the U.S. Air Force. Its missions are aerospace education,
emergency services, and the cadet program.
The 16-segment cadet program provides
opportunities for the learning, maturing, accepting
and nurturing of leadership to more than 26,000
Americans from ages 12 to 21.
There are approximately 1,300 members of
CAP in Minnesota. Minnesota Wing routinely
flies thousands of hours per year of operational
flights, and contributes some 10,000 + personhours
to search and rescue, counter drug, disaster
preparedness, homeland security, and other
humanitarian mission flying.
Attending the ceremony was Col. Thomas
Theis, Minnesota Wing Commander; Lt. Col.
Blaze Cunningham, Minnesota Wing Director
of Aerospace Education, Lt. Col. John Barsness,
Group IV Commander; Maj. Jeff Bartelt, Group
IV Deputy Commander; Lt. Col. Don Mikitta,
Wing Chaplain; and Maj. Bryce Duncan, Red
Wing Squadron Commander.
17 17

LINDBERG SAR
Civil Air Patrol members
search for missing aircraft
1st Lt. George Supan
Public Information Officer, Minnesota Wing
Minnesota, North and South Dakota CAP
members join together in an extensive air and
ground search effort for a missing aircraft
and pilot.
A pilot in a PA 28 Piper Cherokee left Airlink
Airport near Lakeville, MN on Friday, November
13, 2009 at 5:00 pm. The pilot and aircraft did not
arrive at the destination of Hallock, MN.
Civil Air Patrol, Minnesota Wing received a
call from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
at Tyndall AFB, FL very early on Saturday,
November 14, to search for the missing aircraft.
On Saturday morning at 7:00 am ground
teams were dispatched to an area of the last point
of contact from the pilot to begin the search. The
pilot sent a message to his family about 6:20 pm on
Friday, from the Staples, MN area, that all is well.
Command Center Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, Incident
Commander (R); 1st Lt. George Anderson, Flight Release
Officer (L)
In flight Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst.
Minnesota Wing, Group II had a planned Search
and Rescue Training Scheduled at the Anoka
Composite Squadron at the Blaine-Anoka airport.
The training exercise became a real mission.
Capt. Andy Bosshart, Anoka Squadron
Command, when called for the mission did not
believe it and said, “are you kidding” “No,” was
the reply from 1st Lt. Tim Frame. “I will pick you
up, on our way to the search site.”
Saturday was a damp, cold, overcast day and
CAP aircraft could not be dispatched until late
afternoon when the skies cleared in the search
area. The ground teams searched late into the evening
without finding a signal from the Emergency
Locator Transmitter.
On Sunday, CAP members who used 12 aircraft
and formed 8 ground teams from Minnesota
and North Dakota continued the search under
detailed direction of Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg,
Incident Commander and his team. The Command
Center was moved from Anoka to the Crow Wing
Composite Squadron in Brainerd, MN. The search
started at the break of day light and continued until
after dark.
The complete planned aircraft route from
the Airlake Airport to Hallock was searched. A
concentrated search area was developed west and
18 18

Preflight
north of Staples. Staples and the destination airport
of Hallock are located in Northwestern, MN.
Media from North Dakota and Minnesota
wanted information on the search efforts. Interviews
were conducted by all of the TV networks, radio
stations and newspapers. Some interviews were by
phone but most were in person. The media had an
opportunity to see the Civil Air Patrol members in
action, along with talking to ground and aircraft
teams directly involved with the search. They
provide the public with information about the
continuing search.
The search continued with the expansion of the
concentrated area from early day light to after dark
each day.
Pastor, Bob Griggs, said, during a press
conference, “he married Andrew (the pilot) and
Kate Lindberg six weeks ago.” “This is a very
difficult time for the family,” he said. Pastor
Griggs thanked the Civil Air Patrol for operating
so professional, their dedication and volunteering
of their time during the search. “The family is
very grateful for the services provided by the
Civil Air Patrol,” said Griggs.
Aircraft from South Dakota joined in the search
and the concentrated search area continued to
expand. 18 aircraft and nearly 400 Civil Air Patrol
members supported the search mission either on
site or from remote areas. The search covered over
4,000 square miles.
CAP deployed an advanced imaging system
called ARCHER (Airborne Real-time Cueing
Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance) System
to help search for Mr. Lindberg and his plane.
ARCHER is a custom-designed system which
uses a hyperspectral camera and special software
for search and rescue (SAR), disaster impact
assessment and relief, and homeland security.
ARCHER has three methods for finding things:
signature matching (matching reflected light to
spectral signatures), and anomaly detection (calculates
a statistical model of all the pixels in the
image to see if there is a probability that a pixel
does not belong in the scene). For this search this
system is being used to look for anomalies.
Search operations with the ARCHER System
along with the many aircraft, aircrews, and ground
teams continued.
An aircraft was spotted Tuesday, November
17, in the late afternoon by a private pilot flying
across the missing aircraft flight path southwest of
Bemidji, MN. A Civil Air Patrol ground team from
Bemidji and the Clearwater Sheriff’s Department
went to the crash site about a mile and half from
any roads in a very dense wooded area, to mark the
site, in the dark of night. Members of the family
confirmed the aircraft to be that of their loved one
Andrew Lindberg, he died in the crash.
Civil Air Patrol members were put into action
over the course of the search. The hundreds of
hours of volunteer training to be prepared and then
the hundreds of members who volunteered for the
missing aircraft mission all came together during a
time of need by a family who is so grateful to the
members of the Civil Air Patrol. “Citizens Serving
Communities: Above and Beyond.”
Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the
U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with
58,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90
percent of continental U.S. inland search and
rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue
Coordination Center and was credited by the
AFRCC with saving 91 lives in fiscal year 2008.
Its volunteers also perform homeland security,
disaster relief and counter-drug missions at the
request of federal, state and local agencies. The
members play a leading role in aerospace education
and serve as mentors to the nearly 22,000
young people currently participating in CAP cadet
programs. CAP has been performing missions for
America for 68 years.
Pictures taken by 1st Lt. George Supan
19 19

NORTHLAND
ORIDES
Northland Cadets Fly
in Bemidji
Capt. Robin Helgager
Commander, Northland Composite Squadron
Ten cadets recently experienced the thrill of
aviation, through orientation flights at the Bemidji
Regional Airport. The cadets flew a combined
10 hours in two of CAP’s Cessna 172’s and one
Cessna 182.
“It was awesome!” reports Cadet Chris Madsen,
age 14, of Bemidji. “I got to use the controls and
get the feel of how the aircraft handled.”
The hour-long flights in single-engine Cessna
aircraft introduced the cadets to the science that
makes flight possible. They learned about navigation,
weather, aircraft instruments, flight maneuvers,
and more. The cadets’ day began by helping
preflight their aircraft. Working with their pilot,
they taxied their aircraft to Bemidji Airport’s runway
13, gave it full throttle and took off, climbing
to 3,000 feet.
While aloft, it was the cadets who were handling
the controls, during the non-critical stages of
the flight. “You really have to pay attention when
you’re at the controls,” explained Cadet Mary
Rogers, 14, “but once you get past your initial
Cadet Jacob Rogers, 12, (Bemidji) smiles as he prepares for
takeoff during the Civil Air Patrol’s orientation flight day at
Bemidji Regional Airport.
nervousness, it’s fantastic.”
Once they reached their assigned altitude, the
cadets turned towards their destinations; either
Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids or
Grand Rapids, where they made a brief stop. Then
it was another cadet’s turn at the controls for the
flight home. CAP pilots repeated this round-trip
throughout the day.
“I’ve been flying cadets for over three years,
and it’s always exciting for me just to see the look
on the kids’ faces,” said one of the pilots, CAP
Capt. Mark Johnston of Duluth. Pilots volunteering
their time were, Major Charles Schumacher and
Capt. Mark Johnston from the Duluth Squadron,
Senior Member Jim Williamson flew from the
Walker Squadron and Capt. Ray Majkzrak flew
in the pilot rotation from Bemidji. Civil Air Patrol
provided the aircraft and fuel, at no cost to the
cadets or the pilots.
The cadets participating were: Mandy Bushong,
Jesse Bushong, Cody DeGrote, Timothy Johnson,
David Helgager, Jacob Rogers, Joseph Rogers,
Mary Rogers, Tom Rogers.
L-R Cadets Nick Weber, 12, (Bemidji) and Tim Johnson, 14,
(Menahga) assist Major Charles Schumacher (Duluth) in
pre-flighting their Civil Air Patrol aircraft before enjoying an
orientation flight.
21 21

ST CLOUD FLY IN
Pancakes and planes prove
winning combination for
squadron’s fundraiser
Captain Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group 2
Pancakes and planes proved to be the winning
combination for the St. Cloud Composite
Squadron’s annual fundraiser.
Squadron members served 1,300 breakfasts
of pancakes and sausage, and raised $2,100 for
squadron activities during the Sunday, June 28
event held at the St. Cloud Airport.
“Our crew of seniors and cadets came early,
worked hard, and stayed late; the result was
another very successful breakfast,” said Lt. Col.
Jim Schlick, the event’s organizer.
“Between the Army National Guard’s CH-47
Chinook helicopter, the LifeLink helicopter,
several experimental aircraft, and our own CAP
glass-cockpit 182 with the avionics power on, our
C/SrA Michael Norton serves up breakfast to one of the
1,300 people who attended the St. Cloud Composite
Squadron’s annual fly-in breakfast on June 28.
airport guests had quite a bit to look at.”
Schlick also thanked the St. Cloud Times,
Shopping News, WJON Radio, KNSI Radio,
and Charter Communications for their generous
promotion of the event.
Schlick said the squadron is already looking
forward to next year’s event.
“Since it seemed that everyone had fun,
I told ‘Chris Cakes’ (food vendor) to put us
on their schedule for next June 27. Mark your
calendar now!”
C/SrA Michael Norton in the blister of a Minnesota Army
National Guard Chinook helicopter on display during St.
Cloud Composite Squadron’s annual fly-in breakfast on
June 28.
C/2nd Lt Derek Cash provides flightline security while the
LifeLink helicopter departs St. Cloud Airport. The helicopter
was among a number of aircraft on display during St. Cloud
Composite Squadron’s annual fly-in breakfast on June 28.
The event raised $2,100 for squadron activities.
22 22

Members Ride in CH-47
Chinook Helicopter
1st Lt. Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer, Viking Squadron
Viking Squadron members
were honored to have the opportunity
to fly with the Minnesota
Army Air National Guard in a
CH47 Chinook helicopter.
The flight originated at the
St. Paul Downtown Airport,
also known as Holman Field.
Squadron members also toured
the facility, and were able to
view the Blackhawk helicopters
stationed at the site.
The CH 47 Chinook helicopter
has a crew of three (pilot,
co-pilot, and flight engineer), it
can carry up to 55 troops or 24
litters with 3 attendants. It is
built for heavy lifting, and can
carry up to 26,680 pounds of
additional weight. The Chinook
can reach a maximum speed of
196 MPH and a service ceiling
of 18,500 feet.
CH47 Chinook helicopter taking off.
Experiences like these
helps the Civil Air Patrol promote
aerospace education to its
members. Cadets (ages 12-18)
especially benefit from these
experiences in which they
grow their aviation knowledge
and interest.
Most cadets continue to pursue
aviation in a broader part of
their lives either professionally
or personally, and it is one of
many reasons why they join the
Civil Air Patrol.
Viking Squadron members in front of the CH47 Chinook helicopter that they rode in.
23 23

St. Croix Cadets
Shine at 11th CTG
Minnesota Wing
2009 Summer
Encampment
2nd Lt. Scott Richardson
Public Affairs Officer
St. Croix Composite Squadron
NCR-MN-122
Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol
MINNESOTA—At this years Minnesota Wing’s
Summer Encampment, six of the St. Croix
Squadron’s Cadets had served as staff members
for this years 11th Cadet Training Group (CTG) at
Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota.
Once again, our St. Croix Squadron Cadets
have consistently shown their dedication and commitment
to being some of the best in the Minnesota
Wing, Civil Air Patrol.
Cadets from our Squadron have worked
very hard to achieve the different levels of
knowledge and professionalism, which have
led them to be selected many times before to fill
these important staffing roles at past Minnesota
Wing Encampments.
Out of the 25 encampment staff positions
available at each year, St. Croix cadets have been
selected to fill these important leadership roles
before. Here are the St. Croix Squadron Cadets
who served as staff members at this year’s 11th
CTG encampment and the position they held.
• Executive Staff:
Deputy Commander - C/Capt Haylee Fosterling
Command Chief - C/MSgt Mike Weston
• 21st Cadet Training Squadron
First Sergeant - C/SMSgt David Trudeau
• Charlie Flight Sergeant - C/MSgt Grady Bell
• 22nd Cadet Training Squadron
Squadron Commander - C/Capt. Caleb Norman
• Support Staff
Logistics Officer - C/CMSgt Robert Spear
Maj. Matt Wiskow provides land navigation instruction to
C/A1C Kati Jents of St. Croix Squadron during the 2009
Minnesota Wing Encampment at Camp Ripley. Photo Capt
Richard Sprouse
In addition to the 6 cadets who filled staff
positions, 9 other cadets from our squadron had
attended this years Summer Encampment as well.
All 15 of our cadets had a great time teaching
and learning the leadership and basic the skills all
cadets need to have to be successful in their Civil
Air Patrol cadet careers.
For 8 of our cadets, this was their first experience
at a summer encampment and each of them
had a great experience and forged new friendships
and memories, which will last each of them
a lifetime.
Here are all 15 St. Croix Cadets who attended
this years 11 CTG, Minnesota Wing Summer
Encampment: C/Amn. Jackson Bartlett, C/Amn.
Mohammad Battah, C/SMSgt. Grady Bell, C/AB
Samanth Carlstrom, C/Capt. Haylee Fosterling,
C/TSgt. Noah Hite, C/A1C Kati Jents, C/AB Jake
Krueger, C/Capt. Caleb Norman, C/A1C Ethan
Pike, C/CMSgt. Robert Spear, C/SSgt. Alex
Swanson, C/AB Josh Tarka, C/CMSgt. David
Trudeau, C/MSgt. Michael Weston;
The 11th CTG Commander has singled out
two of our cadets for having achieved superior performance
as Distinguished Graduates. They are
C/Amn. Jackson Bartlett, C/SSgt. Alex Swanson.
Congratulations are in order for all 15 of our
cadets for their hard work each have put in to
reach this level of success, so far within the Civil
Air Patrol.
25 25

Minnesota Encampment
Tests Skills, Endurance
Captain Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, 2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment
For most students, summer is a time to unwind
from the rigors of the school year. Not so for the
cadets that attended the 2009 Minnesota Wing
Encampment at Camp Ripley from June 20-27.
Each summer, CAP Basic Cadets from across
the state and region – under the oversight of Cadet
Staff Members – are introduced to new experiences
such as the confidence course, land navigation, and
weapons familiarization, as well as annual offerings
in moral leadership, aerospace and military
career opportunities, physical training, and drill
movements.
“While the Cadets’ friends were going about
their daily routine, these
Cadets were here testing
the limits of their abilities
and striving to improve,”
said C/Col Charlie Cox,
11th CTG Commander.
An event that stood
out to many occurred during
the final inspection
of encampment when the
Cadet Staff’s Standards
and Evaluation team
inspected the Cadets’ uniforms,
living areas, and
footlockers.
A rare 100% overall score was recorded by
C/A1C Zachary Dietz of Viking Squadron.
“Encampment taught me self discipline as
well as self confidence to do my best,” Dietz said.
The 11th Cadet Training Group consisted of
86 Basic Cadets, 17 Staff Development Squadron
Cadets, and 28 Cadet Staff Members. Nearly 30
Senior Officers and volunteers were also there.
Cadets and staff from Missouri, North Dakota, as
well as dozen from Iowa participated in the event.
“Minnesota has a well-earned reputation as one
of the best run encampments in the nation,” said 2nd
BACKGROUND PHOTO: An
inspection team moves up
and down the rows evaluating
footlocker displays and
critiquing uniforms during
the 2009 Minnesota Wing
Encampment at Camp Ripley.
Alpha flight celebrates another victory on their way to the volleyball championship during
the 2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment at Camp Ripley.
26

2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment Awardees:
Encampment Honor Flight - Charlie Flight
CTG Volleyball Champions – Alpha Flight
Highest average inspection score – Bravo Flight
Highest Drill Competition Score – Charlie Flight
Distinguished Graduates of the CTG – C/TSgt John Ke, St. Paul Squadron; C/SrA
Jacob Jones, Duluth Squadron; C/Amn Jackson Bartlett, St. Croix Squadron; C/A1C
Grant Bauer, Anoka Squadron; C/SSgt Tim Winnes, Ft. Snelling Squadron; C/TSgt
John Dvorak, St. Cloud Squadron; C/SSgt Alex Swanson, St. Croix; C/SrA Trevor
Klatt, Grand Rapids Squadron; C/Amn Daniel Fitterer, Mankato Squadron; C/SSgt
Frank Albrecht, North Hennepin, C/SMSgt Tim Italiano, North Dakota
C/SrA Devyn Phelps, among the 11 Iowa
Wing cadets to attend Encampment
in Minnesota, receives some personal
instruction on the 240-B machine gun from
Technical Sergeant Dan Payette of the
Minnesota Air National Guard. Payette
received his Spaatz Award in 1998 and was
the Encampment cadet commander in 1997
and 1998.
Lt. Carol Hinkle of the Burlington
(Iowa) Composite Squadron.
“I learned so much being here.”
C/Col Cox said he and the staff
really enjoyed the opportunity to
work with the Basic Cadets.
Squadron Distinguished Graduate – 21st CTS – C/Amn Megan Halek, North Hennepin
Squadron Distinguished Graduate – 22nd CTS – C/SrA Matt Klugherz, 130th
Squadron
Squadron Distinguished Graduate – SDS – C/TSgt Christen Furlong, 130th Squadron
Most Improved Leader – SDS – C/A1C Abdulrahman Haji, Valley Squadron
Encampment Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – C/A1C Jasmine
Sands, North Hennepin Squadron
Wing Commander’s Award for Academic Excellence – C/A1C Jasmine Sands
Commandants Award for Leadership – C/Maj Billy Hoffman, 130th Squadron
CTG Command Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt David Johnson, Red Wing Squadron
CTG Support Staff Excellence Award – C/Capt Joshua Carr, Missouri
Field Leadership Excellence Award – SM Gene Enos, Southeast Minnesota Squadron
Senior Support Excellence Award – Capt Richard Sprouse, Group 2
“It’s quite amazing to
watch them grow throughout
the week,” Cox said. “If these
cadets can find the confidence
to tackle and succeed at
encampment, they will have
the confidence to take on any
problem life throws at them.”
For more on this year’s
encampment including more
images and newsletters please
go to http://www.cadetleadership.org/
Cadets make their way across Camp
Ripley’s confidence course during the
2009 Minnesota Wing Encampment
at Camp Ripley.
27 27

Flying High Black
Hawk Style
C/SrA Caitlin Albrecht
North Hennepin Squadron, Minnesota Wing
An enthusiastic group of cadets
left North Hennepin Squadron on
Tuesday, August 11, 2009, ready
for adventure.
Piling into two CAP vans, the
group comprised of nineteen eager
cadets, senior members 2nd Lt. J.D.
Teter, 2nd Lt. Daniel Dawson, and
2nd Lt. Suzanne Albrecht, and parents
Chris Chanski and Air Force
Major Paul Shadle headed to the St.
Paul Army National Guard Base.
There was excitement in the air
as the cadets eagerly awaited their
activity of the evening: a much-anticipated
Black Hawk helicopter ride.
The UH-60 Black Hawk is the
Army’s primary tactical transport
helicopter, capable of transporting
14 combat-equipped troops or
8,000 lbs of cargo over 300 miles
in range.
It’s twin-engine; 4-blade design
can cruise at 170 mph and operate
in almost any type of terrain or
weather. The MN National Guard
has 16 UH-60 Black Hawks and
uses them both in overseas deployment
missions and in domestic
operations here at home in such
roles as fire fighting, flood relief
and search and rescue.
After a safety briefing and distribution
of hearing protection, the first
flight of cadets marched out single
file to the waiting Black Hawk.
The excitement rose as the
cadets strapped themselves in,
exchanged grins and attempted
conversation as the roar of the
whipping rotary blades grew in
intensity. Then…liftoff!
The Black Hawk rose into
the air with ease as cadets C/SrA
Albrecht, C/SSgt Grimaldi, C/Amn
Halek, C/Amn Heath, C/Amn
Kessler, C/Amn Klick, C/Amn
Miller, Cadet Shadle, and C/Amn
Williams peered out the windows
at the shrinking landscape below.
The relatively smooth ride was
punctuated by a few timely aerial
maneuvers including sharp ascent
and descent and steep banking
to the left and right courtesy of
the Army National Guard Pilot in
Command, CPT Bruce Kraemer;
Pilot, CW2 Chris Frazer; and Crew
Chief, SSG Rob Glazebrook.
“ T H A T w a s s o C O O L ! ”
exclaimed C/Amn Arden Heath
upon settling on terra firma.
After about twenty minutes,
the Black Hawk descended
once more to pick up the second
flight of excited cadets. C/SSgt
Frank Albrecht, C/1st Lt David
Chanski, C/2nd Lt Blake Zafft,
C/SMSgt Reuben Miller, C/Capt
Jacob Otterson, C/SMSgt Matthew
Bruffey, C/SSgt Jake Teter, C/SrA
Ryan Heath and C/Amn Danny
Dawson accompanied by 2nd Lt
J.D. Teter took flight next.
While they waited for their
comrades to return, the first flight
cadets were given a detailed tour of
a stationary Black Hawk helicopter
by squadron Aerospace Instructor
and Army National Guard Black
Hawk pilot, Major Steve Grimaldi.
Twenty minutes later the entire
group was reunited, and the NHS
cadets and senior members were
homeward bound. All in all, the
evening proved to be a real treat for
cadets and seniors alike, and who
knows Perhaps it also served as
inspiration for some future Hawks
to take to the skies.
A huge thank you goes out to
Major Steve Grimaldi for making
this thrilling field trip a reality and
contributing this article.
28 28