Fall-Winter - Minnesota Wing

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.
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