Fall-Winter - Minnesota Wing

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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.
Page 1 and 2: Northern Flights The Official Magaz
Page 3 and 4: Sprouting Wings Pat Christman The M
Page 5: Flying High at MN Flight Academy Co
Page 9 and 10: NCOS BCOC Minnesota Leadership Acad
Page 11 and 12: Services, it got me hooked, and now
Page 13 and 14: C/TSgt Richard Shmel and C/CMSgt Al
Page 15 and 16: LINDBERG SAR Civil Air Patrol membe
Page 17 and 18: NORTHLAND ORIDES Northland Cadets F
Page 19 and 20: Members Ride in CH-47 Chinook Helic
Page 21 and 22: Minnesota Encampment Tests Skills,
Page 23: Flying High Black Hawk Style C/SrA

Fall-Winter - Minnesota Wing

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