Northern Flights

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MINNESOTA WING, CIVIL AIR PATROL

SUMMER
2009

CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES

 
 Northern
Flights
Minnesota Wing
Civil Air Patrol
6275 Crossman Lane
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-291-0462
mnwingadmin@comcast.net
Colonel Thomas Theis
Commander, Minnesota Wing
Northern Flights Summer 2009
Editorial Supplied by
Maj. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs
North Central Region, CAP
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 Wing
Responds to
Major Flooding
F
loods are an annual occurrence in the
Northern Plains and when the spring
thaw arrives so do the floods. The Red
River flood brought record flood levels to the
Fargo-Moorhead area resulting in super saturated
grounds and the Red River cresting at a record
height.
Originally predicted to reach a level of near
43 feet at Fargo by March 29, the river crested at
40.82 feet at 12:15 a.m. March 28th and started a
slow decline.
Members of Minnesota Wing responded to
a call from North Dakota Wing to help with
Sandbagging Operations in the Fargo-Moorhead
Area. They hit the ground on Monday March 23rd
and literally minutes after checking in they were
off sandbagging.
A big highlight of the first few days was the
effort to save a local radio station.
Four Disaster Relief teams were working
with members of the community to protect radio
station KFGO Radio in Fargo and its transmitting
antenna/equipment. The station is a major source
of information during emergencies for the resi-
dents of the Fargo-Moorhead area.
“If this building goes under, the city and local
communities lose vital radio communications.
People call into the station and tell them status of
their situations and vital communication of emer-
gency messages are sent via this medium.” said Lt.
Col. Troy Krabbenhoft, the North Dakota Wing
Public Affairs Officer.
Their efforts enabled the station to remain on
the air and serving the community.
COVER IMAGE: Members of Minnesota Wing help to save
Radio Station KFGO in Fargo.
 The road to Crookston, MN
closed due to flooding.

One of the areas in which

our squadrons were assigned
was the Copperfield Court Cul-
de-Sac. We were present over
three consecutive days. The first
was an almost summer-like day
with the base being put down for
the sandbag barrier to the river
extending from an overpass to
the south into the neighborhood.
The river was about 30 yards
from the barrier down a gentle
slope, and by days end a base
of about four feet and height of
41 feet above normal river level
was well-underway. The CAP
presence lasted about 6 hours
that day.
The following day was a Members of
near blizzard condition, about Minnesota
Wing assist in
30 degrees colder with a driving
Sandbagging
wind. The river was two-thirds Operations in
closer to the barrier. Our cadets Moorhead, MN
and seniors worked well and
seemed not to be very concerned
with the cold. I am sure that

the physical exertion kept us

warm. The many neighbors
were always about asking if we
needed anything. Their garages
were open with coffee and hot
chocolate and many snacks
available all the day long. The
sandbag barrier was completed
that afternoon.
The third day, we returned
to touch up and increase the

The I-94 bridge connecting

Fargo and Moorhead.
Courtesy North Dakota Wing.

 
C/SSgt. Jarek Connolly and a resident placing sandbags at
the Copperfield Court Cul-de-Sac.
height of the barrier to 42 feet.
The river was at the base of our
barrier at the 38 foot level above
normal river height. A final plas-
tic cover was placed over the
barrier. It remained cold and wet
that day with light snow.
Throughout these three days,
many neighbors commented on
the organization of our mem-
bers and the helpful attitude
displayed. They were grateful,
so grateful for everyone who
helped protect their homes.
Meanwhile the Fargo-
Members of the Northland Squadron at the Mission Base.
 
Minnesota Wing cadets assist with
Sandbagging Operations in Moorhead,
Minnesota.
Moorhead area effectively
became an island with most of
the roads going in and out of the
area being nearly impassable.
On Wednesday March 25th
operations continued with many
members filling sandbags at the
Fargo Dome stadium and other
sites in the Fargo area.
“It is inspiring to see the vol-
unteer spirit and sense of mission
in the midst of this emergency,”
said Col. Karl Altenburg, com-
mander of the North Dakota
Cadets taking a break during
Sandbagging Operations in Fargo,
ND.
Wing. “All personnel, especially
the cadets, continue to impress
the community with their will-
ingness and ability to serve.”
“Give them some direction
and they hop to it.”
That’s what Fargo, ND
resident Kent Wanner had to say
about members of the Minnesota
and North Dakota wing’s of the
Civil Air Patrol responding to
the record flooding along the
Red River separating Fargo and
Moorhead, MN.
Since early Monday,
Wanner and his neig h b o r s
of the Riverwood Housing
Development have been battling
the rising river with sandbags
almost round the clock.
“This is a disaster that’s
affecting all of us and the assis-
tance of Civil Air Patrol is much
appreciated. I can tell you we’re
all a little tired and nervous, but
your assistance is much appreci-
ated and has lifted our spirits.”
Phil McShane, who also
 “We will continue to sup-
port our citizens in their time
of need,” Altenburg said. “Our
members will work tirelessly to
support our local responders and
communities in the Red River
Valley.”
The weather did not cooper-
ate as it was snowing during
much of the day by members
just took it in stride.
Cadets taking a break during Sandbagging Operations in Fargo, ND. Late on Thursday March
26th Col. Karl Altenburg, North
Dakota Wing Commander made
lives in the development, had plenty of praise for the decision to move the Fargo Mission Command
CAP as well. post to Casselton, ND as City Officials in Fargo,
“Who are those marvelous young people? ND issued a statement that all major roads would
They’re polite, hardworking and their sense of be closed around the city.
community is amazing, what an example and Minnesota Wing’s ground teams were moved
inspiration to all of us,” McShane said. to Minnesota State University at Moorhead to rally
The scope of this year’s event and the reaction their members. Once accounted for, they departed
of the people is something that C/SMSgt. Hanna for home station.
Olson of Anoka Squadron will always remember. All ground operations were suspended until
“It’s unbelievable how high the water is,” further notice. This decision was made to allow
Olson said, “its also unbelievable how everyone is cadets to remain with their families so they con-
pulling together.” tinue to help at home.
Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of North “I am very proud of the members of Civil
Hennepin Squadron said that despite the circum- Air Patrol who came from all parts of the state to
stances there’s lots of positive interaction between help in this time of need,” said Minnesota Wing
CAP members. Commander Col. Thomas Theis.
“It’s been great socializing with members The region is maintaining a website chroni-
of both the Minnesota and North Dakota wing,” cling the CAP efforts in the 2009 Floods. It
Trombley said. has updates, images, releases, as well as first
There was even an extra benefit for Trombley. person accounts of the flood operations. Minnesota
“There’s a cadet in our squadron that I didn’t Wing also has an album of flood images. They
know very well, but after living in the same area can be accessed at: http://www.ncrpao.org/spe-
for a few days we got to know each other pretty cials/2009_floods/index.htm and http://www.
well. Interesting how a common cause like this mncap.org/pictures/2009/floods.cfm
brings strangers together.” Thanks to Major Don Dalton, Capt. Richard
Col. Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing com- Sprouse, Capt. Richard Geis, and 2nd Lt. Alan
mander said this is a situation where an area needs Trombley for their contributions to this story.
and appreciates CAP’s assistance.

 
 We Didn’t See The Flood
By 2nd Lt. Linda Dilley

We got the red alert

That Fargo was in need,
So we loaded up our trusty van
With cadets and those who lead.
As we traveled on
I heard a cadet say,
“I’ve never seen a flood
But today I think I may.”
Nearing our destination
The water showed its power,
Flowing in fields and ditches
And surrounding a radio tower.
Finally at our checkpoint,
Our IC gave the orders,
So we joined another detail
To sandbag around some houses.
Those sandbags, they were heavy
But we passed them right along,
And soon the dike was high enough
So we shouted out a song.
Some cadets filled sandbags
Some were loading pallets,
Some faces looked fatigued
But none complained of callous.
Our driver gave the word
That it was time to go,
We said “goodbye” to friends we’d met
Who were very nice to know.
We didn’t see the flood
Of the river they call “Red,”
Our mission was to ward it off
And build a dike instead!

 
 Wing
Leadership
Gathers for
Growth,
Learning and Revitalization
Just before the holiday season began the Squadron and Group Commanders gathered with the Wing
Executive Team for the annual Commander’s Workshop.
Over 3 days 44 of the Wing’s key leaders met and discussed a variety of issues as well as being able
to spend time together and discuss issues and concerns as peers and colleagues.

Col. Theis promotes Wing Legal Officer Kevin Lt. Col. Mike Moen congratulates Matt Col. Theis and Group 1 Commander Lt. Col.
Dunlevy to the grade of Lt. Col. during the 2008 Barrett on his promotion to Major at the 2008 Dave Odette promote Paulette Odette to the
Commander’s Workshop. Commander’s Workshop. grade of Major at the 2008 Commander’s
Workshop.

Chaplains Complete Service Staff College

Chaplain Lt. Col. Don Mikitta, Wing Chaplain
We had great representation from Minnesota
Wing. Chaplain David Myers of Northland
Squadron and Character Development Instruction
Officers (CDIO’s) Anna Marie Bistodeau of Wing
Headquarters, Jonathan Johnson of Red Wing
training in Emergency Services, and David May
of St. Paul attended the three day event.
Over the three days, we trained in Emergency
Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace
Education upgrading ministry skills and learned
what is new in the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corp
from the Chief of Chaplain, Region Chaplain
and Region Emergency Services Director proved
Pictured from left to right, Ch. Burt Benson- ND Wing, Ch.
beneficial for the 30 attendees. Don Mikitta – MN Wing, CDIO Jonathan Johnson – Red
Next year’s event is scheduled for 19-22 Apr Wing, Ch. David Myers – Northland, CDIO Anna Marie
2010 at Bellevue, NE. Bistodeau – MN Wing, CDIO David May – St. Paul

 
Minnesota Wing members attend
Squadron Leadership School
Twenty Civil Air Patrol
members from squadrons
throughout the state came
together for a two-day Squadron
Leadership School at Lake Elmo
Airport. The members were
from Anoka, Duluth, Mankato,
North Hennepin, St. Cloud,
St. Croix, Valley, and Viking
Squadrons. Having a diverse
group from different areas and
backgrounds added to the value
of the two-days.
The presenters were the best
in the State and shared their
Lt. Col. Tom Kettell, Minnesota Wing IG, making a point at the SLS.
 
1st Lt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Group 3
experiences along with the
course material throughout the
days.
Col. Steve Miller, former
Minnesota Wing Commander,
shared information about being
wing commander. Lt. Col.
Charlotte Miller, Wing Chief of
Staff for Mission Support, added
information from her employ-
ment. Lt. Col. Tom Kettell, for-
mer Wing, Vice Commander,
who does professional develop-
ment across the country enlight-
ened us.
Lt. Col. Mike Moen, Group 3
Commander and Wing Director
of Professional Development,
identified how each CAP mem-
ber is impacted through what
we do and say. Capt. David
Yost, Commander, St. Croix
Composite Squadron, identified
how squadrons fit into and are
the heart of CAP. Capt. David
Mansheffer, Anoka Composite
Squadron, Professional
Development Officer, shared
how important senior members
are. Not just volunteers, they are
officers in CAP.
Maj. David Kenan, host
St. Croix, Maj. Don Sorenson,
Anoka and Capt. Stefan
Sylvander, St. Croix Squadrons
coordinated the team of talented
presenters.
Each attendee will be a bet-
ter Officer and Leader in their
respective squadrons.
Lt. Col. Mike Moen and
Course Director Maj. David
Kenan presented certificates to
the class on the finial day.
 New Group Three
Commander
Installed
1st Lt. George Supan,
Public Affairs Officer, Group 3
The hangar at North Hennepin Composite
Squadron on March 3, 2009 was filled to capacity.
CAP members were standing in the hallway lead-
ing to the hangar.
Col. Tom Theis presiding at the Group 3 Change of
Command Ceremony with (L) Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst, Lt.
Col. Dick Johnson and (R) Lt. Col. Mike Moen. Photo by 2nd
Lt. Ruben Tahir
Lt. Col. Michael Moen relinquished command
of Group 3 and Lt. Col. Richard Johnson was given
command of Group 3 during the ceremonies.
Family, friends, and CAP members arrived
early at the Squadron in Crystal, MN filling the
seating area, some stood along the walls in the
hangar, and others were in the hallway leading to
the meeting area.
Lt. Col. Tom Hollenhorst, North Hennepin
Squadron, Commander, who hosted and was the MC
for the event welcomed family, friends, and CAP
members along with a number of distinguish guests.
Lt. Col. Moen thanked the Group 3 members for
their support over the years of his time as Commander.
He congratulated Lt. Col. Johnson on accepting the
position along with assuring the group of Lt. Col.
Johnson’s leadership abilities to carry on.
Lt. Col. Johnson accepted the command along
with asking for continual support of the members
to accomplish our three missions of Aerospace,
Emergency Services, and the Cadet program.
Another very important part of the night was
10
Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing, Commander, thanked Lt.
Col. Moen for his services in leading Group 3.
for Cadets to earn a new grade and be promoted
while having Col. Theis, other CAP members, and
their families in attendance.
The Squadron had promotions within the Cadet
program. Lt. Col. Hollenhorst, honored and with
assistance by family members who changed grade
on 10 Cadets. One Cadet was so small in size, but
big in pride, that Lt. Col. Hollenhorst bent down
low to return the Cadets salute.
Seeing the progression of the Cadets in one of
the six squadrons that Lt. Col. Johnson is now in
Command of in Group 3, we know they will all
achieve the CAP missions
Brovold assumes
command of
Minnesota Wing’s
Group II
Capt. Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
Maj. Ryan Brovold has been named com-
mander of Group II of the Minnesota Wing of the
Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
Group 2 includes 245 CAP members from
Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, and
Wesota Squadrons.
Brovold, who resides in Becker, had
been serving as commander of the St. Cloud
Composite Squadron before accepting the Group
II command.
According to National Headquarters a group
10
 commander represents
the wing commander in
their group and is respon-
sible for ensuring that
objectives, policies, and
operational directives
are effectively executed
within the group.
In addition to exer-
Major Ryan Brovold
cising command over
the five units in Group
II, Brovold will be expected to promote the objec-
tives and purposes of CAP by encouraging the
achievement of established goals and programs
by all units and by establishing new goals and
programs within the group in support of the
objectives.
Brovold, 35, has been a CAP member since
December 2001. He was named Minnesota Wing’s
Squadron Commander of the Year in 2008. Also
that year he received a community service award
from the Air Force Association.
Brovold is a certified CAP Mission Pilot and
Ground Team Leader. His CAP specialty tracks
include Operations, Aerospace Education, and
Professional Development.
Brovold grew up in Erskine, Minn. He earned
a bachelor’s degree in political science and a
master’s degree in technology/career technical
education from Bemidji State University.
He also has a master’s degree in space studies
from the University of North Dakota where he’s
now pursuing a PhD in educational leadership.
He’s currently the academic dean at Rasmussen
College in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud Squadron
gets new commander
“Sir, I relinquish command.”
“Sir, I assume command.”
With those words, Major Ryan Brovold relin-
quished command of the St. Cloud Composite
Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol to Captain Blane
11
Pierson in a Change-of-Command Ceremony,
March 2 at the St. Cloud Armory.
Lt. Col. Mike Moen, Minnesota Wing vice
commander, presided over the ceremony.
“One of the finest CAP traditions we have is the
Major Ryan Brovold passes the Command of St. Cloud
Squadron to Capt. Blane Pierson.
seamless passing of command from one squadron
commander to another,” said Lt. Col. Moen.
“We celebrate the achievements of the outgoing
commander and we also know the dedicated senior
officers, cadets, and family members of the St.
Cloud Composite Squadron will carry on the tradi-
tion of excellence under the new commander.”
Captain Pierson, a CAP member since age 12,
had previously served as deputy commander of the
squadron’s senior members. He has also served as the
squadron’s deputy commander of cadets, emergency
services officer, and information technology officer.
“It takes a team to be a successful squadron
so I ask for the support and cooperation of every
senior officer, cadet, and parent in this squadron,”
Pierson said.
“I realize the importance of responsibilities and
duties of the position I’ve been appointed to. As
your commander, my responsibility and my prom-
ise to you is to provide an environment that allows
every member of this squadron to succeed. It is an
honor to assume command of this squadron.”
11
 Base and Museum
Visit Open
Squadron’s Eyes to
the Possibilities
Captain Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2
All Photos courtesy of Capt. Richard Sprouse
Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron
had the unique opportunity to visit state of the art
facilities at an Air Force base, as well as view
static displays of Air Force heritage during a recent
visit to the Omaha area.
After a nine-hour drive to Offutt Air Force
Base, the 15 cadets and 5 senior members got a
chance to stretch their legs a bit by playing some
“Ultimate Frisbee” with members of the Curtis
Lemay, Offutt Composite Squadron before spend-
ing the night at nearby Camp Ashland, a National
Guard base.
The following morning the St. Cloud Squadron
toured Offutt Air Force Base, including the
Aerospace Physiology Education Center learn-
ing about the possible disorientation pilots are
subjected to when operating at high altitudes. The
squadron watched a video of pilots suffering from
altitude hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the blood)
before entering a hypobaric chamber where avia-
tors receive training to combat the illness.
It was then off to the Air Force Weather
Agency where the $277-million computer com-
plex provides climatological data to a variety of
TSgt. Jimmie Smith of the 55th Operations Group shows survival
gear to Cadet John Dvorak.
13
Cadets of the St. Cloud Squadron during a visit to Offutt Air
Force Base in Omaha, Neb.
national defense and allied customers.
The cadets and senior officers learned about
pilot survival equipment and nuclear/biological
contamination from members of the 55th Operations
Group. Everyone was given an opportunity for some
hands-on exploration of the equipment.
Afterwards, the St. Cloud Squadron was given
a K-9 demonstration where they met “Vihar”
one of the four dogs stationed at Offutt. Three
K-9 units from Offutt are currently deployed in the
Global War on Terrorism.
After a full day at Offutt it was then back to the
vans and a short trip to the Strategic Air & Space
Museum near Ashland where they spent the night
before a day viewing static displays celebrating
aviation and space travel. Here, everyone had
the opportunity to view and examine long retired
aircraft as well as mock-ups where they could
familiarize themselves with the controls of aircraft
such as the B52 bomber.
The highlight of the museum visit was squad-
ron member, Lt. Col. Jim Schlick’s (Col., USAF
retired), captivating personal account of his time
as a B52 navigator. His inspiring presentation
prompted several cadets to personally seek him out
during breaks to ask about a career in the Air Force
or advice on attending the Air Force Academy.
The trip was a unique opportunity for future
leaders to see and hear about possible career paths
in air and space.
Overall, everyone felt the trip was a huge suc-
cess because of the knowledge they gained about
Air Force heritage and Offutt’s involvement in the
Air Force’s mission.
13
 Minnesota Wing Members Recognized at
Annual Conference
Minnesota Wing held it’s annual conference Chaplain – Maj. Robert McLawhorn
on May 1st and 2nd at the Arrowwood Resort in Character Development Instruction Officer - 1st
Alexandria, MN. Lt. Jonathan Johnson
Members came together for a weekend of train- Communications – Capt. Dutch Van Vranken
ing, fellowship, and recognition. An old friend of Emergency Services - 1st Lt. Robby Sandberg
Minnesota Wing, Mr. Gerry Rozenswieg of CAP (below)
National Headquarters represented headquarters
and North Central Region Vice Commander (and
Minnesota Resident) Col. Tom Weston repre-
sented the region.
During the conference several awards were
presented:
LONGEVITY AWARDS – 20 Years
Capt. Steven L. Anderson
Lt. Col. Timothy Goodner
Maj. Charles P. Schumacher
Capt. Mark W. Shorter
Maj. Andrew Browning
Capt. Douglas McGraw
Capt. Edward Klima Finance - 1st Lt. Janelle Vance
Maj. Antonio Rossini Logistics - 1st Lt. Tommy Heibert
Capt. Paul W. Bartz Operations – Capt. David Carlstrom
LONGEVITY AWARDS – 30 Years Professional Development - 1st Lt. Donald
Lt. Col. Chris A. Gerlach Helgager
Maj. Rolf S. Carlson (below) Public Affairs - 1st Lt. George Supan
Safety - 1st Lt. Karen Barrie
Commander’s Commendation Awards - Lt.
Col. David Odette, Lt. Col. Michael Moen, Lt.
Col. Dennis Yeager, Major Ryan Brovold, Capt.
Richard Sprouse (pictured below), Capt. Richard
Yeager, and 1st Lt Nanette Berg

LONGEVITY AWARDS – 40 Years

Lt. Col. John R. Quilling
Capt. Michael W. Huttner
Capt. Kevin E. Swanson
Specialist of the Year Awards
The Awardees received an Achievement Award
Administration - SM Patricia Schrader
Aerospace Education – Capt. David Coates
Cadet Programs - 1st Lt. Norine Olson

14
Lifesaving Awards – Maj. Gerald Kleene, 2nd
Lt. Karen Kleene, SM Raymond Majkrzak, 1st Lt.
Janelle Vance and C/SSgt. Eric Heinonen
Wing Awards:
Coffin Memorial Award – Lt. Col. Paul Adams
Dunbar Award - 1st Lt. Dutch Van Vranken
Sindelar Award – Capt. James Miller
Family of the Year - The Olson Family, Russ,
Norine, Veronica, and Kaelyn
Cadet NCO of the Year - C/2nd Lt. Peter Mayhew
Cadet Commander - C/2nd Lt. Ethan K Helgager stantly led and pushed members to excel in order
Wing Staff member of the Year – Lt. Col. Paul Adams
Cadet of the Year - C/Maj. Billy Hoffman (below)
CAP-USAF Torch Award - 1st Lt. Karen
Anderson
Senior Member of the Year – Lt. Col. James Rutten
Commander of the Year – Lt. Col. Brent Halweg
Squadron of Merit – St. Croix Squadron
Squadron of the Year - Viking Squadron
Senior Member of the Year –
Lt. Col. Bill Rutten
Lt. Col. Rutten has been and continues to be
a valuable resource for the members of St. Croix
Composite Squadron (STX) and the Minnesota
Wing. He has shown himself to be a thoroughly
dedicated mem-
ber of the Civil
Air Patrol, com-
mitted to its
missions.
In no case
has he failed to
step up and do
the job at hand
to the best of his ability. He has been steadfast
whether the mission at hand has been an ELT
search, missing airplane, flood relief, or just an
exercise, he has always been there doing his part.
We all have personally learned a great deal from
him and his experience.
Rutten has been a CAP member since 1990.
He served as St. Croix Squadron unit commander
from 2004-2008, serving an extra year beyond the
standard 3-year term. During this time he con-
to make St. Croix a Squadron of Distinction.
He currently serves as the St. Croix Squadron
Administrative Officer and as an Advisor to the
commander. He also serves as an assistant for
Logistics, Communications, Testing, Professional
Development, and Personnel Officer and provides
valuable experience and guidance to other mem-
bers learning these positions. He is always willing
to help and mentor other senior members in a
variety of jobs.
Lt. Col. Rutten is a MN Wing Incident
Commander and teaches the Incident Command
System to squadron members and others beyond
our unit. He leads by example. For instance, he
has already completed all the ICS courses neces-
sary to continue as an Incident Commander.
He also serves as the chairman of the MN Wing
108 Task Force, serves on the St. Croix unit Finance
Committee, and is a Flight Release Officer.
Rutten has been an organizer for our Squadron
and has been instrumental in our Squadron’s partici-
pation in the 2008 Shrine Circus with the St. Paul
Shiners (traffic management as a fund-raiser).
He is also responsible for and led the project
to install a new VHF radio antenna on our hangar
building and functions as the liaison between the
squadron and our landlord.
Squadron of Merit –
St. Croix Squadron
The Squadron of Merit Award is an annual award
established to recognize the top cadet or Composite
Squadron’s in each Wing. The same criterion used
to select the Squadron of Distinction, which was
awarded to the Viking Composite Squadron, was
used to determine Squadron of Merit Award.
At the Conference banquet our Squadron
15
 prestigious award.

Commander of the Year – Lt.

Commander, Capt. David Yost accepted the Squadron
of Merit Award on behalf of the entire unit.
Capt. Yost had commented, “Congratulations
are in order to all of the members of the St. Croix
Composite Squadron for their hard work and
dedications that has earned our Squadron this
prestigious award.”
The St. Croix Composite Squadron received a
distinctive certificate and a streamer to be attached to
our Squadron Flag as a symbol of our achievement.
Squadron of the Year –
Viking Composite Squadron
Viking Composite Squadron was recognized
Col. Brent Halweg
Lt. Col. Brent E. Halweg, Viking Squadron
Commander, was recognized with the Squadron
Commander of the Year Award. Colonel Halweg
is an inspirational leader who leads by example.
Viking squad-
ron is very
proud of their
commander
for this very
deserving
recognition.
Col. Halweg
is a retired
Air Force
officer pilot
who served
in the active
and reserve
Air Force for
twenty years. He was an Air Force CAP-RAP
officer for Viking Squadron for two years.
He joined the Civil Air Patrol in February of
2003. He served as Viking Squadron Aerospace
Education Officer from 2003 until he was appointed
as the squadron’s commander in December 2007.
As squadron commander, he continues to promote
excellence within the squadron. Lt. Colonel
Halweg has been employed by Northwest Airlines
from 1989 to present. He served as a DC 9
Captain/Instructor Pilot from 1989 – 2008. In June
2008 he became an Airbus Captain.
Major Alan Matson presented the Federal Aviation
Administration’s Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award to Capt.
William Menkevich.

with the Minnesota Wing Squadron of the Year

Award. The Squadron of Distinction Award rec-
ognizes the top composite squadrons in each Civil
Air Patrol wing for their excellence in supporting
CAP and its missions. Viking Squadron is very
honored with this recognition. The members of
Viking squadron continue to strive for excellence
through their hard work and dedication, and it is
this team effort that has earned our squadron this

17
 62 Year Minnesota CAP Member
and War Hero Dies
Capt. Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing

A
62-year member of the Minnesota Wing of
the Civil Air Patrol and World War II hero
has died.
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Krause, a member
of the Mankato Composite Squadron, passed away
on February 24, 2009. He was 87.
Lt. Col. Krause joined CAP in 1946 after serv-
ing in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater of
operations during WWII. He was one of the C-47
pilots that flew critically needed supplies over
“The Hump,” a dangerous 530-mile long passage
over the Himalayan Mountains where nearly 1,000
men and 600 planes were lost.
The planes were often loaded to twice their
normal capacity.
“We always think of the P-51 fighters and B-17
bombers as planes that won WWII,” said Lt. Col.
John Barsness, Minnesota Group 4 commander.
“What would we have done without the C-47
cargo planes and the brave men that flew them?”
Lt. Col. Barsness had the honor and privilege
of hearing Krause share his wartime experiences
during an Experimental Aircraft Association around to tell the story of these brave airmen.”
Banquet in 2004. Krause flew 72 missions over “The Hump.”
“Ken held the audience spellbound as he Among his many military awards are two
told us how his plane was shot down and how Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Purple Heart.
he attempted an emergency landing to save a He served as Commander of the Mankato
wounded crewmember’s life. Unfortunately the Squadron as well as a Group Commander in
crewmember died. Only at the end of the story did Minnesota Wing.
Ken mention he did all of this after being badly His wife, Dolores of Mankato; two sons; seven
injured and wounded himself.” grandchildren; and one sister survive Ken. His par-
First Lieutenant Earl Isaacs, a long-time mem- ents, first wife and other family members preceded
ber of Mankato Squadron, said CBI is largely him in death.
an unknown part of a much larger war to most The Standard Oil Company employed Krause
Americans and CAP members. for 31 years. He and Dolores owned and operated
“Flying ‘The Hump’ required perfect naviga- the Nor-V-Gen Oil Company for 20 years.
tion; plenty of C-47’s and their crews were lost Lt. Col. Krause was also a member of the
carrying provisions to the Chinese army fighting Experimental Aircraft Association, CBI Veterans
the Japanese,” Isaacs said. Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American
“CBI is a part of WWII that is not heard much of Legion, the Air Force Association, and Rotary
these days. We were honored to have had Ken Krause Club of Mankato.

18
 Serving Our Troops
Major James Kline
Commander, Fort Snelling Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing

The city of St. Paul put together a going away

party for 1,034 troops of the Minnesota Army
National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division, also
known as the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls will command coalition mili-
tary operations in eight of 18 provinces or about
one-third of the country. “The scope of this mis-
sion is unprecedented,” according to Division
Commander Major General Richard Nash. The
34th Infantry Division will be in charge of over
16,000 multinational troops helping to secure
Iraq. They will be replacing the 10th Mountain
Division, which is an active duty division out of Ft.
Drum, New York.
Serving both the troops and their families,
around 8,000 people showed up at the River Centre served meal in history of convention service in St.
in St. Paul on Tuesday evening, February 11th. A Paul. The meal was nearly 2½ times larger than
full steak dinner was provided following a special what was hosted here for last year’s Republican
ceremony with their infantry Generals and the National Convention.
Governor of Minnesota. Upon completion of the A call for volunteers went out months ago and
ceremony the troops reunited with their families word got to the Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron.
and joined together for one of the largest single Six volunteers from the squadron arrived on

19 19
Members of the Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron at the 34th
Infantry Division Deployment Celebration. so busy we didn’t have time to say thank you to
each soldier who came to our table but we tried as
Monday, February 10th to assist in the setting up much as we could.
the room for the next night. But what placed a “lump” in my throat was
Major James Kline, Lt. Col. Tony Tarpy and toward the end when we started to clean up, I
his wife Patty, Captain Richard Geis, Cadet Isaac kept getting “pats” on my back and when I looked
Lancaster and his brother, Gabriel Lancaster around to acknowledge them, they were Soldiers
helped setting up over 8,000 dinner place settings. saying “Thank you for doing this for them.”
“It was a hard chore but with 200 other volunteers These soldiers who were leaving their families
that night over 750 tables were set up and dressed and going into harm’s way to fight for world peace
for first-class dinner for Minnesota’s BEST” said and freedom were reaching their hand upon us
Lt. Col. Tarpy. and saying thank you. Left a lot of us with “misty
On Tuesday, February 11th the day began eyes,” as we continued to clean up. This was truly
by volunteer check in at 2:30pm, those in atten- a most rewarding experience and I would not have
dance from Ft. Snelling Composite Squadron: missed it for the world.
Major James A. Kline and his wife Pam, Lt. Col. We wish you the best, our fighting 34th
Tony Tarpy and his wife Patty, Captain Richard Infantry, the Red Bulls of Minnesota!
Geis, Cadet Isaac Lancaster and his brother,
Gabriel Lancaster, Cadet Commander David
Kendal and Cadet Treye Harrison. We were a
small part of a major volunteer operation that
lasted until 9:30pm.
At 6:00pm the troops and their families were
dismissed from the ceremony and headed for the
dinner area. We were ready! Within an hour we
had everyone seated and full Steak dinners on
their plates. Many local businesses, restaurants and
the City of St. Paul helped contribute toward this
wonderful event.
Come 8:30pm most of the troops had gone
home with their families and we began the huge
process of cleaning up, picking up all the chairs
and tables again down to a bare floor.
This was a small price of volunteering for
what these brave troops will be doing for us.
While serving during the height of the rush it was Lt. Col. Tony Tarpy prepares desert for the troops.

21 21
 St. Paul Trains to Save
Lives in the Cold
1st Lt. Paul Markegard
Emergency Services Officer, St. Paul Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing
St. Paul Composite Squadron cadets and
seniors again headed out into the cold winter for
more emergency services training at the Minnesota
National Guard’s Arden Hills Army Training Site.
The mission? An ELT Search with 2 missing
and possibly injured pilots.
The teams set out independently using direction
finders, map, and compass to determine bearings
of the signal. The teams using triangulation were
able to narrow the search to a small area near the
22
reservoir. Team 2 was first to arrive. Together they
set up rope operations and recovered both “pilots”
who were found on steep sandy/snowy terrain.
Both ground teams were in constant radio contact
with mission base giving regular progress reports.
Again we headed out into the weather and
elements to practice our skills. We had a very good
turn out. 20 cadets and seniors braved the chill of
February to spend 12 hours outside preparing to
help people in need. An added element was tossed
in at the last minute, 4 inches of new snow.
The roads had not been plowed and 4-wheel
drive was the order of the day. Poor GT-1 was
forced to march about a 1/2 mile to the “scene”
because ye old one wheel wonder would not make
it up the road. But they did it! I never heard one
complaint. We got some tough cadets.
We practiced radio direction finding, lines
searches, hasty searches, first aid (C/Lt. Fox was
most honored to wear a C-collar during his rescue)
and our now infamous RADAA skills. We also
divided up into teams and built improvised shelter
using what we had at the time.
22
 North Hennepin Cadets to Compete at
National Cadet Competition
2nd Lt. Suzanne Albrecht
Public Affairs Officer, North Hennepin Composite Squadron
A Color Guard from North Hennepin Squadron
competed against Color Guards representing
neighboring states at the North Central Region’s
Cadet Competition.
By winning the competition the team goes
on to represent the 7 states of North Central
Region at the Civil Air Patrol’s National Cadet
Competition (NCC.)
The Minnesota Wing’s Color Guard team
consists of C/SrAmn. Frank Albrecht, C/SrAmn.
Caitlin Albrecht, C/Amn. Jasmine Sands, New
Hope; C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller, Buffalo; and
C/MSgt. Matthew Bruffey, Plymouth.
The NCC will take place from July 9th to
the 13th in McMinnville, Oregon at the Linfield
College and Evergreen Air & Space Museum.
Approximately 150 of Civil Air Patrol’s highly-
skilled cadets will compete in the 2009 National
Cadet Competition.
Each of CAP’s eight regions will be represented
by a four-person color guard and a 13-person drill
team. Cadet drill teams and color guards earned the
right to attend this prestigious national competition
by winning local, state and regional competitions.
At the competition cadets will demonstrate
their skills in events that involve precision, includ-
ing innovative and standard drill movements,
indoor and outdoor posting of the American flag
and creativity and knowledge of aerospace-related
topics, including a written exam and panel quiz,
as well as physical fitness challenges involving
volleyball and a mile run.
Inspections and drill competition will be judged
by the Air Force Honor Guard; and volleyball
professionals will judge the volleyball competition
according to USA Volleyball Domestic Indoor
Competition rules.
The overall winners of color guard and drill
team competitions will earn the U.S. Air Force
Chief of Staff Sweepstakes Trophy. Top cadets in
several categories will also be honored. Last year’s
champions were the Southeast Region’s color
guard and Southwest Region’s drill team.
While most of their hometown neighbors
chose to stay inside their homes to avoid the Twin
City’s unusually chilly June temperature and
rain on Saturday, June 6th, the Minnesota Wing
Color Guard Team, who are members of the Civil
Air Patrol North Hennepin Composite Squadron
based out of Crystal Airport, and their competitors
charged onto the track at Camp Ripley for a 6:30
a.m. mile run.
Individual team members were also recognized
for their excellence.
Sixteen year old C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller of
Buffalo was awarded the Male Fleet Foot trophy
for completing his mile in 4 minute 50 seconds.
C/SrAmn. Caitlin Albrecht, 17, was awarded
the Female Fleet Foot trophy for completing a 5
minute 16 second mile.
The team also won awards for Indoor Practical
Drill, Standard Drill, and Physical Fitness.
C/2nd Lt. David Blessman of New Hope,
C/1st Lt. David Chanski and C/Capt. Nic
Trombley of Maple Grove served as judges for
the regional competition.
The 2009 North Central Region Color Guard: (L-R) C/
SrAmn. Caitlin Albrecht, C/Amn. Jasmine Sands, C/SSgt.
Frank Albrecht, C/SMSgt. Reuben Miller, C/SMSgt. Matthew
Bruffey,
23
 U.S. Air Force
Information is Coming
for a Minnesota Cadet
1st Lt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron
U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) calls Cadet
Master Sergeant Emily Tholen to inform her that she would be
receiving information from the U.S. Air Force.
Rep. McCollum did not say what the information was. “I was so
surprised I did not know what to say other than, Thank You,” said
C/MSgt. Emily Tholen with the Air Force Tholen. As the days went by Cadet Tholen was anxiously waiting.
Academy letter. The U.S. Air Force notice from Col. Chevalier Cleaves, Director
of Admissions at the Academy arrived with good news. C/MSgt.
Emily Tholen will be entering the U.S. Air Force Academy starting in June of 2009, as a member of the
Class of 2013. “You will be joining a select group of our nation’s finest young people as you take this
challenging and rewarding step toward becoming a professional Air Force officer,” stated Col. Cleaves.
There are presidential, advanced, and regular appointments. Cadet Tholen received an advanced
appointment by Rep. Betty McCollum. “Being a CAP member was a big advantage,” said Cadet Tholen.
She was one of 9,200 applicants.
Capt. Andy Bosshart, Commander, Anoka Composite Squadron said, “The Squadron Members are
proud, but will miss Cadet Tholen, when they send her off to the Academy in June, to study and become a
Leader of Tomorrow.” He also added, “Cadet Tholen is the second Air Force Academy appointment this
year and the third in two years from the Squadron.”
“It’s been great having Cadet Tholen as a member of the Anoka Squadron and with great pride we will
send you to the Academy,” said 1st Lt. Shelly Supan, Deputy Commander at the Squadron meeting March
17, 2009. “Your leadership is an example to the other Cadets,” said Supan.
In 2007, during a ceremony in Rep. McCollum’s office in St. Paul, Cadet Tholen received the CAP
Disaster Relief ribbon with the “V” device for her valor and service along with a U.S. Flag that Rep.
McCollum had flown over the U.S. Capital. “That was an honor. The call, I was so excited to personally
speak with Rep. McCollum from Washington, DC,” said Tholen.
Tholen has participated on a number of CAP
missions including responding to the request
for help with the flooded area in Southeastern
Minnesota in August of 2007, for which she
received the ribbon. Tholen was featured in the
CAP Volunteer magazine March – April 2008
issue in the article, Undercut, Floods, Mudslides,
Wash Away Homes, Lives.
The 2008 CAP picture of the year included then
C/SSgt. Emily Tholen helping citizens during the
flood in 2007. The current CAP slogan “Citizens
Serving Communities: Above and Beyond” is a
result of the picture. The picture was included in
the 2007 CAP annual report to Congress.

25 25
 Capt. Richard Geis
Public Affairs Officer, Minnesota Wing

This was a brisk December day, yet many in

our community - Blue Star families, Gold Star
families, active military personnel, local police
departments, Patriot Guard, VFW and American
Legion posts, church congregations, scouting
troops and CAP squadrons - came to participate in
the wreath laying and dedication on Saturday, the
thirteenth, remembering our military service men
and women across the State of Minnesota. Wreaths
Across America ceremonies were conducted and
wreaths placed on gravesites at eight locations
throughout our state.
Minnesota State Veterans’ Cemetery - Little Falls
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial - Rochester been honored with this project in Minnesota. As
Oakwood Cemetery – Rochester many of you may know, the program was extended
Oakwood Cemetery 2 – Rochester throughout the United States at each state’s national
Calvary Cemetery – Rochester cemetery from the program begun at Arlington
Grandview Memorial Cemetery - Rochester National Cemetery in Virginia in 1992 by the
Greenwood Cemetery – Bemidji Worcester Wreath Company of Maine. We have
Fort Snelling National Cemetery - Minneapolis grown from some forty participants in 2006 at Fort
Minnesota Wing proudly participated in Snelling National Cemetery, to many hundreds of
“Wreaths Across America” events in Minneapolis, people throughout Minnesota in 2008.
Brainerd, and Camp Ripley. At Fort Snelling National Cemetery, wreaths
were placed at each military service branch memo-

Minneapolis rial flagpole surrounding the main flagpole on

Mallon Road. Gold Star families of SSgt James
Wosika, Jr., Thomas Burnett, Jr., and Lance
This is the third season that our veterans have Corporal Scott Modeen with Howard Wilson,

26
Chris Baker, and William Leroy Namen former
servicemen, and Cindy McLean were accompanied
by active duty servicemen and CAP Cadets when
placing these wreaths.
Section “T” was selected to be decorated this
year, a northern portion of the cemetery. Cadets
and seniors from Anoka, Red Wing, Valley
Squadrons, and Wing HQ along with other people
attending placed approximately 450 wreaths in
this section. A memorable “Silent Night” was
sung by all present in the final minutes of decorat-
ing the gravestones. C/SMSgt. Alan Booth of Crow Wing (Minnesota) Squadron
places a wreath at the grave of Sergeant Jacob Pfingsten,
Minnesota Patriot Guard members also stood
a CAP member who died in 2005 while serving with the US
at each gravesite of servicemen fallen after 11 Army in Germany. Pfingsten’s parents and sister are active
September 2001 through service in Afghanistan members of the Crow Wing Squadron. It was all part of
and Iraq. A wreath was present at each of these the Wreaths Across America event held at the Minnesota
State Veterans’ Cemetery near Camp Ripley on December
sites for the families to place. 13, 2008. Photo Capt. Richard Sprouse, Group 2 PAO,

Bemidji
Minnesota Wing

serving in the U.S. Army. He was followed by

Chaplain Walter James, representing the U.S.
Navy; Tom Stinar, representing the U.S. Marine
Corps; Airman Rob Sandberg, representing the
U.S. Air Force; Donald Drusch, representing U.S.
Coast Guard; Cmdr. Robert Saddoris, representing
the U.S. Merchant Marine; Lt. Junior Guard Megan
Arndt, representing the U.S. Public Health Service;
Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1st Lt. Ethan Helgager, rep-
resenting members of all branches of the service
whose last known status was either prisoner of war
or missing in action; and Beltrami County Sheriff
Phil Hodapp, representing law enforcement offi-
cers who have served or are serving.

Capt. Terrence Best, Commander of the

Northland Squadron gave remarks during the
Bemidji ceremony.
“Today we show a united front of national
unity all across the United States of America as
we remember the fallen, honor those who serve
and teach our children the value of freedom,”
Best said.
C/SSgt. Seth Martell laid the first holiday
wreath on behalf of those who served and are

27
 “Our goal was to honor the veterans, teach our
young people to remember, encourage our active
duty members that are here, and provide meaning-
ful service to the community,” said Capt. Robin
Helgager, deputy commander.
After the ceremony, cadets placed purchased
wreaths at graves and rendered salutes.
Best told the cadets to take a moment to visit
a gravesite, write down information on the person
buried there, and research the name.
“You will find they were real Americans with
families — mothers and fathers, sons and daugh-
ters, brothers and sister, aunts and uncles,” he said.
“They were and are more than a statistic.”
Camp Ripley
Several veterans’ organizations, the Minnesota
Patriot Guard and members of the Crow Wing
and St. Cloud Squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol
participated Saturday, December 13 in Wreaths
Across America at the State Veterans’ Cemetery
near Camp Ripley.
First Lieutenant George Ramler of St. Cloud
Squadron said the central Minnesota squadrons
were proud to be part of the event. “There are a
significant amount of veterans in central Minnesota
and we want to honor them,” Ramler said. “We
also want our cadets to learn the value of freedom
28
and honor those who have fought to preserve our
way of life.” Approximately 40,000 veterans live
within 75 miles of the cemetery.
A poignant moment occurred when one of
the nearly 245 wreaths was placed at the grave of
Sergeant Jacob Pfingsten, a Crow Wing Squadron
member who died in 2005 while serving with the
US Army in Germany.
“Jake was a great young man. He had a posi-
tive attitude and was always smiling.
He was a great role model for the cadets in
squadron,” said Lt. Col. Bob Johnson of Crow
Wing Squadron.
Pfingsten’s parents, Captains Tom and Beth
Pfingsten, and his sister, C/2nd Lt. Sarah Pfingsten,
are active members of the squadron.
The nearly 245 wreaths were about a 3,400
percent increase from the seven placed at the
cemetery last year. The Minnesota Patriot Guard
provided 75 wreaths with another 168 coming from
Crow Wing and St. Cloud squadron sponsors.
Still, Ramler hopes the effort will be even more
successful next year.
“It’s a big increase from last year and a great
incentive to do even better in 2009. It’s the very
least we can do to honor our veterans.”
The 37-acre Minnesota State Veteran’s
Cemetery near Camp Ripley was opened in 1994
and is the resting place to 3,000 veterans and eli-
gible family members. 334 burials were conducted
there during the past fiscal year, a 17 percent
increase from the previous year.