Northern Flights

WINTER 2008 - 2009

  THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MINNESOTA WING, CIVIL AIR PATROL

Northern Flights

is a moving experience
Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing

The Wall

Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol 6275 Crossman Lane Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 651-291-0462 mnwingadmin@comcast.net Northern Flights Winter 2008-2009 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 two times a year. Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit volunteer organization. Federally chartered by Congress under 36 U.S.C. 0-08, which is dedicated to emergency services, aerospace education and motivation of Americas 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.
A Vietnam vet looks for names on The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was recently at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing)

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The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., recently made its way to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. The Wall travels throughout America for most of the year as a way to honor the 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Not just those who gave their lives, but those who remain missing as well. I remember reports of those who had died or were missing as I watched the sights and sounds of the war on the evening news out of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. One of the missing was a young man from nearby Greensburg that I would get to know later. I have also had the honor of knowing and serving with plenty of Vietnam vets. But its those reported as missing in action (MIA) that I have had a decades long connection to. In late 975 I was stationed with the US Army
Continued . . . 

The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was recently at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing)

Continued . . .
Look closely at this picture for the reflection of a vet in a boonie cap and the flagpole at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing)

at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Saigon had fallen in April and it seemed no one wanted to think about Vietnam or remember the men and women who served there. Landing on my desk one day was a pasteboard box simply marked POW/MIA-Vietnam. Inside were the after action reports (AARs) describing the circumstances surrounding Arizonans who had served in the Army and had been listed A couple of Vietnam vets try to find a friend on The Moving Wall, the half-size as missing in action (MIA) or replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was recently held as a prisoner of war (POW) at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn. (Photo: Capt. during Vietnam. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing) There was only one POW that I can recall and about a dozen MIA, but the AARs Officer Jon Reid of Phoenix had been captured, but on both could have filled several .50-caliber machine he was not among the POWs released in 973. gun ammo boxes. In 999, the remains of Reid and copilot, st Lieutenant David May of Hyattsville, Maryland, I had no direct connection to the POW who received an annual physical courtesy the US Army. were identified during excavation of the crash site. Today they rest at Arlington National Cemetery. That would not be the case with those MIA. The resting places of the other crewmembers, The MIA files each contained a buck slip, a Specialist Five Randolph Johnson of Milwaukee sort of semi-official routing document, that was to be signed and dated annually to ensure they were and Specialist Four Robert Acalotto of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, are known but to God. properly reviewed, secured and stored. My assignOver the past decades Ive watched with much ment was to be the caretaker of these missing men interest as about half of the Army MIA from and their memory for the next couple of years. Arizona were recovered, but theres still six that Little did I know then that I would continue that remain unaccounted for. The Wall always moves mission decades later. me to think of Ronald Babcock, Paul Bates, Elliott Those already musty smelling and yelCrook, Charles Dale, Lowell Powers and Armando lowing volumes contained rattling narratives Ramirez. that explained the MIAs last known moments. There were so many questions as I tried to put Hollywood couldnt write such a script. It wasnt surprising that most involved a helicopter, the these last moments of a mans life puzzle together with the final crucial pieces missing. It seemed that symbol of the Vietnam War. Each AAR told somewhat similar tales of war I had been handed Pandoras box containing all the and uncertain fate: The helicopter was last seen pain and pride of those that had served in Vietnam. taking heavy fire before crashing and burning. The It all had a profound effect on me, and still does. Maybe thats why when that simple, yet fate of the crew: unknown. In one instance I recall a hard landing where breathtaking monument to Vietnam is nearby, I two of the four crewmembers were seen exiting the hover around for an hour or so, searching for those names again and hoping some day Ill finally be flaming chopper. It was initially thought that the pilot, Warrant able to close that pasteboard box forever.
 

St. Cloud Squadron Honors Veterans

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing Handing out Wreaths Across America sponsorship forms, American flags and smiles, members of Minnesotas St. Cloud Composite Squadron braved freezing temperatures Sunday as they participated in the second annual Veterans Days parade at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. This event gives our cadets and senior officers a chance to say thanks to all veterans, as well as promote Wreaths Across America locally, said Second Lieutenant George Ramler of St. Cloud. Nearly 500 people attended the event. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls,

2nd Lieutenant George Ramler hands out a flag and information on Wreaths Across America to one of the hundreds who braved freezing temperatures during the second annual Veterans Days parade at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing, US Air Force Auxiliary)

Minn., is located between St. Cloud and Crow Wing squadrons. Both have been busy

seeking sponsorships from local veterans groups, civil organizations, area businesses and members of the public. Last year, only 7 wreaths were placed at the Little Falls Veterans Cemetery compared to hundreds or even thousands at other veterans cemeteries across the country. Both squadrons are hoping to substantially increase that number this year, Ramler said.
Members of the St. Cloud Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol braved freezing temperatures to march during the second annual Veterans Days Parade at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing, US Air Force Auxiliary)

Something for Nothing Or, every pilot likes a bargain

Lt. Col. Nick Modders 130th Composite Squadron Since sometime back in distant history the FAA has required that a pilot must subject himself to a flight review every  months. This burden was imposed when it became apparent that some pilots were not maintaining their flying skills and killing themselves, their passengers, and sometimes people on the ground due to lack of ability to control their aeronautical steed. The requirement was that you subjected yourself to an hour of ground briefing and an hour of flight instruction and you were good for another two years. This improved accident statistics slightly. Another attempt to improve pilot skills was the implementation of the WINGS program. This program gave you credit for a flight review if you attended an FAA approved safety seminar and flew for three hours with a flight instructor. An hour of instrument dual, an hour of air work and an hour of take offs and landings and you could get credit for a flight review. Those that participated went to a seminar and collected flight instructor autographs in their logbook and on a little green card. When the card was full you sent it to the FAA and got back a certificate suitable for framing
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and credit for the flight review. Enter the Internet. Someone at the FAA got the idea that the WINGS program could be made a lot better by using something everybody has available--a computer and access to the Internet. This would allow the FAA to better utilize their green card processors by finding other meaningful work for them to do and the pilot wouldnt have to wait three months for their certificate. Enter the computer-based WINGS program. On a dedicated website, FAASafety.gov, the entire WINGS program has been reborn into an instant safety seminar that you can attend in the comfort of your own home, on your schedule, with no gasoline expended to get to a safety seminar two counties away. Added to the program were hundreds of aviation safety offerings on the FAASafety.gov website AND from other providers such as AOPA.org. Okay, you say, but there are a couple of things missing. I dont have a computer, I dont like the internet, and I liked the old way better. Ahhh, not so fast. Everyone has a computer. If you dont have one at home a short trip to your nearest library will find one available for you. Dont know how to operate it? No problem! The knowledge-

able librarian will be eager to help you. You still dont like the idea? Try it. It wont hurt and youll be amazed at the aeronautical information that is available at the flick of a finger. And that knowledge can be yours, for only the effort it takes for you to read and absorb. Nothing to buy, no need to leave home. Did you know that the FAA NOTAM system was changed in February of 008? Dont raise your hand to admit you had missed that little feature, check out the course Know Your NOTAMs. It explains it all. Well, maybe Ill try it, but whats this bargain stuff? The FAA thinks so much of the CAP pilot proficiency system that they give credit for a flight review if you pass a CAP Form 5 flight check. Well almost full credit. You do have to enjoy a short course on The Art of Aeronautical Decision Making. The bargain is that you dont have to spend any additional money to get credit for the flight review. Check out the website, register to enroll, and poke around and discover all of the features available for you to enjoy. Fly smart! Fly proficient! Let FAA Wings help you achieve your goal of being a Proficient Pilot. That website address once more: www.faasafety.gov
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Brainerd Hangar dedicated to former commander

Lt. Col. Bob Johnson Crow Wing Composite Squadron The Crow Wing Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) dedicated their hangar at the Brainerd Airport in memory of Lt. Col. Eugene Stanich on Saturday, July 5th. The keynote speaker for the dedication was Air Force General Bruce Carlson, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The commands 77,000 people manage $7 billion annually in research, development; test and evaluation while providing the acquisition management services and logistics support required to develop procure and sustain Air Force weapon systems. General Carlson was born in Hibbing, Minn. He was commissioned in 97 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He has held various flying assignments to include commanding the 9th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M., the Air Forces first stealth fighter wing. General Carlson is planning on retiring in January 009. General Carlson also presented the Amelia Earhart Award to Cadet Captain Josh Woodward of Brainerd. This award recognizes Cadet Woodwards accomplishments and is a high honor achieved by only few cadets in the Civil Air Patrol. The day before the dedication General Carlson was the Grand Marshal at the Brainerd

General Bruce Carlson Picture Courtesy of Air Force Public affairs

th of July Parade. The Cuyuna Community band played music for the event, which drew a crowd of two hundred people for the dedication of the refurbished hangar. Also speaking were State Senator Paul Koering, State Representative John Ward and the Minnesota Wing Commander Colonel Tom Theis. Capt. Joe Stanich, a current member of Crow Wing Squadron accepted the plaques and spoke on behalf of the Stanich family. Lt. Col. Gene Stanich will be remembered for his friendly disposition, dedication, and service to his country and fellow CAP members. Major John Barsness contributed to this story.

Mayor James Wallin presented a plaque to the squadron honoring Lt. Col. Stanichs accomplishments and dedicating the hangar in his memory.

Brainerd Hangar Dedication

t. Col. Gene Stanich died on January 9th, 005. During World War II he flew in many different aircraft as a member of the US Army Air Corps. When the war ended, Gene returned to Minnesota. Because he wanted to continue to be involved with aviation, Gene joined CAP in 950. He was a charter member of Crow Wing Squadron, and was an active member right up until his recent illness. Gene rarely missed a meeting and proudly wore his uniform, serving as an inspiration to countless members during his 55 years in CAP. He served in every position in the squadron and was one of its first commanders. The job of squadron commander included coming early and starting a fire in the potbelly woodstove to heat the meeting place. Gene served as commander for four years and was then promoted to Group Commander, a position he would hold for 9 years! As Group Commander he had seven squadrons and a lot of missions to keep him busy. In those days, without ELTs, it wasnt uncommon to have -3 searches a week. As Group Commander Gene was able to do a lot of flying. He especially enjoyed flying the T-34. He put many hours on it, flying to visit squadrons and the Wing HQs. Genes sons, Joe and Greg, were cadets in CAP. Joe recently moved back to the Brainerd area and has re-joined Crow Wing Squadron. As a retired educator, Joe has brought special skills to the cadet program and continues his familys tradition of dedicated service. Lt. Col. Gene Stanich will be remembered for his friendly disposition, dedication, and service to his country and fellow CAP members.
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About Lt. Col. Gene Stanich

General Carlson presents the Earhart Award to C/Capt. Josh Woodard.

Members of the Stanich family during the festivities.

CAP dignitaries including Minnesota State Director Bill Willis (right) visit with General Carlson. Mr. Willis served with the general during the Vietnam War when they were serving as first lieutenants.

CAP Members Training Proves Worth for Accident Victim

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing A Minnesota Civil Air Patrol member is being praised by emergency service providers for his quick actions following a car versus bicycle accident along a busy Twin Cities highway. Captain Nash Pherson was stopped at a signal light along US Highway 69 in Champlin, Minn., on 6 November 008, when he noticed what he thought was debris laying on the other side of the intersection. A man was moving debris from my lane when he picked up a bicycle, Pherson said. I then realized it was a victim lying prone and not moving in the space between the turn lane and the highway. Pherson called 9 and reported the accident. While still on the phone, Pherson activated his vehicles hazard lights and proceeded through a red light and into the busy intersection. He parked his vehicle as far back from the victim as possible and angled the car and turned the wheels towards the side of the road in case it was struck from behind. Luckily, Pherson had his search and rescue equipment in the car after working the previous weekend with the Civil Air Patrol in the search for a missing man near Marshall, Minn. Grabbing his reflective vest and medical kit, he approached the victim. Another motorist and the driver of the car that struck the bicycle rider were


now present. Pherson asked the victim his name and to lay his head down on his medical bag, hoping to stabilize the boys neck and back. Pherson explains: The victim was moaning and crying, and it was obviously causing him too much pain to try to lay down. I took hold of his head to try to maintain his c-spine while he was sitting up. I then glanced at the vehicle and saw extensive damage to the glass. I quickly brushed through the victims hair to look for bleeding and didnt see any. I asked the victim where he was hurting. He said his legs hurt and I noticed he was clutching his abdomen. I looked him over for any serious bleeding, but did not see any. I then asked him how old he was, and he responded , then 3, then I dont know. I then began to feel the back of the victims head. It felt soft and misshapen. The victim kept trying to move around, and could not comply with instructions to hold still. I stopped trying to hold his head at this point, as I was worried about doing more damage than good. I positioned myself alongside the victim so that I could hold his upper torso over my body if he started seizing, and I continued to comfort him. The distraught driver was not injured and stated he had not seen the victim until he actually

Captain Nash Pherson, Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

hit him. The driver also stated that he wanted to move his car to let traffic through. Even with the reflective vest on and my car blocking us, I was incredibly scared of a secondary accident. It was rush hour with high traffic, the roads were very wet, rain was reducing visibility, and it was dark, Pherson said. He told the man not to move his vehicle In what seemed like an eternity to Pherson, the first police officer arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. Pherson briefed the officer with what he had done to assess the situation and stabilize the victim while other officers and an ambulance arrived at the scene. Champlin Police Officer Nick Englund thanked Pherson for stopping to provide help.
Continued . . . 

Autopilot and CAP training saves childs life

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing Fortunately, Major Gerald Kleenes autopilot is set to save lives. The 63-year-old pilot of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol was participating in an antique farm equipment show near Montevideo, Minn., on Saturday, August 6, when a frantic group waved him down saying a young boy was choking on a piece of hard candy. Major Kleene, a member of the Wesota Composite Squadron, quickly exited the small utility vehicle he was driving and ran to the childs aid. He said what happened next came automatically. I just kind of went on autopilot, stopped, grabbed the youngster, and proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver, Kleene said. After two compressions on the boys stomach the airway was cleared and he began to breathe again. Kleene learned the procedure during some CAP provided CPR training. Its good to know that the CAP teaches CPR and other lifesaving skills, said Major Ruth Hoffman, Wesota squadron commander. Sometimes you take the training for granted until you come upon a situation like Major Kleene did and realize you have the


Accident victim
Continued . . .

2008 Maj Gerald Keene. Photo courtesy of Wesota Composite Squadron.

skills to save someones life. Hoffman said everyone is proud of Major Kleene. Kleene, a member of CAP since 993, never learned the name of the boy who was attending the event with his grandparents. I am still trying to find out who the young lad was. I had never seen him before, but I sure hope hes doing well, Kleene said. It was the first time Kleene had ever used the lifesaving skill. I never expected to use this procedure (Heimlich maneuver), but it is comforting to know when put in such a situation that one can react and not just be a bystander, Kleene said. I was pretty lucky. So was the boy.

Captain Pherson was very helpful at the scene. He provided first aid until we arrived and then provided helpful information to supplement our report. We appreciated the help. All too often people in need are passed by. Captain Pherson is a great example of the good Samaritans that are out there. Please thank him once again for a job well done. Minnesota Group  commander, Lt. Col. John Barsness, has known Pherson since he was a cadet. Captain Pherson has trained in many Emergency Services capacities and has always demonstrated cool response in tense situations, Barsness said. His years of training, both as a cadet and senior member, as a ground team member and ground team leader, including first aid training, gave him the tools he needed when confronted with an accident situation requiring an immediate response. Major Jerry Rosendahl, Minnesota Wing Vice Commander, has known Pherson for six years and praised his efforts. His quick actions at this emergency scene didnt surprise me at all, Rosendahl said. As CAP members we are taught many skills that can be used to benefit our families, friends and fellow citizens. We just never know when well be needed. Pherson said his CAP lifesaving and ES training helped him immensely during the accident. And he stressed the need for all CAP members to be proficient in both areas.


St. Cloud cadet honored with flight scholarship

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing The Jacob Pfingsten Memorial Flight Training Scholarship was presented to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Luke Zahm, 6, St. Cloud Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, at the recent Minnesota Wing Flight Academy held at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. It was the second time that a St. Cloud cadet has received the honor. Im very honored to be this years recipient, Cadet Zahm of Kimball, said. Im very grateful to the Pfingsten family for their contribution to aviation and the support they have given me. The scholarship goal is to encourage all Civil Air Patrol cadets graduating from the Minnesota Wing Flight Academy to continue their flight training and obtain their FAA Private Pilot Certificate. The scholarship provides up to 30 hours of flight training. The cadet has one year to utilize the funds and to obtain their certificate. Cadet Zahm was selected as the recipient of the scholarship from

(L-R) Lt. Col. David Odette, Minnesota Flight Academy commander, Cadet Zahm, and Jolene Parks, Jacob Pfingstens sister. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Flight Academy)

several outstanding applicants by the senior staff and flight instructors at the flight academy. Cadet/Second Lieutenant Jessica Stone of St. Cloud Composite Squadron received the first scholarship last year. Jacob Pfingsten was a long-time member of the Crow Wing Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, both as a cadet and as a senior member. He

obtained his FAA Private Pilot Certificate through the CAP program. He died in February 005 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.

Thanks for supporting our cadet programs

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Cadet Luke Zahm positioning an aircraft.

Cadet Ben Leaf at glider controls.

St. Cloud cadets fly high at flight academy

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing The friends of Derek Cash, Ben Leaf, Christian Schuller and Luke Zahm probably spent their summer playing video games or just hanging out. But the four cadets of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) spent their time piloting either a glider or airplane at Minnesotas 40th flight academy held recently at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Ive been telling my friends that they missed out on a great Civil Air Patrol activity, said Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt) Luke Zahm, 6, of Kimball. I also told them that CAP is by far the best way to get involved in aviation, whether you just enjoy it for recreation or as a future career. The flight academy drew 33 pilots in training from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota and put them behind the controls of a Cessna 7 aircraft or a Super Blanik L-3 glider at the Mankato Municipal Airport. Zahm and C/CMSgt Schuller, 7, St. Cloud, were among the 8 cadets who participated in the powered program, with Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Cash, 5, Sartell, and Cadet Master Sergeant Leaf, , Princeton, among the 5 piloting a glider. The gliders travel at about 50 miles per hour. The first 10-15 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 airport. After that the emphasis is on landing patterns
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and landing the glider from ,000 feet. The two-seater gliders provide room for a FAA certified flight instructor, who can make adjustments using rear controls if the young pilots make a mistake. The flight instructor is also along during a supervised solo with the cadet. Leaf said flying a glider was an awesome experience, and one he hopes to do again next year. The flight academy was very well run and the quality of the instructors was outstanding, Leaf said. All powered aircraft training is conducted at a minimum altitude of ,500 feet at an air speed of about 100 miles per hour. During the solo flight the cadet is by themselves and typically performs -3 take-offs and landings. Cadet Schuller soloed in the Cessna 7, something he described as indescribable. I had to keep checking to make sure my instructor wasnt there, Schuller said. The flight academy was comprised of 32 senior officers of the Civil Air Patrol, including Captain Russ Portele of St. Cloud, a pilot since 969. Captain Portele said everyone associated with the event is dedicated to providing a first class experience for the cadets. They give everything they have, they learn a tremendous amount about flying in a very short period of time, and when a cadet solos it is not only a memorable experience for the cadet, but also for the instructor, Portele said. *Photos are courtesy of the 2008 Minnesota Flight Academy.
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C/CMSgt. Charlie Ramler of St. Cloud Composite Squadron Cadet marks the edge of a search line during the 2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse

(L-R) C/TSgt. Jeremiah Hoffman (Crow Wing Composite Squadron), C/SMSgt. Matt Frame (Anoka Composite Squadron), and C/MSgt. Andrew Heisel (Hutchinson Composite Squadron) consult their map during the recent 2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse

Expect the unexpected at the Minnesota Ground Team Academy

Capt. Rich Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing The skills associated with the Civil Air Patrols participation in 95% of the nations inland searches tasked by the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center were driven home again during the 008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy held August - at Camp Ripley. After some classroom instruction on land navigation, tracking ELTs, conducting a line search, working with search dogs, and first aid training, 60 cadets and senior officers spent several days in the recesses of the 53,000 acre National Guard training facility honing their newly acquired skills under a variety of search and rescue scenarios. The Ground Team Academy was created to standardize ground team training across Minnesota Wing, said Major Chet Wilberg, the Ground Team Academy commander. He said the goal of the Ground Team Academy was to get everyone attending to complete one level of CAP Emergency Services training by the end of the weekend. So if you came in with a General Emergency Service qualification, you got everything you needed for a Ground Team 3 (GTM3) rating, Wilberg said. If you came in with GTM3 qualification, you were able to get to GTM, and if you came in with GTM, you were able to get everything you needed for GTM or Ground Team Leader. Those attending also learned to expect the unexpected.
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Cadets follow a trail of dog and footprints during a mock missing person scenario during the 2008 Ground Team Academy. Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse

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Some of the cadets and senior officers who completed Basic Ground team Member training during the 2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo by Capt. Richard Sprouse

In one instance a ground team found an unexploded mortar round, while another had a skunk jump out of a tree at them. One team expertly used their map reading and line search skills, but stopped 10 feet short of finding a missing woman and her dog hiding in the thicket. There was also a lot of tough terrain to traverse, as well as the normal share of radio communication problems. Thats exactly what Wilberg had hoped for. Chaos. Unknowns. Things going wrong. Communication problems. These are things that can happen during an actual mission, so you have to learn to deal with it, Wilberg said, but overall I think it went really well. GTA Survey results confirmed Wilbergs assessment. Getting to work with people who are as enthusiastic about Emergency Services as me was one of the best things about GTA. Hooah!, wrote C/SSgt. Lydia Wiff of Viking Composite Squadron. Thanks to everybody who made the academy possible. I will be talking to Viking Composite members all about it! Networking with other CAP members was really helpful, wrote nd Lt. John Feth of Duluth Composite Squadron. For C/SrAmn. Zachary Langer of St. Croix
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Composite Squadron it was a growing experience. He wrote, I liked the freedom offered during the Ground Team Academy, and being treated like an adult. Everybody had a role and a job to do. Asked what was the best thing about the GTA, Cadet Master Sergeant Emily Tholen of Anoka Composite Squadron wrote: EVERYTHING! The survey also asked those attending if they would like to come back next year. The answer was unanimous: Definitely!

(L-R) C/MSgt. Emily Tholen of Anoka Composite Squadron is debriefed by Lt. Col. Tom Helms of the North Dakota Wing after a mock search during the 2008 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy. Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse

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Minnesota Wings Group 1 Completes Successful Training Exercise

The Group One Search and Rescue Exercise held August 5 to 7 held at the Thief River Falls Regional Airport provided nearly 00 training days for the members of Minnesota Wing. The weather was perfect across Minnesota for the three day event allowing aircraft and ground crews to come from 6 different units from across the state. The location of the Mission Base in the northwest corner of Minnesota provided a challenge to the aircrews for planning and flying a long distance flight with multiple locations of reconnaissance on their way to and from the Mission Base. Many of these flight sorties were over three hours long requiring crews to maintain a close watch on their fuel status as well as monitoring their duty day hours to stay within current CAP flight rules. A High Bird Aircraft was deployed to maintain contact between the Mission Base and all inbound and outbound aircraft. Some aircrews flew as far as 275 nautical miles on their training sortie to reach the Thief River Falls Mission Base. The High Bird positioned in the central part of Minnesota provided excellent radio communications between all aircraft keeping the Mission Base Operations personnel knowledgeable of the status of all aircraft during these flights. Once at the Thief River Falls Mission Base, local scenarios were provided to air and ground crews to help them maintain their currency in their Operations Qualification Specialties. The local scenarios for the Aircrews were various types of grid searches for missing persons,

A Minnesota Wing aircraft departing Thief River Falls Airport on a Sunday morning mission sortie.

Lt. Col. David Odette, Commander, Group 1, Minnesota Wing Photos by Capt. Paulette Odette ELT searches, mapping of water levels and river flood debris locations to name a few. Ground Team scenarios included a search for a missing person in a wooded area, finding and mapping locations of missing person clues on the historic Pembina Trail, search for a space shuttle accident data recorder in an open/wooded area, and an aircraft ELT search in the 6,500 acre marshland of the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. Participation in the SAREX was excellent with 3 aircraft, 3 corporate vehicles, and 8 personal vehicles reporting. A total of 5 members from across the Wing participated. This is a showing of the dedication of the members of Minnesota Wing to the CAP program and their commitment to being Semper Vigilans!

Aircrew Mike Peterson and Jerry Rosendahl checking in with Col. Kevin Sliwinski.

Lt. Col. Stan Kegel reviewing target locations with Mike Blowers.

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Family of www.helpfindgina.com pilot who Minnesota Wing called to died in crash search for missing woman Thanks Capt Richard Sprouse Minnesota Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing CAP A Civil Air Patrol aerial
Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing The family of a young flight instructor and her student pilot that died in a plane crash last fall recently made a $500 donation to the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol on the anniversary of their daughters death. In a thank you note the family of Annette Klosterman thanked CAP members for their diligence, perseverance and detail while searching last October when the plane carrying their daughter and Adam Ostapenko was reported missing. Although the outcome was not what we had prayed and hoped for, we are extremely thankful that the plane was discovered and recovery was made, wrote Jim and Jan Klosterman, and their son Peter Klosterman. You have our utmost respect and admiration for the job you do. Klosterman, , a University of North Dakota flight instructor from Seattle and Ostapenko, 0, an aviation student from Duluth were flying in a twin-engine Piper Seminole from St. Paul to Grand Forks, N.D. on October
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search yesterday for the vehicle of a missing Minnesota woman turned up nothing new in the disappearance of 3-year-old Gina Lin Anderson, who went missing Oct. 3. Major Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wing Director of Emergency Services, says a flyover was conducted Wednesday in southwest Marshall County and all of Pennington County. He said a flyover of Red Lake County is planned when the weather clears. Meanwhile, a $5,000 reward has been established by Andersons family for information about her disappearance. Police say Anderson was last seen leaving her home in her yellow 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.

Authorities say theres no indication of foul play, and no information about her whereabouts. Anderson left behind her purse, identification, and credit cards. She also left the anti-seizure medication she needs daily.

3, 007, when air traffic officials in Minneapolis lost contact with the plane around 0 p.m. near Little Falls. About 50 members and seven aircraft of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol began searching for the plane the next morning. A Civil Air Patrol aircrew and ground team located the airplane in a swamp late afternoon about 0 miles

northwest of Little Falls. Colonel Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander, said this is just another reminder that what CAP does is noticed and appreciated. Thank you to everyone who participated in this mission and to those who continue to train in order that we may be ready to provide our professional services when needed, Theis said.
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Minnesota Wing members find body of missing man

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing Members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol recently found the body of a Belle Plaine man missing since late October. The Scott County Sheriffs Department received a report on November 8 that an abandoned vehicle containing a suicide note was parked along a rural township road near Henderson, Minn. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) activated Minnesota Wing that evening to assist with the search. The following morning, 3 ground team members, 3 aircrew members and 5 mission base personnel searched the area near the abandoned vehicle. A CAP aircraft scanned the immediate area including route searches along the Minnesota River, railroad tracks, and roads for possible clues. While the aircrew made its search, ground team members were busy scoping out land along the river and nearby hillsides for the missing man. During the ground search, two members of a team from the 30th Composite Squadron in
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Minnesota Wings Group IV Commander, Lt. Col. John Barsness, congratulates his son, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Ben Barsness, on his graduation from the navigator school in Pensacola, Florida.

CAP experience helps Air Force Officer complete Navigator Training

Lt. Barsness received his silver wings on November , 008, after 6 months of intensive training at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola. Training at the NAS provides primary, intermediate, and advanced navigator training for the Navy and Air Force. The training Wing consists of ,500 military personnel, 5 civilian personnel, and over 00 aircraft. After graduating first in his class, Lt. Barsness was selected to fly the B-1B Lancer bomber. Lt. Barsness is a senior member of Mankato Composite Squadron. As a cadet in Mankato, he served as cadet commander and completed the Minnesota Wing Flight Acade m y . H e went on from Flight Academy to earn his private pilot license while a cadet in CAP. He felt his CAP flying experience helped him in the initial phases of navigator training. The Pensacola NAS is home base for the Navys Blue Angels. He said it was very interesting to see them practicing in the air space above Pensacola.


Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol answered the call in 2008
Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing The numbers are in and 008 proved to be another busy year for members of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Logged were 03 actual or training missions totaling a whopping ,99 personnel hours, 593 air sorties and 9,0 air hours. This is fantastic, and I want to personally thank everyone for their efforts in 008, said Major Chet Wilberg, Minnesota Wings Director of Emergency Services. We look forward to an equally successful 009. Among last years highlights were members from 30th, Viking, St. Paul, Mankato, Owatonna and Hutchinson squadrons contributing 5 members, 50 hours and  sorties totaling nearly  hours to find the body of a man reported missing in southeast Minnesota. Local emergency providers praised the effort. When you (CAP) respond to a search, you are prepared for the terrain and the weather. Your crew understands the chain of command and you already have team leaders selected. You bring radios, compasses, and GPSs with you and are willing to share them with others. You practice searching in a line grid and it shows. If there is difficult terrain, Civil Air Patrol teams volunteer to work it. We wouldnt hesitate to call you if we needed you again, said Scott County Sheriffs Deputy Mary Hensel. In another incident, Minnesota Wing members did flyovers in Marshall, Pennington and Red Lake counties for a missing woman. That case remains under investigation by local law enforcement officials who also praised CAPs efforts. The Minnesota Wing also successfully passed a winter search and rescue evaluation conducted by the US Air Force last January. Major Jeff Peterson, who led the Air Force evaluation team, praised the 77 senior officers and  cadets who participated in the event. Minnesota has a very competent wing. Wilberg noted that Minnesota Wing routinely flies thousands of hours per year of operational flights, and annually contributes some 0,000 + person-hours to search and rescue, counter drug, disaster preparedness, Homeland Security and other humanitarian mission flying. CAP is a force multiplier always ready and willing to work with local, county, state and government emergency services providers, Wilberg said. Wilberg also had this to say, We have the resources and personnel readily available when the need arises, and were constantly training our air crews and ground teams for when that call comes. The numbers tell the tale.
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Missing man
Continued . . .

Lakeville noticed something that didnt quite look right and discovered the body of the missing man in a camouflaged shelter. Overall, Minnesota Wing members from 30th, Viking, St. Paul, Mankato, Owatonna and Hutchinson squadrons contributed 5 members, 50 hours and  sorties totaling nearly  hours to the search.
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C/MSgt. Scott Gabert (Bravo Flight Commander) and C/A1C. Zack Smith (Bravo Flight Sergeant) prepare cadets for formation. Photo courtesy of BCTS staff.

C/SrAmn. Brendon Forte (Alpha Flight Sergeant) giving four cadets a drill evaluation.

Cadets get the fundamentals at 130th Squadron Basic Cadet Training School
C/A1C. Brent Maki, C/Capt. Billy Hoffman, C/CMSgt. Mark Pohl 130th Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing After months of preparation, cadet staff from 30th, Valley and Mankato squadrons of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol stood ready at their assigned stations while cadets arrived at Airlake Airport in Lakeville, Minn., for the 008 Basic Cadet Training School. Basic Cadet Training School, or BCTS, is an intense training weekend that was begun with just  students and  staff in early 007. A year later, the program has grown to over 0 cadet students and staff. Cadets were instructed by the Cadet Staff in all programs the CAP has to offer, said C/Capt. Billy Hoffman, BCTS cadet commander. The weekend provided all the building blocks for those new to CAP to succeed as cadets and at encampment. Hoffman noted the weekend was mentally and physically intense, but with the teamwork of their peers, the cadets were


able to conquer the challenge. Cadets pulled into the main gate of airport with their equipment in hand, and were quickly loaded into a CAP van and driven to the hangar where they were met by the waiting Cadet Staff. Cadets were in-processed, assigned into one of three flights, and sent right into the weekend with drill instruction. Throughout the weekend, cadets learned how to prepare a uniform, how to be inspected, customs and courtesies, how to be reviewed in a review board, and how to write a resume. They also learned how to promote, how to maintain a file, how to stay physically fit, how to participate in physical training, and the history of Civil Air Patrol. The vigorous weekend also contained instruction on public speaking, how to be a guidon bearer, time management, basics of Emergency Services search and rescue, and followership

and leadership. All of the skills are a prelude to the Minnesota Wings annual summer encampment at Camp Ripley. It was a cold weekend, but very successful, said the Cadet First Sergeant Matt Eicshens. The cadets pushed through the challenges and really came out on top. In the short time that the cadets were here, they made quite the transformation. C/CMSgt. Mark Pohl, the Cadet Deputy Commander said, The introduction of encampment basics was challenging to the cadets. But they figured it out fast and really made the weekend worth it for not only themselves, but the staff too. Cadet Brendon Forte, the Cadet Charlie Flight Sergeant said, I know the cadets learned a lot, but I think I learned more. What I learned from this weekend has really made me more confident in myself to attend the Staff Selection Exercise for


Minnesota Cadet Receives Air Force Academy Appointment

encampment this winter. On Saturday evening, parents and CAP members from around the Wing came together to congratulate the graduating cadets. C/Capt Billy. Hoffman, the Cadet Commander, C/CMSgt. Mark Pohl, the Cadet Deputy Commander, and st Lt. Patricia Friese, the activity Commander, thanked everyone for their time and a successful weekend. All cadets graduated from the course, with some promoted to Cadet Airman. Others received individual recognition. They included: C/Amn. Kevin Golla, Alpha Distinguished Graduate C/Amn. Daniel May, Bravo Flight Distinguished Graduate C/Amn. Brandon Dion, Charlie Flight Distinguished Graduate C/Amn. Matt Klugherz, 008 BCTS Honor Cadet C/SrA. Brandon Forte, Command Staff Honor Member C/AC. Ben Duclos, Support Staff Honor Cadet C/CMSgt. Mark Pohl, 008 BCTS Honor Staff Member C/Capt. Billy Hoffman closed with, I would like to thank everyone who participated and made this BCTS a success! Everyone has done a great job and I look forward to the next BCTS! The 30th Squadron in Lakeville hosted the event. 2nd Lt. George Supan Public Affairs Officer, Anoka County Composite Squadron, Minnesota Wing C/Capt. Keyona Sanchez, Cadet Commander of the Anoka County Composite Squadron, and senior at Mounds View High School received an appointment letter to attend the U. S. Air Force Academy. Capt. Andy Bosshart, Squadron Commander read the letter to the Squadron members and guests at their meeting on October 8, 008. There was a big round of applause and many congratulations after the meeting. This is a dream come true, said C/Capt. Sanchez. I have been working hard and am honored to receive the appointment. There were 9,00 applications for ,500 openings and Keyona received one of 00 Presidential Appointments, said Lorlee, her mother. The letter was received while her father, Commander Adrian Sanchez, in the Navy reserve, now serving in Afghanistan, is home on leave. Im sure both Lorlee and Commander Sanchez

are very proud of their daughter. C/Capt. Sanchez has earned the Amelia Earhart and the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell awards. They are the third and fourth highest Cadet awards in CAP. She is a leader at the Squadron, has attended and helped staff many of the CAP, Minn. Wing, Leadership Academy programs. She is also a leader on her lacrosse team at Mounds View High School. C/Capt. Sanchez will be entering the Academy in June of 009.

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Two Minnesota youths admitted to Civic Leadership Academy

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing Two Civil Air Patrol cadets from Minnesota are among the  youths nation-wide who have won admittance to the prestigious Civic Leadership Academy, February -8, 009, in Washington DC, sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Cadet Colonel Charlie Cox is a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas majoring in political science. Cadet First Lieutenant Katherine Jones is a freshman at the College of St. Catherine majoring in nursing. Both are also Army ROTC cadets through the University of Minnesota. hes really looking forward to the academy. Being a political science major in college, Im thrilled to have this opportunity, Cox said. It will be another great experience for me thanks to Civil Air Patrol. Jones said. I am very fortunate to have been selected to attend Civic Leadership Academy and am looking forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in Washington DC with other cadets from around the nation. In February, Cox and Jones will discuss international affairs with foreign service officers at the State Department, learn about the legislative process in meetings with Congressional staff on Capitol Hill, study the judiciary with legal scholars at the Supreme Court, and more. The academy culminates with the cadets scheduled to visit Representatives John Kline and Betty McCollum of Minnesota to deliver Civil Air Patrols Annual Report to Congress. Minnesota CAP leaders are not surprised that Cox and Jones were selected for the prestigious academy. Theyre both tremendous young leaders, and great role models for our younger cadets, said Colonel Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing CAP commander. As CAP cadets, Cox and Jones have been developing leadership skills since they first joined the organization. The civic academy takes that training further by giving youth a behindthe-scenes look at our federal government and a chance to explore public service careers, according to Curt LaFond of CAPs National Headquarters.
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Cadet Cox, 9, is from Edina, and has been a CAP cadet since 003. Hes among the  percent of CAP cadets nationally to earn the organizations Spaatz Award, the top cadet honor. Cox is also the 007 Minnesota Wing Cadet of the Year. He says
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Cadet Jones, 8, is originally from Ogilvie, Minn., but has been living in Florida the past 0 years. She returned here to attend college. A CAP member since 00, she feels that all cadets, whether they are in middle school, high school, or college should be paying attention to politics and the effect that the process of government has on their everyday lives. To me, Civic Leadership Academy is a unique opportunity to expand my textbook knowledge of government and politics to a concrete experience that I will be able to integrate into my future career,

Group 2 Cadets take Top Honors at Minnesota Leadership Academy

Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2 Minnesota Wing Two Group  cadets of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol were recognized for outstanding leadership during the annual Minnesota Leadership Academy held October 6-9 at Camp Ripley. They are Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Peter Mayhew of Anoka Composite Squadron and Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin Leaf of St. Cloud Composite Squadron. Cadet Mayhew was selected Honor Cadet among the  cadets attending the Basic Commissioned Officer Course (BCOC). It marks the second consecutive year that an Anoka cadet was named BCOC honor cadet. C/Capt. Keyona Sanchez received the honor last year. Cadet Leaf was named Honor Cadet from the nearly 0 cadets participating in the Noncommissioned Officer School (NCOS). Cadets from St. Cloud have also received a number of top awards in the past few years. C/nd Lt. Jessica Stone and

(L-R) C/Capt. Haylee Fosterling, NCOS commander, C/SMSgt. Benjamin Leaf, NCOS Honor Cadet, C/CMSgt. Peter Mayhew, BCOC Honor Cadet, C/Col. Charlie Cox, BCOC commander (Photo: Capt. Richard Sprouse, BCOC Seminar Instructor & Group 2 PAO, Minnesota Wing)

C/CMSgt. Luke Zahm received the prestigious Jacob Pfingsten Memorial Flight Training Scholarship Award during the 007 and 008 Minnesota Flight Academy. Cadet Airman First Class Richard Shmel of 30th Squadron in Lakeville was

honored for Best Speech during NCOS. These three are very deserving cadets, said Major Mari Lucas, 008 Minnesota Leadership Academy commander, but every cadet attending MLA is a winner.

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A cadet completes the Obstacle Course.

A cadet learning the Manual of the Guidon at the Minnesota Wing Encampment.

Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment teaches discipline, leadership

quadrons from across the state sent basic cadets to Camp Ripley for Minnesota Wings annual Cadet Encampment from June 0 8. C/AC. Kasie Mays, a member of the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Composite Squadron, was among the basics. Encampment was a prerequisite for her to attend a flight academy so she made her way to Minnesota not knowing quite what to expect. She was pleasantly surprised. Its so structured, I learned so much, Mays said. While Mays made the long trip to Camp Ripley from South Dakota, others traveled even greater distances. First Lieutenants Tim and Jennifer Carr of the Missouri Wing made the -hour drive from Norwood, Missouri, with their son, C/st Lt. Joshua Carr, the cadet logistics officer. The Carrs learned about Minnesota Encampment from former Minnesota cadets Erik and Janna (Fosterling) Rekedal, who attended
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Capt. Richard Sprouse Public Affairs Officer, Group 2, Minnesota Wing

Cadets practice their land navigation skills.

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For more pictures and exclusive content please go to the Minnesota Wing Encampment Website.

http://www.mncap.org/cp/10ctg

The 10th Cadet Training Group assembled for review at the 2008 Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment.

Evangel University in nearby Springfield, Missouri. They provided so much guidance to our fledgling squadron, said Jennifer Carr. When there was an opportunity to attend an actual (Minnesota) encampment we jumped at the opportunity. They both said they have a lot to take back to the Show Me state. There were also several cadets from Iowa that attended the event. Minnesotas annual encampment hosted nearly 80 basic cadets, 30 cadet staff members, and 0 Senior Officers. The cadet staff and Senior Officers provided leadership skills, land navigation training, an obstacle course, access to an M-16 rifle simulator, lots of drill, plenty of physical training, and so much more. Mixed among the offerings was a

heavy academic component as well, ranging from moral leadership to the history of US air power to job opportunities in the aviation industry. Encampment staff said the program is intense, providing a host of instruction that the cadets can apply throughout their lives. They learn to work with people they dont know and get a good idea of the discipline it takes to accomplish goals when a task is suddenly before them, said Major Conrad Peterson, who spent his second year as the encampment commander. They learn a lot about themselves and get lots of encouragement from staff and other cadets. That became apparent to C/AC. Brandy Maxwell of Grand Rapids Composite Squadron when she took the cadet physical fitness test. I am not a runner, but everyone in my flight encouraged me and I made the time for the mile run!, Maxwell said. They helped me get through it, and I met my goal of running a mile in under  minutes. The 7-year-old rocketed around the course in 0:33. Encampment is geared toward building confidence and teamwork, said C/Col. Laura Broker, the cadet encampment commander. We try to share with them skills they can take back to their squadrons and apply.
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Preparing for Inspection.

Cadet Encampment
Continued . . .

Mays said that she appreciated the rigidity of the encampment as well as the mentoring. TAC (tactical officer) time was one of my favorite parts of encampment, Mays said. Lieutenant Rob Sandberg was our senior TAC, and he was awesome! C/SMSgt. Luke Zahm of St. Cloud Squadron praised the cadet staff. They were tough, but fair, Zahm said. I learned so much that I can take back to my squadron. Thank you! There were lots of great times and experiences, from the activities to new friends to the food.

Its the best food Ive ever eaten, said C/AC. Joshua Morey of St. Cloud Composite Squadron. C/Amn. Zach Smith of the 30th Composite Squadron agreed. The lasagna was the best thing Ive ever eaten! At the end of the week, the cadets and staff attended an awards banquet in nearby Pierz, Minn., but Broker said all the cadets and staff were winners. Everyone should leave proud of his or her accomplishments, she said. Its not an easy week, but everyone pushes themselves beyond the norm to make it a special experience.

Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment Award Recipients

Encampment Honor Flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Foxtrot Flight Honor Flight Sergeant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C/CMSgt. David Chanski, North Hennepin Honor Flight Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C/nd Lt. Caleb Norman, St. Croix SDS Most Improved Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C/AC. Ryan Mullin, Viking Squadron Distinguished Graduate 9th CTS. . .C/SSgt. David Nelson, Redwing Squadron Distinguished Graduate 0th CTS. . .C/Amn. Christen Furlong, 30th Squadron Distinguished Graduate SDS . . . . . . .C/MSgt. Dane Bjorkman, Anoka Encampment Commanders Award for Outstanding Achievement- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C/Amn. Richard Shmel, Viking Wing Commanders Award for Academic Excellence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C/Amn. Anastasia Smith, 30th Commandants Award for Leadership . . . . . . . . .C/nd Lt. Caleb Norman, St. Croix CTG Command Staff Excellence Award. . . . . . .C/st Lt. William Hoffman, 30th CTG Support Staff Excellence Award. . . . . . . . .C/SSgt. Travis Patterson, Viking Field Leadership Excellence Award . . . . . . . . . .nd Lt. Rob Sandberg, Northland st Lt. Caralyn Flack, Northland Senior Support Excellence Award . . . . . . . . . . . .TFO Rachel Helgager, Northland
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