North Central Region News

Volume 2008 March

A Matter of Honor

2nd Lt Linda Dilley

At 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, I arrived at the Willmar Municipal Airport to join other senior
officers and cadets of the Wesota Composite Squadron. One of our cadets, C/SSgt Jessica Lewison, and her
family had asked us to join in welcoming home the body of her uncle, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Matthew Ryan
Kahler, 29, who was killed in action on January 26, while serving with the United States Army in Afghanistan.

Family and friends were gathered at the airport and were visiting with each other when word spread that the plane
carrying the casket was making its final descent. In an instant, there was silence. I couldn’t even hear people
breathing. It was at this point that I knew I was going to experience an extraordinary event in my life.

As the plane landed and taxied to a stop in view of everyone, some members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard, a
motorcycle group that attends the funeral services of fallen American soldiers, and their flags had moved from the
front of the terminal to the tarmac to form a line near the building. Without a sound, family members moved
outside to view the ceremonial removal of Kahler’s body from the plane. Six soldiers in dress uniform carried the
pall into the airport terminal.

Continues on Page 3
North Central Region News Page 2 of 13
Commander’s Column
Col Steve Kuddes
Commander, North Central Region

It's time again to focus on the North Central Region Conference to be held
May 16-17, 2008 in Omaha, NE.

The region staff and the Nebraska Wing Headquarters are busy working on
the details for the General Assembly, Break-Out Sessions and the Awards
Dinner. We are also trying to get a very special guest speaker for the Awards
Dinner who will surely make it a night to remember.

At the Dinner, we will have the presentation of many awards including the Sgt Phil Svitak American Patriot
Award which will be given to a person or group who displays the patriotic characteristics of a true CAP hero.

Since the conference falls on Armed Forces Day, we will have a very noticeable theme and will end the
conference dinner with a very special resounding tribute to our Armed Forces and veterans like we did in 2006.

More information will be coming in the next newsletter and through the registration area of the Region website.

Commanders spotlight Civil Air Patrol missions in Washington, D.C.

The North Central Region Wing Commanders and other selected members brought Civil Air Patrol to the
forefront as part of the organization’s annual Legislative Day and Winter National Board meeting in Washington
D.C. Feb. 28-March 1.

During CAP’s 2008 Legislative Day on Feb. 28, CAP leaders briefed legislators on how CAP’s primary missions
have impacted their communities.

Leaders like Minnesota Wing Commander, Col. Stephen Miller

and Cadet Lt Col. Matthew Dunlevy, NCR Cadet Advisory
Council Chair met with members like Congressman Jim
Ramstad, from Minnesota’s Third Congressional District.
Congressman Ramstad is a member of the Congressional
Squadron.

Legislative Day was held in conjunction with CAP’s Winter

National Board meeting Feb. 28-March 1 at the Hilton Crystal
City, Arlington, Va. The CAP National Board consists of 69
members representing each state, Puerto Rico and the District
of Columbia, within the organization’s eight regions. The board
is CAP’s policy making arm and in conjunction with the CAP
Board of Governors, proposes amendments to the governing
constitution and bylaws.

In the photo from left to right are Col. Sliwinski, Cadet Lt. Col. Dunlevy, Congressman Ramstad, and Col. Miller
meeting in the congressman’s Washington office.

CAP Websites of Interest

National Website: www.cap.gov
Prospective Member Info: www.joincivilairpatrol.com
Region Website: www.ncr.cap.gov
North Central Region News Page 3 of 13
South Dakota Wing Announces Command Changes
Col Mike Beason

1st Lt Thomas Clark replaced Capt Dan Gerwing as the Brookings Squadron
commander. Capt Gerwing joined CAP in 1995 as a cadet and rose through the
ranks to become the commander more than three years ago after he became a
CAP officer. Lt Clark joined CAP in 2000 as a cadet and now, as an officer, has
taken over as commander. Thanks to Capt Gerwing for his service to CAP and
congratulations to Lt Clark for his selection as commander.

Major Wayne Jackson replaced Capt Tom Murphy as the commander of the
Pierre squadron. Capt Murphy joined CAP recently, in 2005, and has spurred
the squadron on under his leadership. Major Jackson joined CAP in 1985 and
transferred into SD Wing a couple years ago. He is a mission pilot and instructor
pilot. Thanks to Capt Murphy for his service and congratulations to Major
Jackson for his selection as commander.

Anoka Squadron Cadet Commander Appointed to USAF Academy

2d Lt George Supan

“It is with great pleasure and pride that I get to announce the appointment and
acceptance of C/2d Lt Andrew Haus to the US Air Force Academy” said Capt
Andy Bosshart. Commander of Minnesota Wing’s Anoka County Composite
Squadron. “The Academy known for its exceptional standards and exemplary
education very selectively chooses who gets to attend. C/2d Lt Haus clearly
meets those standards,” said Capt Bosshart.

C/2d Lt Haus has demonstrated his leadership abilities through the many
projects that he has lead at the Anoka Composite Squadron and also at his
high school where he was a leader on his hockey team. C/2d Lt Haus has lead
the Cadet program and worked with many Cadets to promote them to the next
rank.

Minnesota Wing cadet receives Mitchell award

Lt Col Tony Tarpy

Minnesota Wing’s Group 3 Commander, Lt. Col. Mike Moen recently

presented the General Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet Alexander
Selner of Fort Snelling Cadet Squadron, who also was promoted to
the grade of Cadet 2nd Lt.

Cadet Selner also received a $100.00 monetary award for being the
first cadet to receive his Mitchell award at Fort Snelling Squadron in
2008. A longtime member donated the funds for this recognition.

In This Month’s CAP Volunteer Magazine

• Wreath’s Across America and the WORLD!!!!!
• Flood Coverage featuring NCR Members
• CAP helps former Nebraska Cadet Achieve His Dreams
• And more from across the nation

www.cap.gov and click on “News”

North Central Region News
A Matter of Honor
Continued from Front Page
After a private ceremony for the family in the
terminal building the casket was then placed in the
hearse. Family and friends made their way to
awaiting vehicles while most of the Patriot Guard
had moved into positions on both sides of the
airport road, their huge flags waving in the breeze.
We also moved into a line by the road. The hearse
driver gave the signal to begin the procession. As
the hearse, family, and military personnel passed
by, our squadron, at attention, saluted until all had
passed. We then got in our van and joined the
procession to Granite Falls, SFC Kahler’s
hometown.
I made observations along the way:
In the small town of Raymond, Minn., elementary
school children in a line were holding and waving
flags. Between Raymond and Clara City, one man
by the road, reverently held a regulation sized flag.
Others along the way held hands over hearts,
saluted, or waved.
In Clara City, we were met with lines of people on
the street, many holding flags. It appeared that all
the Clara City High School students were by the
road, all holding regulation sized flags and at
attention. The American Legion Post
representatives were at attention and bearing flags.
Clara City fire trucks joined the procession to the
county line.
Page 4 of 13
In tiny Maynard, there was a large group of
elementary school children standing some distance
away from the road on a bed of snow, holding flags
and looking so very serious. I wish I could paint a
picture of that scene. Someone had prepared a
large trailer covered with balloons and a sign that
read, “Thank You, Matt.” Maynard emergency and
fire vehicles joined us through town.
Once we neared Granite Falls, nine fire and rescue
trucks joined us at the edge of town. A flag was at
half-mast at the MARR Valve Co. as employees
lined the road, holding flags. As we came around
the bend, there were hundreds of people lining the
road, holding various sized flags.
Students from Yellow Medicine East School,
bearing flags, lined the street in front of the school.
Red ribbons were on lampposts, trees, and flags
everywhere we looked. As the procession passed in
front of them, people began saluting, crying, and
hugging each other. It was a matter of honor.
We arrived at the funeral home where the Patriot
Guard stood silently in line across the road. The
funeral home announcement board read:
Sgt. Matthew Kahler
1:30 Sat. Feb. 9 GFL
Honoring Our Fallen
Continued on Page 5
North Central Region News
A Matter of Honor
Continued from Page 4
Squadron members met up with Cadet Lewison,
and we were invited to have pizza at the American
Legion, which her grandmother managed. The
family was gathering in a room upstairs. When we
were ready to leave, we gave Cadet Lewison and
her family hugs and much thanks for their
hospitality toward us. We commented that it had
been quite an honor to take the maiden voyage in
our “new” van to such an occasion as this. But it
would not be our last trip to Granite Falls.
On Friday, February 8, 2008, we made another trip
there for the reviewal. It would have been difficult to
prepare for what we were about to experience.
Cadet Lewison led our squadron members to the
front of the church where the body was
positioned.
We looked in awe at this soldier that we felt we had
come to know personally. There was a shrine of
honor containing the American, Airborne, Purple
Heart, and Battalion flags; a table with his boots in
front, his upright rifle with his battle helmet atop;
and an array of medals for bravery arranged neatly
on the table. There were flowers everywhere. Some
people, who had passed in review, took time to sit
in the pews to pray. Others went directly to the
church basement for a lunch. We followed Cadet
Lewison there and while we ate, we watched the life
of Matthew Kahler flash before our eyes as we
watched a CD production in his honor prepared by
the family. When it neared time for us to leave, we
went upstairs, and Cadet Lewison led our squadron
through the review one more time. Once again, in
Page 5 of 13
the back of the church, we said goodbye with hugs
and well-wishes for the family for the funeral the
next day. We then began the journey home.
Personal note: As I stood in the back of the church
looking through a glass sound barrier and in full
view of the front of the church where Sgt. Kahler
lay, the honor I felt to be in this place in time could
not be put into words. As a citizen of the United
States of America, I felt pride for his sacrifice, yet
humbled and an overwhelming sense of sadness at
the death of this son, husband, father, uncle, and
friend.
I asked our cadets and seniors for their thoughts
about this experience. Here’s what they had to say:
Maj Ruth Hoffman: “A very emotional experience.”
Lt. Tim Bjur: “Nice to see the plane and ceremony
at the airport.”
Cadet Hans Hibma: “It was a humbling
experience.”
Cadet Peter Hibma: “I was glad to see the people
that pulled over to the side of the road as the
procession went by.”
Cadet Tyler Ahrndt: “I felt honored. It was real
nice to see the people along the highway. Even the
itty-bitty towns had people out there.”
Honor Guard Presents at Honorable
Event
Capt Tammi Miller
Missouri Wing’s Cass County Honor Guard
honored C/Amn Matthew Roberts during his
Eagle Scout award presentation.
He requested that the Cass County Composite
Squadron Honor Guard present the colors for
the Boy Scouts of America's milestone
ceremony.
An amazing amount of hard work and
countless hours are required to achieve this
level.
C/Amn Muriel Eaton, C/CMSgt Josh Hargis,
C/CMSgt Jordan Hargis, and C/Lt Kenna
Eggenberger served as the presenters.
Also in attendance were C/Amn Benjamin
Roberts, Capt. Roger Eaton, and Major Tony
Belto.
North Central Region News
Airplane found tied down to the ice
2d Lt George Supan
U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
received notice of an Emergency Locator
Transmitter (ELT) signal in the Brainerd area. The
Anoka Composite Squadron received the call.
It was just before noon on a bright Sunday,
February 24, 2008 when the Anoka Composite
Squadron ground team left from Blaine. A CAP
aircraft with an air team was in the air searching for
the ELT when the ground team arrived in the
Brainerd area. The ground team used the
directional finder and communicated over the radio
with the air team. All indications were the ELT
signal was coming from a location somewhere on
Mille Lacs Lake.
CAP ground teams train for various situations but to
be searching for an ELT on a lake was a new
venture. Of the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota one of
the larger is Mille Lacs Lake.
The ground team led by Capt Andy Bosshart along
st st
with 1 Lt Jay Spreitzer, 1 Lt Shelly Supan and
C/SSgt Hanna Olsen proceeded to the lake. They
found a local resident to guide them onto and
across the lake. His guidance on the lake was
needed to know which unusual path plowed in the
snow would lead them to the area on the lake
where the ELT signal was coming from. As the
ground team was heading across the lake the skies
changed and a heavy overcast come across the
lake.
The guide took the team a long distance through
various paths on the lake to a fishing area where
they found the airplane. The airplane had snow
skies, was in good condition and tied down to the
ice. The ELT signal was coming from the airplane.
Looking for Pilot the team knocked on the door of
each fish house. The skies continued to darken and
the over case lowered. The local guide informed the
team that the time left to be able to get off the lake
was soon arriving. Clearance to enter the airplane
was delayed due to the Pilot was no longer on the
lake. The clearance was received, the ELT was
found and C/SSgt Olsen turned off the ELT.
The ELT find in an airplane on the lake experience
will enrich the team and was shared as search and
rescue training with the Anoka Composite
Squadron.
Page 6 of 13
Iowa Wing Searches for ELT
Capt Chris Colvin
On 10 March 2008, an air crew and UDF Team
were dispatched from Ankeny in search of an ELT
in central Iowa.
Mission Pilot, Captain Kim Kirshman, and Mission
Observer, Major Anita Elliott, were quickly over the
target area and helped guide Ground Team Leader,
Major Roger Elliot and UDF team consisting of
Captain Christopher Colvin and C/SMsgt Chris
Colvin.
The ELT was loud and strong from the air but with
the rolling hills in the area was difficult to hear on
the ground. The ELT was found in the pilot’s home
as he had taken it out of his airplane to replace the
battery. He stated to the ground team that it was not
operating but the tone terminated when the ELT
was turned off. CPF 1365 flew 2.7 hours and the
ground team worked about 12 man hours.
CCCS Honor Guard Salutes Kansas City
Polar Plunge
Capt Tammi Miller
The Polar Plunge, hosted by the Kansas City Metro
Special Olympics, is a large fundraising event in the
area where participants gain pledges to financially
support their emersion into freezing cold lakes.
Over 400 hundred
people throughout
the Kansas City
metropolitan area
participate yearly in
the freezing folly.
The Cass County
Honor Guard was
recruited to present
the colors during the
opening ceremony
on February 2, 2008.
Temperatures were
about 40 degrees for
the day, but the water temperature steadied around
36 degrees.
Local TV and radio stations rallied the variety of
groups as they voluntarily ran into the frigid waters.
In the photo are: C/CMSgt Jordan Hargis, C/TSgt
Aaron Hooper, C/A1C Jonathan Fairchild & C/Amn
Muriel Eaton. Photo Taken by: Captain Melinda
Berry.
North Central Region News Page 7 of 13
Red Wing member sets the example
Major Mari Lucas

Many would say

that 28 years of
service to their
country was
enough, but not
Daniel Schaller of
Red Wing,
Minnesota.

Daniel A Schaller
enlisted in the
Army in 1948,
serving 4 years as
a Combat Medic
in Korea and Okinawa. After his honorable
discharge from the Army and 2 years as a civilian,
Schaller joined the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet.
He completed his aviation training in 1956 and
continued his service in the Air Force for 24 more
years. During those years of service, Schaller flew Dan Schaller and his T-6.
B47s during the cold war and Cuban Missile Crisis,
RB-66’s in Thailand and Vietnam, a Lockheed As time has passed, Schaller has seen many
Jetstar in the presidential fleet, instructed in the C- people come and go, a wide variety of meeting
118 and C-141, and participated in Operation Deep locations, and has weathered the many changes
Freeze – flying C-141’s from New Zealand to within the squadron and within CAP. He has also
Antarctica. seen more qualified, dedicated individuals join the
squadron and remain members.
Retiring after 28 years of active duty in the Army
and Air Force in 1977, Major Schaller wasn’t Red Wing has somewhat of a unique culture with
finished serving; he joined Civil Air Patrol and approximately 1/3 of the squadron’s Senior Officers
became a member of the Red Wing Composite being former Civil Air Patrol cadets. He’s watched
Squadron. That was 30 years ago. Today, Lt Col these young men and women join the squadron as
Dan Schaller is still serving his country, flying the cadets, work the cadet program, and then come
American skies, sharing his extensive aerospace back to rejoin as adult members. Schaller credits
knowledge, mentoring, and watching out for the this commitment to the dedicated people willing to
safety of his fellow squadron members. put in the time and effort to support and mentor
youth.
Shortly after joining Civil Air Patrol, Schaller
purchased his first private plane, a Cessna 172. Schaller believes that you cannot have a viable,
Schaller used that plane to fly missions for Civil Air dynamic CAP squadron without an airplane and
Patrol for at least 20 years, until the squadron was qualified, energetic crews. This is one area that
assigned an aircraft from Minnesota Wing. Schaller feels that Red Wing Squadron has always
excelled.
Lt Col Schaller’s milestone of 30 years in Civil Air
Patrol is also a milestone for the Red Wing Schaller also recognizes that in Red Wing
Composite Squadron, as no other squadron squadron, there is a core group of background
member has stayed an active member longer. supporters, who have moved on from being
members of Red Wing to the Wing or Region Level
Schaller’s active participation at the squadron level of Civil Air Patrol. The background support also
throughout the past 30 years has helped to shape keeps Red Wing a successful squadron.
the squadron into the successful unit that it is today.
Schaller’s service has centered on aviation and
over the years, he has been active completing
cadet orientation flights, and as an instructor pilot,
mission pilot, transport pilot, and flight check pilot.
North Central Region News
Red Wing member sets the example
Continued from previous page
A young Lt Col Dan Schaller and his wife Janis.
Schaller prides himself with being an easy going
individual, but draws the line on easy going with
safety. He says safety in the squadron and safety
while flying are essential elements that cannot be
compromised.
Schaller always has something to say during Red
Wing’s monthly pilot briefings on safety. Schaller
has achieved a master rating as a Civil Air Patrol
Safety Officer and a senior rating as an Operations
Officer. In 2007, Lt Col Schaller was honored by
the Federal Aviation Administration with the Wright
Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing his efforts
in following the precaution and awareness of safe
operations. Most importantly, through the award,
the FAA recognized Schaller for his contribution
and maintaining safe flight operations for 50 or
more consecutive years of piloting aircraft.
Remarkably, Dan Schaller has been a pilot for 54 of
his 73 years.
Lt Col Schaller always seems to be one of the first
to volunteer to participate in Search and Rescue
Exercises (SAREX) and BlueCAPs (unit level
emergency services training). Schaller has
recruited and mentored many new squadron
members throughout the years. He has
volunteered an enormous amount of his time,
Page 8 of 13
instructing new pilots and completing check rides
for other experienced pilots.
After retiring from the Air Force, Dan helped farm
400 acres of soybeans and corn. For a time, he
worked as a flight instructor for Seifert Airways and
later went on create Schaller Aviation, employing
other flight instructors. Always needing to stay
busy, Dan attended HVAC and Auto mechanic
classes at the local Technical College, later serving
as a substitute teacher for those same classes.
Dan says ‘I never worked very hard, and I always
made sure that I enjoyed what I was doing.’
Dan married his wife Janis in 1956 and she has
stood beside him through his military and Civil Air
th
Patrol careers. They recently celebrated their 50
wedding anniversary. Dan and his wife raised 4
daughters and 1 son. Surprisingly enough, none of
Dan’s children have taken up flying, though all 8 of
his grandchildren enjoy their grandfather’s favorite
past time.
When not serving his community, state and country
through Civil Air Patrol, he’s also active with the
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War,
Disabled American Veterans, and the local chapter
of the Knights of Columbus.
Lt Col Dan Schaller is a living representative of the
history of Red Wing Composite Squadron and the
history of Civil Air Patrol, and we hope he continues
to contribute for many years to come. All Civil Air
Patrol members can look to him as an example.
Lt Col Dan Schaller was presented with a
Commanders Commendation by North Central
Region Chief of Staff Col Dale Hoium at the Red
Wing Squadron Banquet on February 23rd, 2008.
North Central Region News Page 9 of 13
Recent Promotions

Senior Member Tom Swaney of Kansas Wing’s
Kingman Squadron was promoted to Captain at a
presentation on February 26th. His Promotion is
based on time in service with the CAP and his
professional background of 14 years as a school
teacher. Capt Swaney’s promotion was presented
by Maj. David Maude.
Captain Janelle Gates of Minnesota Wing’s Valley
Composite Squadron was promoted to Major at a
recent squadron meeting. Group 3 Commander Lt
Col Mike Moen presented the promotion after the
squadron successfully completed its Subordinate
Unit Inspection.

Can we agree that we disagree?

SM Erik Lindquist

Cadet and senior members of Minnesota Wing’s Viking Squadron were confronted with the fact that people are
different, and we all have our own ideas, beliefs, and perceptions. When working as a team we are most likely
to find that there are a range of feelings, beliefs, and experiences that present challenges to making decisions
and working together.
These differences are not always bad, but they can prevent a team from working efficiently unless there is a
good means of making compromises. The art of persuasion is not
always clear-cut or easy, when we are dealing with individuals coming
from different points of view and experiences. Viking Squadron held a
night of debates to help show how important communication is in this
process.
Cadet and Senior members of Viking Squadron found the art of
persuasion is not as easy as just presenting the facts.
Like playing a strategic game of chess, each team was tasked to take
apposing points of view. The teams prepared for their position in the
debates by brainstorming their strong points, and anticipating their
opponent’s position. To go even further to trying to understand each
individual’s personality on the opposing team. After a 5-minute
presentation by each team leader, the teams were allowed to ask
questions and offer additional ideas to work to pull the other team
closer to an agreement to their point of view.
The night’s success was not measured by the coming together of
teams, but to realize the potential for disagreement, and the importance
of communication and compromise.
There were a lot of very good arguments made and discussed on both
sides of the debate. The decisions were not clear-cut, but the importance of getting issues out in the open, so
that they could be discussed further was a major accomplishment.
North Central Region News Page 10 of 13
Former Minot CAP Commander Earns Accreditation
Major Sean Johnson

Lt. Col. Chad Grondahl, (pictured left) formerly the

Squadron Commander of North Dakota Wing’s, Magic
City Composite Squadron recently earned his Master
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) accreditation from the
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

Grondahl is an independent flight and ground instructor

who has taught the past 4 years at Pietsch Aircraft &
Restoration in Minot, ND. He is Captain in the Air
Force, and was recently transferred to Buckley AFB
from Minot AFB where his current assignment is
primary flight instruction and instrument flight training.

In addition to his CAP squadron command

responsibilities, Grondahl served as the Standardization and Evaluation Officer for CAP’s North
Central Region. In this role, Grondahl was responsible for ensuring CAP volunteer flight instructors in
seven states provided flight instruction to CAP pilots in accordance with the national headquarters
flight operations policies and safety practices.

The Master CFI designation is a national accreditation recognized by the Federal Aviation
Administration that is earned by candidates through a rigorous process of continuing professional
activity and peer review. This process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other
professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism.

According to NAFI, there are approximately 91,000 CFI’s in the United States, and fewer than 600 of
them have achieved Master CFI accreditation to date. Grondahl is one of only six North Dakota
aviation educators to earn the Master CFI title.

Bemidji CAP Member Brings Her Office with Her

1st Lt Robin Helgager

Cadets of the Minnesota Wing’s Northland Squadron have real life heroes teaching their classes. 1st
Lt Carolyn Flack is the squadron’s Medical Officer on Monday nights. The rest of the week, she
works as an EMT for Bemidji Ambulance saving lives.

Flack brings her Medical training and experience as a former Civil Air
Patrol Cadet Commander to the classes she teaches at the
squadron. Classes have included showing the cadets how a
backboard works and the importance of securing the patient
properly. The cadets learned how to work as a team getting the
patient ready for transport and how to carry the patient safely.

Recently cadets were treated to a first hand look at the inside of an

ambulance; Flack calls her “Office on Wheels”. Cadets were shown
some of the different ways to monitor a patients vital signs, how to
stop bleeding and the favorite question, “How do you decide who
gets to drive!”

1st Lt Carolyn Flack is one of the many “Everyday Heroes” at the

Northland Squadron serving her community and making a difference.
North Central Region News
It’s not all work and no play for Minnesota Wing cadets
Capt Richard Sprouse
When you think of Civil Air Patrol cadets, images of
young adults applying fundamental communication
skills, enkindling passion for leadership experience,
sharpening responsiveness to community
emergencies, discovering how to explore through
Aerospace Education, and building camaraderie
between members may come to mind.
“Ready, serve!” at the annual Lock-In and Volleyball
Competition hosted by the St. Cloud Composite Squadron
at St. Cloud State University.
But as the 2008 Lock-In and Volleyball Competition
held March 1-2 at St. Cloud State University
(SCSU) proved it’s not all work and no play for
cadets.
“Team Ryan” was the volleyball champs during the 2008
Lock-In and Volleyball Competition held at St. Cloud State
University. The event drew a record 200 members and
guests to the annual event.
Hosted by the St. Cloud Composite Squadron since
2001, the hands-on event included flight simulators,
rock climbing, swimming, racket ball, dodge ball,
board games, and more for nearly 200 members
and guests from squadrons across Minnesota.
Page 11 of 13
Nineteen (19) volleyball teams competed during the
event with “Team Ryan” the overall winner.
“It seems everyone had a positive experience,” said
Cadet/Captain Steven Parker, cadet organizer of
the event. “I had comments that even the teams
who finished early in the volleyball competition still
had a great time watching the other teams finish.”
The “rock climb” is one of the numerous activities held
during the annual Lock-In and Volleyball Competition
hosted by the St. Cloud Composite Squadron since 2001.
Long-time organizers of the event said it was a
record turnout, and one of the most respectful,
punctual groups to attend.
“The cadets were where they needed to be when
they needed to be, and if there was an empty seat
on the bus, there was always another cadet ready
to climb on board,” said Captain Russ Portele, who
operated the shuttle bus to the SCSU flight
simulator until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. “Just a great
group of young people having good, clean fun.”
Members of the Grand Rapids Composite Squadron
strategize before their next volleyball game.
Continued on next page
North Central Region News
It’s not all work and no play for
Minnesota Wing cadets
Continued from previous page
Julie and Bennet Weidenborner of Princeton make
the 35 minute drive to the St. Cloud Armory every
Monday with their son, C/SSgt Korben
Weidenborner, a member of the St. Cloud
Composite Squadron. It was the first Lock-in for all
of them.
Page 12 of 13
Food and beverage for the event were provided by
Culligan water, Trautwell, Burger King, Subway
(Clearwater), Gary's Pizza, Godfather’s Pizza,
Sammy's Pizza, Waldo's Pizza, Short Stop, Viking
Coke, Country Hearth Bread, and Cash Wise
Foods.
Mankato cadets tour simulators
Major John Barsness

“The whole event was very well organized, fun and

SAFE,” said Julie Weidenborner. “It was a great
way for Korben to meet cadets from other
squadrons. We’d recommend this event to any
cadet or parent.” She also went on to praise the
adult supervision, as well as the appropriate movies
and entertainment chosen for all ages.

It was also the first time for Cadets Jonathan and

Tyler Hammer of Crow Wing Composite Squadron
in Brainerd.
C/Amn Jonathan Hammer said, “The lock-in helped
me to know my squadron better and build stronger
friendships.”
Cadet Jarek Connolly takes a turn at the controls of a B-757
and performs a take off from Runway 08 at Honolulu,
Hawaii.
In late February, cadets from Minnesota Wing’s
Mankato Squadron received a tour of the Northwest
Airlines Simulator building and associated
classrooms and equipment in Eagan, MN.

They each received a hands on demonstration of

the B-757 simulator from Colonel Michael Huttner, a
Northwest Flight Instructor and MN Wing Reserve
Assistance Coordinator.

19 teams competed in the Volleyball Competition held at the

annual Lock-In at St. Cloud State University.

C/AB Tyler Hammer agreed. “There were many,

various activities such as volleyball, which was a
blast, and the rock wall was really cool; the flight
simulator was also great, CAP is a great way to
meet new friends and explore new opportunities. I
had a great time even though I didn't get much
sleep.”
In a group picture from left to right are Wyatt
“The highlight for me was hearing what a positive Wehking, Javier Rodriguez, Calan Merchlewitz,
event this was from those who attended,” Parker James Renville, Callie Fransen, Christian Garman,
said. “I think this event is mostly about throwing off Jarek Connolly, Jonathan Macemon, Colonel
the CAP uniform and getting to connect with people Michael Huttner, and Corey Fransen.
around the wing in a fun environment without the
pressure of rank or grade.”
North Central Region News Page 13 of 13
Des Moines Squadron Members Meet with World War II POW’s
Capt Chris Colvin

“Our cadets have read about the “Greatest Generation” and now they have met some very special people from
that generation, said Captain Betty Kelly, commander of the Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron. History came
alive for the members of our squadron today. The experiences these gentlemen shared with our members will
leave a lasting impression.
Members of the squadron met with Private First Class Glenn McDole, USMC, retired, Staff Sergeant Carroll
Bogard, Army Air Corps, retired, and Colonel Jim McCullough, Army and National Guard, retired, during a
luncheon at the Des Moines Veterans Medical Building. The story of McDole’s survival in the Bataan and
Corregidor Death Marches is chronicled in the World War II book Last Man Out, in which McDole truly was the
last man out of the Palawan Prison Camp in the Philippines.
“You are the future leaders of our country, McDole told the cadets. It will be your job to carry this message and
others to future generations.” When a cadet asked if McDole had angry feelings towards Japan or his former
captures, he responded, “I was speaking to a group of young people just like you and when I finished speaking
a young Japanese girl came up to me in tears and apologized. She had nothing to apologize for, but at that
instant any anger I had left me. I was touched by her tenderness and compassion.”
Bogard, a former prisoner of war in Germany and Poland, asked if there were any future pilots among the
cadets. Several raised their hands which brought a smile to his face. He shared his experience of marching
throughout the winter with little food, water or shelter. “Set goals for yourselves today and keep track of your
progress and you’ll go far,” he told the cadets.
McCullough shared his experiences as a student at Iowa State University (then called Iowa State College) and
his military career starting with his enlistment and retiring as a Colonel thirty seven years later. He closed the
luncheon by appropriately urging the cadets to “continue to hold the virtues of discipline, leadership and
citizenship” close to their hearts as they serve in their communities.

North Central Region News

is published monthly by the North Central Region, Civil Air Patrol
Col. Steven Kuddes, Region Commander
Capt. Al Pabon, Director of Public Affairs

Please send submissions by the 10th of each month to: pao@ncr.cap.gov