The official publication of Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol
St. Paul organizes a hot time in Hudson for wing members
Capt. Paul Pieper,
St. Paul Squadron
More than 30 Minnesota
Wing cadets participated in
the 2006 Hudson Hot Air
Affair in Hudson, Wis.
This is the 17th year of the
event, which is usually held
the first full weekend in
February. The Minnesota
Hot Air Balloon
Association and local busi-
nesses sponsor the event.
St. Paul Squadron has been
involved for quite some
time, with the origins a dis-
tant memory. Last year,
other Minnesota squadrons
were invited. This year, that
number grew.
The weekend started Friday
night with a parade led by
the Minnesota Wing CAP
Color Guard. Other CAP
members also participated
in the parade by walking a
safety line along the parade
route, preventing children
from running into the street.
When the parades of bal-
loon gondolas pass by, they
pull on their burners to light
up the night and warm up
the spectators.
Saturday morning began
with a 5 a.m. wake-up call.
After a quick cup of juice
St. Paul Squadron organized Minnesota Wing’s partic-
ipation in the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair, held
Feb. 3-5, in Hudson, Wis. Photo by Capt. Paul Piper
and a breakfast roll, the
CAP members were off to
the launch field at E.P.
Rock School. After a for-
mation, the cadets quickly
set-up barricades in antici-
pation of the coming
launch. The entrances to the
field were restricted to the
balloon pilots, their crew
and the vendors for the
event.
February 2006
With a brisk 5 degrees
below zero wind-chill, the
cadets completed their task
swiftly. At the 6:30 a.m.
pilot meeting, it was decid-
ed to cancel the morning
launch due to high winds.
(The maximum wind speed
can only be 10 miles per
hour. )
The cadets then turned into
an information source while
standing next to the barri-
cades, explaining to
onlookers why the balloons
weren’t flying.
During the day, the cadets
were joined by senior mem-
bers from various
squadrons, including
Anoka, North Hennepin,
Viking, Valley and 130th,
as well as St. Paul. This
allowed a rotation of three
teams to take turns at an
all-you-can-eat breakfast
provided by the Masonic
Temple.
Other events also took
place on site throughout the
event. Various vendors dis-
played arts and crafts.
Members of the Minnesota
Kite Society exhibited their
skills in maneuvering over-
size kites with minimum
size people. Have you ever
seen a giant frog fly? This
might be something to think
about for Black Cap.
The afternoon also included
Smooshboard Races.
Smooshboard racing is
where teams must race
against each other in a dou-
ble elimination event by
moving forward and turning
in a coordinated fashion on
Balloons / Page 3
Page 2 WingTips February 2006

Commander’s Column: Air Force budget cuts affect CAP

by Col. Steve Miller, of Defense recently issued m National Headquarter’s
wing commander a budget decision that cut support and conduct of
The new Gippsland deeply into many existing cadet special activities
(N607CP) has arrived. Air Force programs and will be significantly
This plane is a single- made sweeping manpower curtailed
engine, eight-seat plane. cuts to Air Force officer,
m Since first year cadet
The Gippsland will be enlisted and civilian end
attrition is 50 percent,
equipped with the strength.
expect the uniform pro-
ARCHER hyper-spectral As a result, CAP's funding gram to be appropriate-
imaging system. for fiscal year 2007 is pro- ly resized
We have two check pilots posed for a nearly 15 per-
m The orientation-flight
who have completed the cent cut, a reduction of
program will be
Cessna training. They are $3.667 million to our oper-
Col. Steve Miller reduced, but not elimi-
Capts. Mike Hartell and ations and maintenance line
nated
Cliff Tamplin. in various searches. If you item. We hope our efforts
would like to take a look at to work with senior Air m Other non-core pro-
The ARCHER system Force and Congressional grams and support by
should arrive in late April the new Gippsland, contact
leaders will reduce this National Headquarters
or May. By the end of our wing administrator,
funding cut, but we know employees will be cur-
February, we will have two Kirsty McCracken at 651-
CAP will most likely take tailed or eliminated out-
members trained on the 291-0462.
some level of funding cut, right
ARCHER system, Lt. Col You may or may not have and it will be significant!
Doug Killian and Capt. heard the rumors regarding m We will not be able to
Working within the system, sustain the current level
Doug Ployhar. CAP's funding. The follow-
we will fight to restore as of support received
This new technology is cut- ing summary was sent from
much funding as possible, from National
ting edge and should posi- Maj. Gen. Antonio Pineda
but CAP will come out of Headquarters. Many
tion CAP to more effective- to members of the CAP
this "transformed." Our functions will truly
ly conduct ground searches National Board.
focus will be on core mis- have to become volun-
and to assist other agencies The Office of the Secretary sions, to eliminate any teer lead
function or program that You could expect our air-
does not directly support craft fleet to be resized to
WingTips is a publication of them, but, at the same time, actual requirement, but,
Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol, realizing our core missions surprisingly, we may con-
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary will require a new focus. tinue to see Congressional
6275 Crossman Lane
As for programmatic cuts: plus-ups in procurement,
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
allowing us to replace
www.mncap.org m Outreach programs of older, more maintenance
wingtips@mncap.org aerospace education
intensive C-172s, 182s with
The views expressed, either written or implied, are not neces- special programs that
the modern, glass cockpit
sarily those of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol or affect a small audience
C-182.
Minnesota Wing. Submissions should be sent to the above
email address. m International Air Cadet Overall, our 15 percent
Exchange, or IACE,
Wing Commander: Col. Steve Miller reduction is right in line
will be severely
Wing Public Affairs Officer: Capt. Al Pabon
Wingtips Editor: Maj. Shannon Bauer reduced
Editorial / Page 4
Page 3
Balloons / from Page 1
a large set of skis upon
which four sets of bindings
are placed.
There were three CAP
teams this year, including
the “GI Janes,” “Team
Awesome” and
“Blitzkrieg.” Of the three
teams, Blitzkrieg was able
to stomp the competition
and make their way to the
final race. However, expe-
rience and a home team
advantage left them finish-
ing second in the event.
After a late afternoon lunch
with monster hamburgers
and french-fry mountains,
an opportunity to go Geo-
caching became available.
1st Lt. Scott Johnson and
Capt. Tyra Cerny, both St.
Paul Squadron, led a dozen
cadets to a nearby park to
practice high-tech hide-
and-seek.
In Geo-caching, individuals
place containers in public
locations around the world.
They post the coordinates
of latitude and longitude on
the Internet, and others go
and find them using clues
given online and with the
Global Positioning System,
or GPS.
Saturday evening included
the Moon Glow and Ring
Of Fire. Balloon pilots cir-
cled their vehicles and had
the choice of inflating the
balloon envelope or just
firing the burner. In very
windy conditions, pilots
only fire their burners. This
WingTips February 2006
Three Minnesota Wing teams competed in smooshboard racing during the 2006 Hot
Air Affair. Smooshboard racing is where teams must race against each other in a
double elimination event by moving forward and turning in a coordinated fashion
on a large set of skis upon which four sets of bindings are placed. Photo by Capt.
Paul Pieper
evening included a mix. was then given a guided this event: including, from
The evening ended with tour, while they watched as St. Paul Squadron, project
pizza. another balloon was pre- officer Capt. Michael
Sunday began like pared then inflated. Rehbein, cadet project and
Saturday. The decision was McMahon said he command officers C/Lt.
not made at the 6:30 a.m. impressed the crew when Kaitlin Bogen, and C/Sgt.
pilots’ meeting. Everyone he identified the tail num- Tim Quayle, day-time assis-
gathered at the field. By ber for the balloon. tance Lt. Col. Charles Graf,
7:30 a.m., the winds were Taking turns, the cadets Capt. Cliff Tamplin, Lt.
marginal; hence, the deci- were instructed to go in Gary Schaedler, Johnson
sion to fly was left to the groups on safety patrol (a and Cerny; from Viking
pilots discretion. An offer fancy excuse to go meander Squadron, Capt. Ronn
of a ride was made. With a among the balloons). After Winkler; and from Anoka,
Maj. Don Sorenson and 1st
random pick, Cadet Mike most of the balloons lifted
McMahon, St. Paul off, a call was given to take Lt. Andy Bosshart. And, a
very special thank you to
Squadron, would be stand- down the barricades. This
ing by. included the end of our 1st Lt. Karen Anderson,
130th, who assisted with
As decision time came, the work.
the overnight location.
pilot for the balloon Many thanks go out to the
McMahon was to ride in cadets and seniors who Thank you to the many
chose safety. McMahon planned and participated in cadets who participated.
February 2006 WingTips Page 4

Editorial / from Page 2

with other cuts across Air difference. These upcom-
University. We were not ing months will require all
unfairly singled out. We of us to rededicate our-
continue to work within selves to the mission and
established procedures to goals of CAP. Success will
mitigate our cut. require the collective
We promise to explore and efforts of the entire wing.
implement greater effi- As I tell our cadets and am
ciencies, both at National now telling you, when
Headquarters and across something unexpected
CAP to better utilize the occurs, “We will adapt,
funding we do receive, but adjust and overcome this
the direction of CAP will situation.”
change, that's inevitable. Tuesday, the 28th, I head
All options are being to Washington, D.C., for
explored. Please share the Winter National Board Capt. Mark McCormick, Worthington Squadron, pres-
your thoughts, but I ask meeting. These budget ents Maj. Barney Harstad (center) and Lt. Col.
for a spirit of cooperation. cuts and personnel/pro- Warren Rohwer (right), both Worthington Squadron,
Now is not the time to gram changes will be dis- with recognition for achievement and their CAP retire-
hunker down and strike cussed in length at this ment certificates. He also wished them well in their
out at the Air Force just to meeting. When I return, I retirement from CAP. Photo by Capt. Joe Bradfield
achieve our ends! With a will send to the unit com-
consolidated, joint posi-
tion, we will weather this
manders' mail list a sum-
mary of the important
Worthington recognizes
budget storm the best we points/decisions. All mem- two-new wing retirees
can. bers will have access to
As the commander of changes as they are placed by Capt. Joe Bradfield, Worthington Squadron
Minnesota Wing, there on the National Two long time CAP members familiar to many throughout
will be no "knee jerk" Headquarters home page. Minnesota Wing received special recognition for their
reaction to this situation. A positive attitude can retirement from CAP during the Worthington Composite
We can and will weather carry us through this situa- Squadron's annual Christmas party, Dec. 19.
this fiscal storm. As tion. A positive attitude is Maj. Barney Harstad and Lt. Col. Warren Rowher, both
Pineda mentioned, things contagious and especially Worthington Squadron, received retirement certificates.
will change. We have great needed in tough times.
members in Minnesota, These are tough times. Rowher was praised for longevity of service. Having
who joined CAP to make a joined the Worthington Squadron more than 50 years ago,
-Semper Vigilans a short break in the squadron's history, unfortunately,
keeps him from the distinction awards members who serve
Where are they now? without interruption for 50 years.
Air Force Capt Matt Swanson, formerly a Mankato What both of these men contributed to CAP is beyond
Squadron cadet, was selected as the 494th Fighter description. They are in large part the reason for the exis-
Squadron’s Company Grade Officer of the Year. The tence of the squadron today, having seen it through some
494 FS, 'Mighty Black Panthers,' is one of two lean years, membership-wise. They continue to be highly
squadrons of F-15Es assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, valued resources to the squadron.
'Liberty Wing,' at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
Page 5 WingTips February 2006

Grand Rapids Squadron receives Resusci Anne as donation

by Capt. James Miller,
Grand Rapids Squadron
The National Auto Dealers
and the National Auto
Dealers Charitable
Foundation presented both
the Grand Rapids Squadron
and the Hill City Fire
Department with a Resusci
Anne CPR Training
Mannequin recently.
Receiving the Annes were
Capt. James Miller, Grand
Rapids Squadron com-
mander, and Bill Nelson,
Hill City fire chief.
“We are pleased to be a part
of this program which gives
vital local volunteer organi-
zations the basic tools they
need to conduct CPR train-
ing classes,” said Glen
Handson of the Minnesota
Auto dealers Association.
“The National Auto Dealers
Charitable Foundation
devotes a great deal of its
resources to this emergency
CPR training program. It is
a terrific use of resources,”
he added.
Since 1987 MADA has, in
conjunction with the
National Auto Dealers
Charitable Foundation and
local dealerships, presented
192 CPR mannequins to
volunteer rescue units
across Minnesota. Resusci
Anne retails for more than
$1,000.
The Minnesota Auto
Dealers Association repre-
sents all the franchised new
car and truck dealers in
Minnesota, the association
was founded in 1919.
Miller said the Resusci
Anne will be a big asset in
the squadron. He has
applied for training aids in
the past for Sheriffs County
Dive Team and for the Deer
River Fire Department.
MADA has been a big help
in the past with donations
for both and would like to
thank them for all their
support.

Senior member &

cadet officer promotions
Major
Ruth Connie, State Legislative
Rod Thompson, Grand Rapids
Glen Handson, Minnesota Auto dealers Association
Captain representative, presents Bill Nelson, Hill City fire chief
Heather McNevin, Crow Wing and Capt. James Miller, Grand Rapids Squadron com-
Sherrin Vanstrom, Worthington mander, with a Resusci Anne. Photo courtesy Grand
1st Lieutenant Rapids Squadron
Fred Hoshal, Grand Rapids
Mark Johnson, Duluth Momentous occasions ...
Jeffrey Weitemier, Crow Wing
C/Capt. Benjamin Banwart, 130th, graduated with a
2nd Lieutenant Bachelor of Science in Business: magna cum laude from
Barbara Bischoff, Duluth the Carlson School of Management, University of
Carolyn Carlson, Crow Wing Minnesota – Twin Cities, in December 2005. His major
Kenneth Schauf, 130th was finance with a minor in accounting.
Nichulis Zak, 130th C/Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Sperling, Saint Paul
C/Colonel Squadron and former cadet commander, attending the
Mark Pomerleau, North Hennepin Aeronautics program at University of North Dakota –
Grand Forks, acquired his instrument rating.
C/Captain The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will appear at the
Cory Titus, Viking Duluth, Minn., Air Show July 8-9.