WingTips

THE NEWSLETTER
OF MINNESOTA
WING, CIVIL AIR
PATROL

SPECIAL
POINTS
OF IN-
TEREST: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007
Remembering
Maj Gen Doyle
E. Larson
From Stripes to Stars
Letter From Brig In memory of Major General Doyle E. Larson
Gen Amy
Courter Lt Col Dan McDowell

Encampment On Monday August 13, we, (the USAF fam-

Update ily), this community and country said good-
Awards and
bye to a great man and a true leader.
promotions Major General Doyle E. Larson, USAF Ret.,
passed away, and like every day of his
life, his departure was an example of his
strength, dignity, passion, and elegance.
General Larson began his military career as
INSIDE THIS an enlisted man. He entered the Air Force in
ISSUE: March 1951 at Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas. After completing basic training, he
Commander’s 1 was assigned to the Army Language School,
Column Monterey, Calif., to study the Russian lan-
guage. He graduated at the top of his class
Flight Acad- 3 and was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Se-
emy curity Service at Brooks Air Force Base, Maj Gen Doyle E. Larson in 1974 after
Former CAP 3 Texas. receiving second star.

cadet commis- Gen Larson continued on page 2.

sioned at
White House
Commander’s Column
State Rep. 5 Col Stephen G. Miller
Dan Severson Commander, Minnesota Wing
visits St. funds and our Orientation when Southeast Minnesota
Cloud Flight funds. It took a great flooded. I couldn’t have been
Awards & 7 deal of work by the Emer- more proud of our members
Promotions gency Services department the way they stepped up and
and hosting squadrons to for eight days spent hundreds
8
setup, coordinate, and imple- of hours assisting the local au-
Calendar
ment four major SAREXs this thorities in whatever way
year. They were all well at- needed. A JOB WELL DONE!
tended and we learned from
each of them. That’s why we The Summer National Board
do training – to hone our skills meeting was held in Atlanta,
and to work out the bugs in August 9 to 11. Many items
With the fiscal year coming our procedures so that when were brought before the
to a close this month let me the real missions come along board. A few of the high-
congratulate the Wing we will be prepared. And lights follow.
members on effectively prepared we were for the
using ALL of our training disaster relief mission we had The National Vice Comander,

Commander’s Column continued on page 2

Commander’s Column (continued from front page)
Brig Gen Amy Courter, was re- IG was approved. Wing Banker Program all units
elected to another one year An agenda item from the winter should be in the process of clos-
term. An agenda item to allow National Board meeting to allow ing their local bank account(s).
an additional term for the Na- Primary flight instruction for Sen- This program has been imple-
tional Commander was de- ior Members was brought up and mented in several squadrons
feated. no action was taken on it. The already and is running well. We
An agenda item for a term ex- item was closed. need to be on this program by
tension up to three additional There was a draft of a new October1, 2007.
years for Regional Commanders CAPR60-1 presented to the Na-
was defeated. tional Board. It was under ten As many of you may have
An agenda item for term exten- pages long. The current CAPR60- heard, Wyoming Wing lost three
sion for Wing Commanders was 1 is 71 pages long. The draft members and an aircraft while
withdrawn. was sent to the Operations Com- searching for a missing 16 year
An agenda item for removal of mittee. This new shorter 60-1 is a old boy. Please keep their fami-
Group level Inspector General good move. lies in your thoughts and prayers.
assigning them to be Assistant
Inspector General to the Wing In preparation for changing to the Semper Vigilans!

From Stripes to Stars (continued from front page)

In October 1952 he en- a man of great dignity and with oak leaf cluster and the
tered training as an avia- he always lived his core val- Air Force Outstanding Unit
tion cadet at James Con- ues completely. He personi- Award with two oak leaf clus-
nally Air Force Base, fied what a good officer ters and "V" device. He wore
Texas, and graduated with should and could be. Gen- the Aircraft Observer and
distinction in May 1953, eral Larson always followed Missile badges.
earning his wings and a protocol with an elegance
commission as a Second that at times was simply awe On May 1, 1974, Brigadier
Lieutenant. And that was inspiring! He led by example, General Doyle E. Larson be-
just the beginning of what without fail from start to fin- came Major General Doyle E.
was to become an illustri- ish! Larson. Even after he retired
ous career for a young from the USAF in 1983, he
man born in 1930 in Ma- General Larson was a mas- was a tremendous supporter
delia, Minnesota. He grew terful and complete communi- of a number of unique organi-
to be an amazing leader cator. What I mean is that he zations like the Air Force Asso-
for the greatest military could speak very well. He ciation, the Air Force Ser-
force this planet has ever was rarely, if ever at a loss geants Association and Civil
known and he did it with for what to say (and it was Air Patrol. He was a driving
unfailing honor, spirit, and always the right thing), but force in providing special
patriotism. being a complete communi- funds for scholarships and
cator means he was an ex- awards for Cadets and Offi-
Those who had the honor cellent listener also. He knew cers of CAP. He was the best
and privilege to know how to listen to others and of the best in everything he
General Larson personally truly hear what they were touched. He touched many of
can surely remember that saying and meaning. our hearts and hopefully we’ll
he was a quiet man of carry on his legacy and emu-
strength. At the risk of General Larson’s military late his outstanding qualities
sounding rather cliché, decorations include the Distin- for the good of our organiza-
General Larson was not a guished Service Medal, Le- tion and ourselves, and as a
tall man, however his pres- gion of Merit with two oak way to truly honor this great
ence in any room was huge leaf clusters, Meritorious Ser- man and friend. He will be
and immediately com- vice Medal, Air Medal with missed.
manded respect! He was three oak leaf clusters, Air
Force Commendation Medal
PAGE 2
Former Minnesota CAP cadet commissioned during White House ceremony
Capt Richard Sprouse
Former Minnesota Wing Civil tage during Air Force train- of Defense
Air Patrol cadet Tim Schait- ing, and allowed me to stand Robert
berger was commissioned as out in many areas of Air Gates lead-
a Second Lieutenant in the Force ROTC,” Schaitberger ing
U.S. Air Force during a recent said. “Having a solid basis in the oath of
ceremony at the White military customs and courte- office for
House. sies is a great the lieuten-
asset for any young person ants, led the
The 22-year old Edina native looking to become an officer ceremony.
was a CAP cadet with Viking in the US military, either Schaitber-
Squadron in Eden Prairie be- through ROTC or the military ger was Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (left) and 2nd Lt
fore attending Air Force academies.” among four Tim Schaitberger at White House commissioning
ceremony.
ROTC. The Seton Hall gradu- Minnesotans
ate with a Master’s degree in Lieutenant Schaitberger was to receive their commission,
International Law said being commissioned along with 54 the most of any state.
a Civil Air Patrol cadet officers representing all 50
Following some initial training,
greatly helped him in his ca- states, four US territories and
Lieutenant Schaitberger will
reer. the District of Columbia.
attend pilot training in Pensa-
President Bush, with Secretary
“It gave me a great advan- cola, Florida next year.

2007 Minnesota Wing Flight Academy “a great success”

Maj David Odette

The thirty-ninth consecutive ing eight days of flight train- portunity to accomplish their
Minnesota Wing Flight Acad- ing. Saturday morning at flight goals.
emy was held this summer 0800 the flight and ground
As in years past the cadet
from July 13-21, 2007.
flight programs provided
The flight training took place both a powered and a
from the Mankato Airport with glider primary flight training
housing provided at the Gus- program.
tavus Adolphus College Cam-
The power program pro-
pus in St. Peter, MN.
vides the cadet primary
This year’s flight academy flight training with the cadet
offered the two traditional receiving both flight and
cadet flight training programs classroom training. Each
as well as two new advanced Cadets in opening formation on day 2 day the cadet receives a
pilot flight programs. before flight training begins. morning and afternoon ses-
sion of flight training in a
All students and staff re-
training, the point all students Cessna 172 aircraft as well
ported to the Gustavus Adol-
and staff were waiting for, as a morning and afternoon
phus College Campus at St.
started. Each day followed a sessions of classroom ground
Peter on Friday, July 13 for a
vigorous daily schedule from instruction.
three hour Flight Academy
early morning to evening of
orientation on program struc- The glider program oper-
flight and ground instruction
ture, operational procedures
allowing all students the op-
and schedules for the upcom- Flight Academy continued on page 4

PAGE 3
Minnesota Wing Flight Academy (continued from page 3)
ates in a similar manor with both students with training on the
flight training in a Blanik or flight maneuvers required for
Schweitzer glider as well as class- the FAA Commercial check ride
room ground instruction. The and training in a Cessna 182
glider program has a second and RG meeting the FAA require-
third year program, which pro- ment of flight hours in a retract-
vide a student the opportunity to able gear aircraft for the com-
be prepared to test for their FAA mercial endorsement.
On the glider flight line with the Tom and
Private Pilot Glider Certificate. Jerry Show. Special guest for the day,
This year’s Minnesota Flight
This year two cadets completed Mr. Bill Willis.
Academy was a great success
their third year and pasted their
with a total of thirty-eight stu-
FAA Private Pilot test at Flight
dents and thirty-three staff
Academy.
members attending. Again this
The newly added advanced flight year, the students and staff
programs where Cessna 182T came from multiple CAP Wings
Glass Cockpit training and Com- and Regions identifying Flight
mercial Pilot Certificate training. Academy as a nationally known
event.
The glass cockpit training pro-
vided the five attending pilot stu-
The Flight Academy powered fleet in the
dents a concentrated time frame tie-down area.
receiving the needed ground in-
struction and in flight training to
transition from traditional flight
instrumentation to the new com-
puterized instrumentation termed
the “glass cockpit”. The new
glass cockpit instrumentation pro-
vides the pilot with many capa-
bilities, which have typically been
found in commercial and corpo- Staff and students re-fuel in the shade.
rate aircraft. The training went
beyond the basic instrument tran- Flight Academy Commander, Major Dave
sition but also acquainted them Odette and students in hanger area.
with the extended features of the
new glass cockpit system.
The commercial training program
provided the four pilot students
attending with both ground and
in-flight instruction during the
course of the program to attain a Gliders stored in the hanger overnight
due to threatening weather in the area.
Commercial Pilot rating. The in-
flight instruction provided the pilot

PAGE 4
Real “Top Gun” lauds Civil Air Patrol
Capt Richard Sprouse

Minnesota State Representative Dan namics. Sign up for the hard classes.”
Severson of Sauk Rapids shared
some of his military experience, Severson, who completed “Top Gun”
stressed the importance of education training in Miramar, Calif., said the
and praised the work of the Civil Air people he led in the Navy were com-
Patrol during a recent visit to the mitted to freedom and the ideals of
St. Cloud Composite Squadron. this country. The former F-18 pilot
sees a lot of parallels in the Civil Air
Severson, a retired U.S. Navy fighter Patrol. He said that’s why he’s a
pilot with 22 years of military ser- member as well.
State Representative Dan Severson.
vice, told squadron members that
military pilots work in a very techni- “Taking time to participate in CAP, as
cal environment requiring lots of either an officer or cadet, speaks
study. volumes of you as good Americans,”
Severson said. “There’s pride and
“It looks romantic, but if you don’t discipline in the whole CAP process.
study you wash out of flight school,” The skills you’re learning today will
Severson said. “Of the 50 candidates help you make good decisions today
that started with me, one-third and tomorrow. You’re all winners.”
washed out. It was very competitive.”
And what about the movie Top Gun?
For those interested in becoming a
military pilot, the St. Cloud State “That was Hollywood,” Severson said.
University physics graduate’s advice
was straight forward: “You need “Civil Air Patrol is real people per-
a four-year college degree. Get forming real missions for America.” St Cloud Composite Squadron members
listening attentively to Rep. Severson.
based in the sciences, study aerody-

"Prepare for the Unexpected by Taking Action Now" Brig Gen Amy Courter
Every year, hundreds of natural happens, and as a response organi- plans. Many things can change over
disasters – ranging from blizzards zation, Civil Air Patrol members need the course of a year, and it is impera-
and wildfires to hurricanes, torna- to do their part to prepare not only tive that your entire family have the
does and flooding – wreak havoc themselves, but those around most up-to-date emergency contact
on families, homes and entire com- them. Emergencies will happen, but information and a family emergency
munities across America. Often taking action now can help us mini- plan as children head back to
times, people are reminded to take mize the impact they will have on our school. It's about talking to your fami-
action to prepare before these lives. lies and figuring out what you should
events happen, but sometimes they do if an emergency happens in your
occur without warning. Our lives That's why this September, National community. Where will you
can be changed in an instant by a Preparedness Month, is all about meet? What emergency supplies will
number of different emergencies helping individuals, families, busi- you need and where should you keep
and we are constantly reminded of nesses and communities to take ac- them?
this each time we watch the news. tion! September is an ideal time for
individuals and families to update This nationwide effort is to encourage
Yet, too many Americans have not their emergency supply kits and fam- individuals and families to take simple
taken steps to prepare. There are ily emergency plans and to become steps to prepare for emergencies in
simple steps each of us can take to better informed about different their homes, businesses and schools.
prepare before an emergency threats and local emergency
Brig Gen Courter continued on page 6

PAGE 5
"Prepare for the Unexpected by Taking Action Now" (Continued from page 5)
Throughout September, the U.S. Week Three - September 16 - 22: gency, and do I know how to reach
Department of Homeland Security Multicultural preparedness. my child's school in case of a family
will work with a wide variety of emergency?" "Does everyone in the
organizations like the Civil Air Week Four - September 23 - 30: family have one another's contact
Patrol to highlight the importance Home and family preparedness. information and the contact for an
of emergency preparedness and out-of-town relative to take roll-
This week, I would like to encourage
promote individual involvement call?" If you have a plan already,
you to do one of the simplest things
through events and activities review it again, and make sure that
that individuals and families can do
across the nation, such as first aid your entire family really knows the
to be prepared: develop or update
training, town hall meetings and plan.
your family emergency plan. To de-
much more. Many CAP units have
velop one you should ask yourselves Free preparedness resources are
already scheduled events, and
some important questions such as, "In just a click away at
many more will be scheduled in
the event of an emergency, is there a www.ready.gov. The site has infor-
the coming weeks. The themes for
safe place for my family to meet mation about the simple steps you
each week are: even if we are separated?" This is can take to prepare and provides
Week One - September 1 - 8: especially important if you aren't templates such as a Family Emer-
Back-to-school/Ready Kids. allowed back into your home or gency Plan and an Emergency Sup-
neighborhood. "What is the evacua- ply Checklist. There are also special
Week Two - September 9 -15: tion location and plan of my child's sections for kids, ages 8-12, (Ready
Business preparedness/Ready school?" "Does my child's school know Kids) and small- to medium-sized
Business. the best way to reach me in an emer- businesses (Ready Business).

Col Kevin Sliwinski Receives Legislative Award

Capt Al Pabon

Col Kevin Sliwinski re- In early 2003, Col Sliwin- He has assisted Col
ceived the George Texido ski requested permission Stephen Miller in getting
Legislative Officer of the of the wing commander, the membership certificate
Year Award for his excel- Col Dale Hoium, to start a and identification cards
lence in initiating and Legislative Squadron. presented in person.
managing legislative pro- Shortly thereafter, 80 of
grams at the state and the 201 state legislators The George Texido
federal level for Minne- joined the Legislative award was presented by
sota Wing. Squadron. Brig Gen Amy Courter, at
the 2007 Annual Confer-
The following is the cita- For the past 10 years, Col ence in Atlanta.
tion that was read as the Sliwinski has established
award was presented: close relationships with all
members of the Congres-
“Since his appointment as sional Squadron.
Minnesota Wing Com-
mander in 1997, Col Col Sliwinski prepares
Kevin Sliwinski has handouts for Minnesota’s
worked tirelessly to pro- representatives and sena-
mote the Congressional tors specifically highlight-
Squadron at the national ing Minnesota Wing’s ac-
level. Through his efforts, tivities. In the Legislative
the membership increased Squadron, he works dili-
from one member to all gently with members of From left; Col Sean Fagan, Col Kevin Sliwinski,
eight of Minnesota’s con- both political parties to Brig Gen Amy Courter and Col Stephen Miller
after Col Sliwinski received his award.
gressmen and women and interest them in becoming
the two senators from a member of CAP.
Minnesota.
PAGE 6
 Awards and Promotions
Officer Promotions Officer Awards
Second Lieutenant Paul Garber Award (Level 4)
Adam Monson, Grand Rapids Jerry Rosendahl, Wing HQ
Aaron Plumley, Red Wing
Grover Loening Award (Level 3)
Charles Terry, St. Paul
Robby Sandberg, Northland Phung Chau, North Hennepin
First Lieutenant
David Arnoldy, St. Paul
Alvin Jansen, St. Paul

MN Wing Recognized for Excellence in CAP’s Missions Capt Al Pabon

Minnesota Wing and its members nizes the top wing in each region in
were honored with several Mission counterdrug operations.
Awards at the 2007 CAP Annual
Conference in Atlanta this past Au- Aerospace Education – This award
gust. The awards and a brief de- is presented to the top wing in each
scription of them are: region for their excellence in promot-
ing aerospace education.
Search and Rescue - Each wing is
graded annually by a CAP-USAF These awards will be on display at
inspection team on overall perform- the Wing’s Operations and Mainte-
ance in the execution of search and nance Facility in South St. Paul.
rescue missions. Col Stephen Miller accepting the NCR
Well done Minnesota Wing! Counterdrug Award from Brig Gen Amy
Counterdrug - This award recog- Courter.

Minnesota Encampment CTG Commander chosen

Major Conrad Peterson

I am pleased to announce C/Col Laura Broker has been ment Squadron Director. If
that a cadet commander has selected as the 10th Cadet you are interested please
been selected for the 2008 Training Group (CTG) Com- email Maj Conrad Peterson
Minnesota Wing encamp- mander. at [email protected].
ment.
She will work with Maj Josh C/Col Broker will soon be
On Monday, August 20 an Puhl, who will serve as the Com- seeking applications for ca-
interview board consisting of mandant of Cadets for the det positions as follows;
Maj Josh Puhl and myself 2008 encampment. deputy commander, execu-
was conducted. The candi- tive officer and squadron
dates that applied for en- Please join me in congratulating commanders.
campment cadet commander both of these individuals on
were asked several ques- their appointments. Hope to see you there in
tions concerning encampment 2008!
We are still seeking applica-
operation, leadership and tions for the following officer
character traits. positions; encampment Execu-
tive Officer and Staff Develop-

PAGE 7
The Newsletter of Minnesota Wing, Civil
Air Patrol

WingTips is a publication of
Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol,
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
6275 Crossman Lane
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
www.mncap.org [email protected]

Calendar

Schedule of Events
September 7-9, SAREX rain
SEPTEMBER 2007
date. Contact: Maj Jay
Craswell.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
September 8-15, Unit based ES
training Exercises. Contact:
Maj Chet Wilberg. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
September 8-9, Pandemic Plan-
ning. Contact: Capt Janelle 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Gates.
September 15-30, Funded 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
training blackout. Contact:
Maj Jerry Rosendahl. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

The views expressed, either written or implied, are not necessarily

those of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol or Minnesota Wing.
Submissions should be sent to the above email address.
Wing Commander: Colonel Stephen G. Miller Wingtips Editor: Major Conrad Peterson