The 153rd Madison Composite Squadron Color Guard and the Timmerman Composite Squadron Drill Team from Milwaukee, WI, both of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), took first place in the 2009 Wisconsin Wing Color Guard/Drill Team Competition at Volk Field, Wisconsin. Five Madison-area and ten Milwaukee-area teens comprised the teams, which competed in several categories, including standard and innovative drill, panel quiz, and the mile run.

Madison’s CAP unit, meets at the National Guard Armory in Madison, took home first place in Color Guard competition in five categories, with one cadet receiving an individual award. Kenosha Composite Squadron placed 2nd overall and Sheboygan Composite Squadron placed third.

Timmerman’s squadron, based at Timmerman Airport on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, took first place in nine categories, with four cadets also achieving individual awards. Timmerman Composite Squadron has more than 60 members, including some 40 young adults, ages 12 to 18, living in and around Milwaukee. Many come from low income families, and for all of them the CAP provides an opportunity to grow and flourish as leaders to serve in the community. Racine Composite Squadron placed second overall.

Most of the cadets from the winning color guard and drill teams volunteered more than 500 man hours this past June as part of the CAP’s flood relief efforts in Sauk County. In addition, many of the young people participate throughout the year in actual and practice search and rescue operations.

The two teams now advance to the Great Lakes Region Cadet Competition in Dayton, Ohio where they will compete against cadets from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. The winner will advance to CAP’s National Cadet Competition.

Fifteen senior members participated in a Wisconsin-Wing-hosted Corporate Learning Course on 14-15 November at the Grafton Police Department. These members came from across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A review of CAP structure, core values and corporate operations was followed by successful team building, problem solving, and decision making. Participants ended by discussing the various best practices from their home units.

Course attendees were joined by two CAP Reserve Assistance (CAPRAP) Officers, Captain Jered Mies and Lt Col Danny Lincoln, who gave insight into the CAPRAP program and how they can be a resource for making squadrons of excellence. The Friday night/Saturday course layout was appreciated by most members in attendance.

Thanks to all who participated and shared some great ideas.

Timmerman Composite Sq:

1Lt Jonathan Baseheart, Major Gregory Schulz, SM RaeEllen Ellingson, 2Lt Jeri Gonwa

Sheboygan Composite Sq:

1Lt Dallas Behnke

LaCrosse Composite Sq:

Capt Ron Asfoor, 1Lt Clifford Riordan

Racine Composite Sq:

1Lt John Cook

Ozaukee Composite Sq:

Capt Gary Mader, 1Lt John Miller II, Capt Gary Tackes

Door County Senior Sq:

1Lt Robert Schwigel

Michigan Sq 096:

1Lt Randy Parr

Dodge County Composite Sq:

Capt Brian Lerwick, Capt Alexander Barclay

MILWAUKEE, WI - Milwaukee Composite Squadron #5 and Timmerman Composite Squadron worked together in forming a Color Guard and Drill Team, marching in the downtown Milwaukee Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.  A total of 18 cadets and 6 senior members participated in the parade, which ended at the War Memorial along Lake Michigan’s lakefront where the USS Freedom was docked. It was a cold, damp day, so the crowds were thin, but nonetheless, it was a wonderful opportunity to salute those who served in our Armed Forces. 

The USS Freedom is the first ship of its kind in the Navy fleet.  It is a “stealth” ship and from first glance, looks very odd.  Not many were afforded the opportunity to get up close to the new ship, but Capt Kondziella was able to secure the opportunity for the Civil Air Patrol group to not only get up close to the strange looking ship and be able to take pictures, but they were allowed on deck.  It was a great reward for the cadets who had to brave the cold, windy, and drizzly day and it was an unexpected surprise.

Another benefit was the attention drawn to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).  It was evident throughout the parade and after, that people either knew what CAP is and does, or asked where they could find out more information.  It is a great recruiting tool that only costs time and effort.  People are impressed with a large group of cadets who are well groomed and mannered, and who look sharp in those uniforms. One only needs to point them in the direction of www.gocivilairpatrol.com for more information.

A special thank you to all those veterans who read this who have served our country in the past or present.  We greatly appreciate your sacrifice and dedication to this great land of ours.  Many of you continue to serve your country through the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers. Happy Veteran’s Day!

MILWAUKEE, WI – Another former Squadron #5 member has returned in a different uniform to visit the squadron.  Former Cadet Commander Just gave a talk to members about what it is like to start the Plebe Year at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. 

He has chosen engineering for his major.  The technical course work is tough and demanding and he experienced a significant drop in grades but was also pleased that in regular course work his English essay earned him an “A”

Just stated that firefighting skills are practiced constantly.  Every Merchant Marine is a firefighter.  This is because on a regular Naval ships there are hundreds of men but on a merchant ship there may only be eighteen on the same size ship with a cargo that might be volatile.

Baraboo, WI - Cadet Airman Gabriel Hesed finished strong in the Aldo Leopold 5k run held at Devil's Lake State Park, Saturday, October 25.

The 12-year-old finished with a time of 38:15 on a hilly 5K course (actually measured at 4 miles) that included a demanding 588 ft climb in the first 2K. He placed first in the boys 11-12 age group, sixth place for all males, and eighth place overall.

The race is part of Great Lakes Endurance, an organization that coordinates trail running events in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. Proceeds from the race support environmental education programs at the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the River Crossing School in Portage, Wisconsin. The race also supports local farmers and food producers by purchasing all food locally.

Gabriel is a member of the ColSac composite Squadron along with his brother Jonathan.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Cadet Fenelon received his Mitchell Award and was promoted to C/2nd Lieutenant at the Squadron's meeting Wednesday by the Squadron Commander, Major Julie Anne Sorenson. C/Capt Benjamin Unger read the poem "High Flight" for the ceremony.

The newly promoted C/2nd Lt was pleased to join the officer ranks and commented that he has now achieved a higher rank than his brother, Matt, did while he was a cadet. His brother is serving in the military and keeps an eye on his younger brother's progress.