La Crosse, WI - The La Crosse Composite Squadron celebrated the leadership tradition created by previous cadet commander's at a Change of Command Ceremony on 9 August.  C/2^nd Lt Nicholas Knueppel relinquished command to Squadron Commander Lt Col Bill Sorenson.  C/CMSgt Mathew Felix then accepted command as cadet commander from the squadron commander.

C/CMSgt, now C/2^nd Lt, Felix continues a proud tradition of leadership by the cadet commanders of the La Crosse Composite Squadron, including his older brother C/Capt Michael Felix.

After the formal ceremony, the squadron presented certificates of appreciation to all of the previous cadet commanders present at the ceremony: C/Capt Levi Phelps, C/1^st Lt Eric Kordus, and C/2^nd Lt Nicholas Knueppel.

Milwaukee, WI

There were 41,476 fans in attendance at what has become an annual Wing event, with 160 of those fans being Wisconsin Wing CAP family and friends. With a month to go in the regular baseball season, the Brewers tried to win against the New York Mets, but fell in the 8th inning after starting pitcher, Ben Sheets, was pulled due to an injury sustained in the 5th inning. Though the Brewers lost 2 - 4, it didn't dampen the spirits of the CAP fans, as it was a great time to socialize and relax. Many members, including those organizing this event, had just come back from a week of encampment, so this was a perfect way to end the summer.

The five color guards in order of presentation were; the Timmerman Composite Squadron, commanded by Cadet Master Sergeant Josh Gonwa; the Madison 153rd Composite Squadron, commanded by Cadet 2d Lt Lane Pirkel; Kenosha Composite Squadron, commanded by Cadet Senior Airman Adam Salerno; Milwaukee Composite Squadron #5, commanded by Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Luke Fenelon; and a second team from the Madison 153rd Composite Squadron, commanded by Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Michael Vriezen.

Hartford, WI - On August 8^th thru 10^th the Ozaukee Composite squadron completed a successful mission with help from the Waukesha and West Bend squadrons. It proved to be an exciting weekend of hot air ballooning, flight line marshalling and ground team training. A total of 16 balloons including the CAP balloon from ILWG piloted by Capt. Wayne Werner, took part in the three-day event. The Incident Commander, Lt Col Dean Klassy, received his first flight in the CAP balloon. Other adult members and cadets enjoyed assisted in crewing the 16 balloons, for a total of three flights during the event. 

In addition, CAP personnel provided flight-line support for the EAA Young Eagles program and air show. The Waukesha squadron provided orientation flights for the cadets in attendance, while the Ozaukee squadron provided ground team training. The Wing's Mobile Command Center was utilized for communications support. With an estimated 6,000 people in attendance, the balloon and air show was considered a complete success.

Camp Ripley, MN - Excerpted from the Aug. 28 Newsletter: Have you ever wanted to drive an Abrams tank? Another advantage in coming to Camp Ripley this year instead of Volk Field, was that the cadets were able to use the very same training pods the Army uses for soldier training. Not many people can say they have been able to do that. This was really a great team building exercise for all as it took a minimum of two and up to four people in each tank.

Cadets were also allowed to use the simulated firing range, shooting air powered M16's. Though it is not like shooting the real thing, they received a good feel of what it was like. Rumor has it that there was a "kick," though Col Trossen corrected that statement with "there is a recoil". Correct terminology aside, it was just plain fun! 

The day was not a very good one as far as the weather. Everyone woke up in the middle of the night with a storm that blew through the area. The electricity was out for a time, but by Wake Up call, it was back on and everyone moved forward.

For Wednesday, August, 27, 2008, the honors go to:

Squadron 1

Alpha Flight:  C/Amn Claire Palmer *

Bravo Flight:  C/CMSgt Andrew Schwark

Squadron 2

Charlie Flight:  C/Amn John Brennan *

Delta Flight:  C/Amn Jesse Hubbard

* Also received Honor Cadet for their Squadron.

Honor Flight: Charlie Flight

Camp Ripley, MN -  Yesterday the cadets had the time of their life at the obstacle course.  (We never let them know the day ahead what we have planned, and there are several reasons for this. One, it teaches them to be flexible and "go with the flow." Two, if activities change due to weather or unforeseen events, the cadets will not be disappointed.)  The first thing we saw when we arrived was a wooden wall, which jutted out at the top. 

The cadets walked through the course a couple of times, having each station explained to them and shown which ones they could not do for their safety's sake. Some of the stations were pretty intimidating, however I must say, I don't think there was a cadet that didn't at least attempt each and every station. 

(We have many pictures  of this course and we will pick the cream of the crop and post them on the web next week.)

The most important part is: there were no major casualties!  We had excellent spotters ready to aid and assist the cadets with balance, or getting over a hurdle, or in general, keeping them safe. The cadets were also able to have some o-flights the last couple of days. Those that were able fly loved it and we have some very nice pictures taken by 1st Lt Scott Carroll that will also be posted.

For Tuesday, August, 26, 2008, the honors go to:

Squadron 1

Alpha Flight:  C/Amn Harley Soerfass

Bravo Flight:  C/Amn Alexander Menningen *

Squadron 2

Charlie Flight:  C/TSgt Stuart

Delta Flight:  C/TSgt Christopher Sabol *

* Also received honor cadet for the squadron

HONOR FLIGHT: Alpha Flight

Camp Ripley, MN

It is the natural process that after learning to follow and function as a team, which is what they learn in Basic School, the cadets must learn to lead. In WCA, the cadets fine tune their leadership skills. A cadet may have already learned to "drill" and "present the colors," but can he teach others to do the same? Can he lead a flight in a drill routine or teach a class in a moment's notice? Can she make a schedule for a meeting? Does she know how to prioritize and have good time management skills? Some may have these skills naturally, but for most, they are learned. And for leaders, they are critical.

All of the WIWG Encampment cadets are doing well. The staff is not doing too bad either - though getting a little bit tired. This is an experience that the cadets will not soon forget, so be prepared to listen when they come home. There will be many stories to be told.

 For Monday, August, 25, 2008, the Honor Cadets are:

Squadron 1

Alpha Flight:  C/A1C Alicia Severinsen *

Bravo Flight:  C/SrA Nathan Filippelli

Squadron 2

Charlie Flight:  C/A1C Aaron Grave *

Delta Flight:  C/MSgt Justin Waltho

* Also received Honor Cadet for their Squadron.

Honor Flight of the Day: Charlie Flight