Volk Field, WI.  Like a scene from the TV series “MASH,” a field hospital was flooded with arriving casualties while doctors and nurses rushed to triage the patients.  Amongst those casualties were 18 members of the Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol, assisting the coalition medical team during Operation Patriot 2009 at Volk Field CRTC. 

During the three day medical exercise, CAP volunteers played live medical victims.  Each morning they departed their barracks at Ft. McCoy by 0530 in order to be ready at “the pit” by 0700 hours.  To become realistic medical victims, CAP volunteers went though a process called moulage, a type of make up that can be used to simulate a variety of wounds, bruises, and burns. Live victims not only had to look the part, but act it as well. 

Scenarios are planned in advance, and could get quite involved.  This year, events included medical transport by Blackhawk helicopter or C-130 transport plane.

Operation Patriot, which began in the 1990s, is the largest joint training exercise sponsored by the National Guard Bureau.  National Guard units from across the country participate in scenario-based training events with the U.S. Army and Air Force, together with military personnel from five other countries. 

Public Affairs Officer 2 Lt John D. Fesler (USAF) described it as a “true joint force activity.” 

Working side by side with their American counterparts were personnel from Canada, the Netherlands, Armenia, Slovakia, and Poland.  There were also observers from India.  Between Volk Field and Ft. McCoy, there were almost 3000 total participants. 

Participation in Operation Patriot was a unique way to promote the Civil Air Patrol to military personnel who did not have previous contact with or much knowledge about CAP. 

In total, there were 10 senior members and 8 cadets who took time off from their work or summer activities to volunteer.  Representing the Madison Composite Squadron were: Lt Col John Potterton, Capt Paul Vanderboleman, Capt David Vriezen (who served as safety officer), 1 Lt Leon Pechatnikov, C/CMSgt Nathan Walker, C/SrA Phillip Tomovici, C/SrA Elizabeth Wussow, C/SrA Sean Patchin, Jr., and C/MSgt Alex Lengyl. 

Volunteers from the Timmerman Composite squadron were S/M Timothy McCaigue (new member, shown at right), C/2 Lt Daniel Haffner, and C/CMSgt Britney Donald. From the Eagle River Composite Squadron were Capt Michael Krein and C/TSgt Zac Velpel.  Volunteering from the LaCrosse Composite Squadron were 1 Lt Alison Schneller and S/M Linda Zimmerman (also new to CAP).  Also participating this year were Lt Col Marcia Cunningham (HQ WI Wing) and 1 Lt Terese Barta (Stevens Point Composite Squadron).

This is the fifth year that the Wisconsin Wing has provided volunteers for the coalition medical team.  Lt Col  Potterton has served as the CAP event coordinator for all five years, but will hand over the responsibility for coordinating next year’s event to Capt Krein.

Participants received a certificate of appreciation from Medical Exercise Director USAF Col James A. Fike.  They also took with them with a better understanding of how critical realistic medical training is for both the military patients and medical personnel.  Most plan to return to Patriot next year.

 

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