The Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, located at the Red Wing Regional Airport, welcomes new Squadron Leaders. Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Caroline Keller is the new Cadet Commander and Capt. Brenda Carlstrom is the Squadron Commander.

Cadet Keller joined the St Croix MN squadron Dec. 7, 2017 and transferred to the Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron July 13, 2021.

Her personal development achievements include the following: attending encampment at Volk Field ANGB, Camp Douglas, emergency services classes through FEMA and Civil Air Patrol.

Keller was awarded Honor Credit when she received her achievements of the General Curry, General Arnold, Mary Feik, Wright Brothers Award, Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, General Jimmy Doolittle, and Neil Armstrong ribbons.

Her Cadet Duty Positions are: Cadet Emergency Services Non-Commissioned Officer, Cadet Flight Sergeant, member of the Cadet Advisory Council for the MN Wing CAP and now Cadet Commander.

She has received the following awards: Crisis Service Award, Community Service Ribbon and Red Wing Squadron Cadet of the Year 2022.

Cadet Keller has also been active at the squadron levels participating in search and rescue trainings, orientation flights, and Wreaths Across America. She participates in the squadron’s color guard when needed.

Carlstrom joined the Red Wing Composite Civil Air Patrol Squadron in 2007. Her personal development achievements include FEMA and Civil Air Patrol Emergency Services and Cadet Program Classes. Her duty positions are public affairs, recruiting and retention, finance and squadron activities officers, and now Squadron Commander.

Carlstrom has also been active at the squadron level by participating in search and rescue trainings, Wreaths Across America, visiting schools for recruiting and information sessions.

Both ladies are going to be a great asset to the Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Program.

The Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, has three primary missions: Aerospace education of the American people, emergency services, and the Cadet Program. The Cadet Program provides opportunities for the learning, maturing, accepting, and nurturing of leadership to over 26,000 young Americans from 12 to 20 years of age. With the advice and assistance from CAP Senior Members and the US Air Force, cadets are exposed to a structured program comprised of aerospace education, leadership, special activities, physical fitness, and moral and ethical values through group and individual activities. For more information contact brenda.carlstrom@charter.net

Submitted by Captain Brenda Carlstrom