On Dec. 16, members of the local Civil Air Patrol – Red Wing Squadron received honors at their annual awards banquet.

The recipients worked diligently on continuing their training, improving their leadership skills, attending meetings and providing community service. Cadet of the year is Cadet Master Sargent Carson Fangman (Red Wing). Cadet Fangman has been a member of the Red Wing Squadron since January 2020 and is a member of the Emergency Services Ground Team, lead the development of the squadron’s new patch and learned how to be a better leader. He attended Wreaths Across America at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on the Dec. 18, 2021.

Senior Member of The Year is Major Luke Wegner, who is also nominated for Administration Officer of the Year (Red Wing). Major Wegner has been a member of the Red Wing Squadron since March 1993. He was a cadet member from 1993 to February 1998. Throughout the years, Wegner has held several officer positions such as Testing Officer, Professional Development Officer and Personnel Officer. He has attended 16 different trainings and an encampment to improve himself and his squadron. Major Wegner continues to volunteer his time to other members at squadron meetings and city events.

Family Of the Year is the Steven Keller family of Beldenville. Since December 2012 Cadet Master Sargent Caroline, Senior Member Robina and Capt. Steven Keller have been and are instrumental in making our squadron meetings educational, exciting and fun to attend. Their commitment to Civil Air Patrol is important to them and they continue to educate, train and promote to be the best family as they can be. Cadet Keller is Emergency Services and Ground Team Rated and has attended an encampment. Robina has qualifications in Drill and Ceremony and Physical Fitness testing. Capt. Keller has pilot and emergency services achievements. He has been a Deputy Commander for Cadets, Standardization/Evaluation, Testing and Aerospace Education Officers. He has attended six encampments and received numerous awards.

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.

The Civil Air Patrol’s mission statement is supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power.

Individuals older than 18 may join as adult members. Contact Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron Commander at [email protected] charter.net for more information.

Submitted by Capt. Brenda Carlstrom, Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron Public Affairs Officer