RED WING, Minn. – More than 100 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members from across Minnesota gathered in Red Wing on Sept. 26–28 for the 38th annual Black CAP Emergency Services College, a weekend of hands-on training, teamwork, and tradition.  

Cadets and adult members practiced key emergency skills, including radio communications, compass navigation, line search techniques, drone operations, and packing a 24-hour field kit. The event wrapped up with a friendly “foxhunt” competition, as teams worked to track down a simulated emergency beacon. This year’s attendees ranged from brand-new cadets to long-serving leaders.

Among the newest were siblings Cadet Airman Basics Kahley and Remengton Hubbard from the recently formed Forest Lake unit. They joined CAP in early September and quickly prepared to attend their first Black CAP.

At the other end of the scale from the Red Wing Squadron, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don Mikitta has attended all 38 Black CAP events, while event commander Maj. David Carlstrom has participated in at least 20 of them.

“Black CAP gives new members a strong start and experienced members a chance to refine their skills,” said Maj. Carlstrom.

Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, has more than 56,000 members nationwide. CAP volunteers support communities with search-and-rescue, disaster relief, aerospace education, and cadet leadership programs. Membership is open to youth starting at age 12 and to adults of all backgrounds. For more information, email brenda.carlstrom@charter.net or visit www.mncap.org

Submitted by Lt. Col. Othelmo Da Silva, MN Wing staff