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(From left) Maj. Susan Blessman, Minnesota Wing director of cadet programs; Maj. Brian Freseman, deputy director of cadet programs; Col. Jerry Rosendahl, wing commander; and Cadet Airman 1st Class Daniel Kangar.
Photo by Capt. George Supan
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Col. Dick Murphy.
Capt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer
Group 3
Minnesota Wing
MINNESOTA – Cadet Airman 1st Class Daniel Kangar of the Red Wing Composite Squadron has been recognized with the 2012 Minnesota Encampment Outstanding Cadet Memorial Scholarship, presented in memory of Col. Dick Murphy, the former wing commander who died May 1.
Kangar received the scholarship certificate and a check for $100 from Col. Jerry Rosendahl, wing commander, in a ceremony Aug. 6 at the commander’s call meeting at the South St. Paul Municipal Airport.
“The selection was very easy,” said Maj. Brian Freseman, the wing’s deputy director of cadet programs and 2012 encampment commander. “Encampment staff kept saying what a great cadet Kangar was during encampment.
“I’m sure Cadet Kangar will continue to be a fine leader in the Cadet Program.”
Kangar said, “I’m surprised and honored to receive the scholarship. I had a great time at encampment and looking forward to going again.”
The cadet’s father, Benjamin Kangar, told the wing officials at the presentation that “Daniel has had a great experience at CAP.”
Murphy served as Minnesota Wing commander from 1958-1965 and as North Central Region commander from 1966 -1969.
“After Col. Murphy served as region commander, he was the NCR and Minnesota Wing government relations officer,” said Col, Kevin Sliwinski, former Minnesota Wing commander and government relations officer. “When I became wing commander, he and I traveled to D.C. to recruit the Minnesota congressional delegation as members of the CAP Congressional Squadron.
“He was instrumental in recruiting Sen. Rod Grams and Congressmen Jim Ramstad, Jim Oberstar, Bill Luther and (David) Minge as members. He was a mentor of mine and taught me the ropes around D.C.”
The wing’s chaplain, Chaplain Lt. Col. Don Mikitta, said, “Col. Murphy was involved in all aspects of the CAP programs while he served along with being a terrific mentor and friend.”
