(1)
Lt. Col. Greg Schulz, a Lutheran minister and professor of philosophy at Wisconsin Luthern College as well as the Wisconsin Wing’s director of professional development, speaks during the North Central Region Staff College.
(2)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Pederson discusses changes and reorganization within CAP-USAF
(3)
Caption:
Divided into three seminar groups, the 15 participants confer during the staff college.
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Maj. Richard Sprouse (left), leadership instructor, and Capt. David Lewis, director of operations for the Nebraska Wing’s Gage County Composite Squadron.
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The staff college participants.
Photos by Maj. Richard Sprouse, Minnesota Wing
Maj. Richard Sprouse
Instructor
2012 North Central Region Staff College
NEBRASKA – Civil Air Patrol members from as far away as the Texas Wing were present June 3-8 for presentations on such topics as conflict resolution, core values, dealing with change, leadership and mentoring, all part of the curriculum for the weeklong North Central Region Staff College.
Maj. Bill Donahoe of the Illlinois Wing said he hadn’t known what to expect when he registered for the session, held at Offutt Air Force Base. “I was a little apprehensive,” Donahoe said, “but throughout the week everything that was taught or brought up will help me back home.”
He was among 15 members from the Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota,and Texas wings in attendance.
Joining Col. Mary Donley, course director and South Dakota Wing director of professional development and recruitment and retention, was a staff of longtime instructors:
- Col. Sheila Waldorf, adviser to the Iowa Wing commander.
- Lt. Col. Terry Hudson, aerospace education officer and deputy commander for seniors for the Nebraska Wing’s Siouxland Composite Squadron.
- Lt. Col. Greg Schulz, the Wisconsin Wing’s professional development officer.
- Lt. Col. Tim Slater, supply officer for the Wisconsin Wing and deputy commander for the Timmerman Composite Squadron.
- Maj. Richard Sprouse, the Minnesota Wing’s Group 2 and St. Cloud Composite Squadron public affairs officer.
The cadre was praised for the curriculum content and their commitment.
“It’s so heartwarming to see these folks come back and do this every year for the betterment of us,” said Capt. David Lewis of the Nebraska Wing.
“We’re all here for the betterment of ourselves and the betterment of this organization, and based on everyone I met this week and what I learned CAP has a bright future,” Lewis said.
Capt. Cyndy Wachholz of the Iowa Wing said the diverse group made for a positive learning environment.
“Everyone here came from a different background. Some were military. Some are moms,” Wachholz said. “Everybody was unique, but they came here for the commonality -- our dedication to Civil Air Patrol.”
She added, “I’ve got so many notes with great ideas that I’m going to use in our wing.”
Maj. Kathryn Petersen, a Nebraska Wing member, enjoyed the sessions on leadership.
“I’ve met with military people quite a few times before who gave lessons on leadership, but it’s rare to get such an in-depth look at leadership as well as tools you can take back to your squadron and apply,” Petersen said.
Capt. Brian Mishmash of the Iowa Wing said the week reinforced his commitment to CAP.
“Even though we’re all here for different reasons, we come here for a common purpose. I feel re-energized why I’m a CAP member,” Mishmash said.
For Maj. Jim Currie of Iowa Wing the course was about connections -- old and new.
“I got re-acquainted with some old friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time and made many new friends,” Currie said.
“I’m also going back to our squadron with a wealth of knowledge that I can put to use. I kind of have to kick myself for not coming sooner.”
Maj. Paul Perkins of the Texas Wing had nothing but praise for the course.
“Maj. Smalley and I came from another region, another state, and you made us feel at home, so I’m going to highly recommend our members attend NCRSC,” Perkins said.
Donley summed up why she’s been the course director since 1999.
“Every year I go home and I’m asked, “How did it go?” Donley said.
“My answer is always the same -- I had a great time! The people were great. The staff was excellent. I simply enjoy it so much.
“I’m already looking forward for 2013.”
Participating were:
Iowa Wing
Wing Headquarters – Capt. Brian Mishmash, director of cadet programs
Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron – Maj. James Currie, deputy commander for seniors, and Capt. Cynthia Wachholz, commander
Des Moines Composite Squadron –1st Lt. Ron Mutchler, information technologies officer
Illinois Wing
286th Composite Squadron – Maj. William Donahoe, emergency services officer
Kansas Wing
Wing Headquarters – Maj. Barbara Willis
Kansas City Composite Squadron – Maj. Alan Simon
Minnesota Wing
St. Paul Composite Squadron – Maj. Megan Schroeder, deputy supply officer
Group 4 – Maj. Matthew Wiskow, deputy commander
Missouri Wing
Wing Headquarters – Maj. Peter Bellone, supply officer
Nebraska Wing
Wing Headquarters – Maj. Kathryn Petersen, director of cadet programs.
Gage County Composite Squadron – Capt. David Lewis, director of operations.
South Dakota Wing
Wing Headquarters – Maj. John Seten, director of operations
Texas Wing
Red Oak Cadet Squadron – Majs. Paul Perkins, deputy commander for cadets, and Jane Smalley, commander.
