Michigan Wing Members Portal, Civil Air Patrol

Over the past several weeks, the South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota Wings have been dealing with significant flooding.  Compounding the situations have been a steading stream of blizzards in the flooded areas as well as Kansas Wing.  A blizzard is approaching the flooded area now and that is the last thing they need.

Operations are continuing in North Dakota and will continue for some time.  Our North Dakota members are exhausted and have asked for assistance.  Members from South Dakota and Minnesota are stepping up at this time due to their closer proximity.  If operations continue and if the pending winter storms cause problems in their Wings, we will need the other Wings of the North Central Region to help.

Last year and earlier this year I warned that these situations were very possible.  It happened last year in Iowa and Missouri and now this year the Dakotas and Minnesota.  I asked that all of our Wings train and be prepared to answer the call.  It is very apparent that you have prepared and that you are willing to answer the call.  My thanks to you!

But I fear that we have only started our work.  Heavy snow fall in our northern Wings also means that a fast melt can and probably will cause us the same flooding problems in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.  Even though those Wings may not be involved now in our northern Wings, they need to be prepared in their own Wings.

"Proactive and ready" is the motto for NCR for 2009.  More than ever it appears it is also going to be our mode of operation.  Now is the time to check the aircraft, vehicles, communications and other equipment and member qualifications.  When the problems begin, it will be too late.

I am and we all should be proud of the members of the North Central Region.  We have some of the finest and most outstanding people in the world as our members.  You are willing to answer the call when the citizens need our help.  You are willing to give so much.  But I am going to ask you to do one more thing and that is to keep our members and all of the citizens of our Region in your thoughts and prayers.  The heart tugging stories coming from the flooded areas are proof that right now that is what they need more than anything.

Steve W. Kuddes, Colonel, CAP
Commander, North Central Region