Media Queries: Major Al Pabon 612-296-0474

North Dakota Wing Press Release
Flood Fight of 2009 Begins

Over 50 members from North Dakota and Minnesota wings coming from as far as 250 miles away answered the call to duty.  They are here to help out in the flood fighting efforts to the Fargo North Dakota area. 

Several ground teams have been dispatched to local houses and troubled spots.  Once members checked in, they had minutes before they were dispatched to start the sandbagging. 

There is a massive effort to keep the Red River from destroying local homes, businesses and towns from water damage.  Mother Nature is not planning to cooperate by hitting the ground team with cold temperatures and periods of rain today and called for the rest of the week. 

The aircrews had to return home due to poor visibility.  One call for help in particular was from our local AM station KFGO the Mighty 790 that said the tower site was in danger of overland flooding.  With the building in danger it would also take away our local news radio network that was providing emergency information and flood information to local cities and across Minnesota and North Dakota. 

Col Karl Altenburg the Wing Commander said to the staff “the community leaders have issued an urgent call to mobilize and the Civil Air Patrol has responded.  We have brought in air and ground crews throughout North Dakota and Minnesota and we are going to show the community we are ready to serve them and cater to their needs” 

Story and photos by Lt Col Troy Krabbenhoft, ND Wing PAO

Images of North Dakota Wing Members at the flood scene: