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“Floods of praise for Civil Air Patrol”
Mission Press Release

Captain Richard Sprouse
Mission Information Officer
Fargo - CAP Incident Command

March 26, 2009

(Fargo, ND)

 “Give them some direction and they hop to it.”

That’s what Fargo, N.D., resident Kent Wanner had to say about members of the Minnesota and North Dakota wing’s of the Civil Air Patrol responding the record flooding along the Red River separating Fargo and Moorhead, Minn.

Since early Monday, Wanner and his neighbors of the Riverwood Housing Development have been battling the rising river with sandbags almost round the clock.

“This is a disaster that’s affecting all of us and the assistance of Civil Air Patrol is much appreciated. I can tell you we’re all a little tired and nervous, but your assistance is much appreciated and has lifted our spirits.”

Phil McShane, who also lives in the development, had plenty of praise for CAP as well.

“Who are those marvelous young people? They’re polite, hardworking and their sense of community is amazing, What an example and inspiration to all of us.” McShane said.

Since March 23, approximately 200 CAP members from the border states have been building dikes along the river, despite freezing temperatures and blowing snow.

Forecasters now predict the river will crest at 42 feet by midnight Saturday. That’s 2-feet above the record flooding that devastated the Red River Valley in 1997.

The scope of this year’s event and the reaction of the people is something that C/SrMSgt Hanna Olson of Anoka Squadron will always remember.

“It’s unbelievable how high the water is,” Olson said, “it’s also unbelievable how everyone is pulling together.”

Second Lieutenant Al Trombley of North Hennepin Squadron said that despite the circumstances there’s lots of positive interaction between CAP members.

“It’s been great socializing with members of both the Minnesota and North Dakota wing,” Trombley said.

There was even an extra benefit for Trombley.

“There’s a cadet in our squadron that I didn’t know very well, but after living in the same area for a few days we got to know each other pretty well. Interesting how a common cause like this brings strangers together.”

Col Karl Altenburg, North Dakota Wing commander said this is a situation where an area needs and appreciates CAP’s assistance.

“We will continue to support our citizens in their time of need,” Altenburg said. “Our members will work tirelessly to support our local responders and communities in the Red River Valley.”

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PHOTO CAPTIONS:


01010019 – C/SSgt Simone Rambler of St. Cloud contemplates the rising Red River in Fargo, ND and the efforts to save Fargo and Moorhead, Minn.


01010020 – A cadet and senior officer of the Minnesota Wing team-up during sandbagging efforts along the Red River in Fargo, ND


01010039 – The scope of damage caused by the flooding Red River in Fargo, ND


01010044 – 2d Lt Dan Sargent of the Mankato Composite Squadron gives the “thumbs up” during flood fighting efforts in Fargo, ND


01010054 – Cadets of the Anoka Composite Squadron on the job during flood efforts in the Fargo-Moorhead area
 

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