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Update from Col Steve Kuddes
Commander, North Central Region - March 29th 2009
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
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