(Clockwise, from top)
The Basic Course commander and staff prepare for the day’s activities while students surround the early morning campfire and enjoy their breakfast.
Cadet Airman Ivy Wollberg of the Battle Creek Cadet Squadron, a student in the Advance Course, takes her turn “on the rope” during River Crossing Day.
Cadet Airman Tia Koulchar of the Lt. Col. Edward W. Keehn Composite Squadron, an Advance Team staff member, portrays a crash victim for one of the many mock crash scenes students encountered.
The academy’s commander, Capt. Gus Gettas, take a breather. Gettas also serves as Michigan Wing director of emergency services.
Participants in the academy pose for a group photo.
Expert Course participants Maj. Jason Sherwood and 2nd Lt. Jeston Swarts, the Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron’s commander and emergency services training officer, respectively, take a rare few moments at base camp before heading back out in the field, where they and others spent a majority of their time during the eight-day course.
Cadets in the Advance Course enjoy one of the meals provided at base camp.
Capt. Debbie Sandstrom
Public Affairs Officer/Logistics Staff
2009 Search and Rescue Academy
Emergency Services Training Officer
Michigan Wing
MICHIGAN – Cadets and senior members took to Huron National Forest for eight intensive days of ground team training, living in tents or half-shelters or wherever they could hang a hammock, for the 15th annual Search and Rescue Academy in Luzerne.
In all, 61 students and 23 staff members participated in the academy. Most came most from the Michigan Wing, though some also traveled from the Indiana and Ohio wings.
With five different courses available -- Basic, Advance, Medic, Expert and Senior Member -- all aspects of Civil Air Patrol ground search and rescue training were offered.
From basic gear preparation to in-depth navigation skills, the academy provides a wide variety of training opportunities. Participants worked several different mock crash scenarios as well as a multitude of other realistic missions.
Training in the dense woodland area under the supervision of experienced course leaders allowed the members to gain a wide range of experience and undergo the hands-on training necessary for intense search and rescue missions
The participants were quickly able to put their training to use when the Michigan Wing was alerted to an actual mission just before graduation ceremonies Aug. 8. An aircraft was overdue after taking off the previous afternoon, and members around the state were activated.
Since a ready group of ground team members was already assembled in Luzerne, five teams were dispatched along with mission base staff support to assist in the search efforts. While the aircraft was located just before the academy teams’ arrival, the experience dramatically demonstrated the importance of preparation and practice.
The annual academy has now produced more than 300 graduates since its inception in 1994.