View source for South Dakota Wing Civil Air Patrol

{{Civil Air Patrol Wing Infobox
|State = South Dakota
|Image = SD WG Patch 797C94BC5F0BE.png
|Commander = [[File:US-O6_insignia.svg|15px]] [[Colonel (United States)|Col]] Michael Marek
|Vice Commander = [[File:US-O5_insignia.svg|15px]] [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|Lt Col]] Kevin Pegelow
|Chief of Staff = [[File:US-O5_insignia.svg|15px]] [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|Lt Col]] Todd Epp
|Squadrons = 7
|Cadets = 140
|Seniors = 340
|Total = 480
|Website = {{URL|https://sdwg.cap.gov/}}
|Date = July 2024}}
'''South Dakota Wing [[Civil Air Patrol]]''' (abbreviated as '''SDWG''') is the highest echelon of CAP in the state of [[South Dakota]]. The wing headquarters is at the Rapid City Regional Airport in [[Rapid City, South Dakota]]. '''SDWG''' reports to CAP's North Central Region, which in turn reports to CAP National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/cap_national_hq/cap_regional_links/ |title=CAP Regional Links – Civil Air Patrol |publisher=Members.gocivilairpatrol.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>
The wing consists of squadrons, the basic unit of CAP. At present, '''SDWG''' consists of three administrative squadrons and seven composite squadrons composed of cadets (youth ages 12–21) and senior members (age 18 and up). '''SDWG''' is currently commanded by [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] Michael Marek.

==Structure==
[[File:SDWG aircraft flies past Mount Rushmore.jpg|thumb|upright=2.0|SDWG [[Cessna 182T]] flies past Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.]]
Below wing level are squadrons. '''SDWG''' has three administrative squadrons and seven operational squadrons. The operational squadrons are at the local level of the CAP organization. They meet weekly to conduct CAP's three core missions and are on-call 24/7 to respond to requests for emergency assistance. In South Dakota Wing, all seven of the operational squadrons are composite squadrons in that they offer programs for both cadets and senior members.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://generalaviationnews.com/2014/02/18/sd-governor-proclaims-civil-air-patrol-day/ |title=SD Governor proclaims ‘Civil Air Patrol Day’ — General Aviation News |publisher=Generalaviationnews.com |date=2014-02-18 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.yankton.net/community/article_f383db90-9920-11e3-adc2-0019bb2963f4.html |title=Feb. 20 Is ‘Civil Air Patrol Day’ In SD – Yankton Press & Dakotan: Community |publisher=Yankton.net |date=2014-02-18 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://sdwg.cap.gov/command/squadrons |title=Squadrons |accessdate=2020-01-25}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Designation !! Squadron Name !! Location !! Type
|-
| SD-000|| Wing Holding Squadron || N/A || Administrative
|-
| SD-001|| Headquarters Squadron || [[Rapid City, South Dakota|Rapid City]] || Administrative 
|-
| SD-007 || Lincoln County Composite Squadron || [[Tea, South Dakota|Tea]] || Operational
|-
| SD-031 || Rushmore Composite Squadron || [[Ellsworth Air Force Base|Ellsworth AFB]] ([[Rapid City, South Dakota|Rapid City]]) || Operational
|-
| SD-038 || Pierre Composite Squadron || [[Pierre, South Dakota|Pierre]] || Operational
|-
| SD-050 || Sioux Falls Composite Squadron || [[Sioux Falls, South Dakota|Sioux Falls]] || Operational
|-
| SD-058 || Big Sioux Composite Squadron || [[Brookings, South Dakota|Brookings]] || Operational
|-
| SD-063 || Lookout Mountain Composite Squadron || [[Spearfish, South Dakota|Spearfish]] || Operational
|-
| SD-068 || Crazy Horse Composite Squadron || [[Custer, South Dakota|Custer]] || Operational
|-
| SD-999 || Wing Legislative Squadron || [[Pierre, South Dakota|Pierre]] || Administrative
|}

==Missions==
South Dakota Wing performs Civil Air Patrol's three congressionally mandated missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/civil-air-patrols-three-primary-missions |title=Civil Air Patrol's Three Primary Missions |publisher=gocivilairpatrol.com |access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mva.sd.gov/adjutant_general.html |title=Welcome to South Dakota's Department of Military & Veteran Affairs |publisher=Mva.sd.gov |date=2005-05-06 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://capmembers.com/media/cms/Leg_Day_SD_Wing_HiRes_AF15F12B273A3.pdf |title=2012 : A year of distinctive missions |publisher=Capmembers.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdpilots.com/AOPA_CAP_EAA.htm |title=South Dakota Pilots Association – AOPA, CAP, EAA |publisher=Sdpilots.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>
[[File:Members of the Civil Air Patrol Rushmore Composite Squadron, South Dakota Wing stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.jpg|thumb|right|250px| Members of the Civil Air Patrol Rushmore Composite Squadron stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a monthly meeting at Ellsworth Air Force Base.]]
* '''Emergency Services''' – SDWG supports Civil Air Patrol's Emergency Services missions by operating six CAP aircraft and 17 multi-purpose vehicles. SDWG takes part in aerial and ground-based search and rescue, disaster relief operations, humanitarian assistance, support to the South Dakota Air National Guard through low-level route surveys and counter-aerial intruder training, and aerial survey assistance to the state Department of Game Fish and Parks and South Dakota State University in their wildlife management programs.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stephanie Gregory |url=http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/search-and-rescue-civil-air-patrol-saving-lives/?id=142398 |title=Search And Rescue: Civil Air Patrol Saving Lives |publisher=Keloland.Com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/south-dakota-civil-air-patrol-receives-national-citation/article_3263e15c-d50b-11e0-8b0e-001cc4c03286.html |title=South Dakota Civil Air Patrol receives national citation |publisher=Rapidcityjournal.com |date=2011-09-01 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ksfy.com/story/23797138/sd-wing-of-civil-air-patrol-conducts-excercise |title=SD Wing of Civil Air Patrol conducts exercise – KSFY News – Sioux Falls, South Dakota News, Weather, Sports |publisher=Ksfy.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.kdlt.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30525&Itemid=57 |title=South Dakota News – SD Civil Air Patrol Checks Dead Cattle On Highways |publisher=Kdlt.com |date=2013-10-09 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kdlt.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30967&Itemid=57 |title=South Dakota News – Civil Air Patrol Practices Emergency Drills |publisher=Kdlt.com |date=2013-10-26 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>
* '''Aerospace Education''' – The Aerospace Education program ensures all SDWG members have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues.  It provides general aerospace knowledge and focuses on advances in aviation, aerospace technology and space exploration. SDWG's support for the AE mission also includes participation in local, state and national aviation events.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guidestar.org/organizations/58-1781913/civil-air-patrol-4000-south-dakota-wing.aspx |title=Nonprofit Report for Civil Air Patrol 4000 South Dakota Wing |publisher=Guidestar.org |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pioneer-review.com/?q=content/cap-aerospace-weekend-philip-blast |title=CAP aerospace weekend in Philip a blast |publisher=Pioneer Review |date=2006-06-08 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>
* '''Cadet Programs''' – While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone.  SDWG offers the Cadet Program in all six of its squadrons across the state. The Cadet Program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and character development. There is also an orientation flight program for the cadets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Epp |first=Todd |url=http://npntestfeed.blogspot.com/2013/11/release-south-dakota-civil-air-patrol.html |title=Northern Plains News: RELEASE: South Dakota Civil Air Patrol to Place Holiday Wreaths on Veterans’ Graves in December |publisher=Npntestfeed.blogspot.com |date=2013-11-05 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/sturgis/piedmont-teen-earns-civil-air-patrol-s-highest-cadet-honor/article_38056ea7-2c4a-54ba-8ebf-066722e3d662.html |title=Piedmont teen earns Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor : Communitysturgis |publisher=Rapidcityjournal.com |date=2012-08-30 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>

==Cadet encampment==
Each year South Dakota Wing and North Dakota Wing jointly hold an encampment, usually a week to ten days in length. These encampments allow cadets to experience a semi-military lifestyle with instruction in discipline, teamwork and leadership. Other activities involve instruction in drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, basic CAP knowledge and military traditions. The Joint Dakotas encampment alternates between Camp Grafton near Devils Lake or Grand Forks AFB, both in North Dakota and Camp Rapid or Ellsworth AFB, both in South Dakota.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dev1.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/190770/ |title=Civil Air Patrol to train at camp &#124; The Jamestown Sun &#124; Jamestown, North Dakota |publisher=Dev1.jamestownsun.com |date=2013-07-13 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://mytown.kotatv.com/rapid-city/2013/07/12/cap-cadets-invade-camp-rapid/ |title=CAP cadets invade Camp Rapid &#124; Rapid CityRapid City |publisher=Mytown.kotatv.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>

==National Cadet Special Activities==
[[National Cadet Special Activities]] are Cadet Programs conducted by Civil Air Patrol. NCSAs are designed to give cadets direct hands on experience with various aspects of the Civil Air Patrol program and provide meaningful insight into several aviation-related careers. There are about 30 different special activities that a cadet may attend. Each activity is approximately a week long, and all but two are offered during the summer. The variety of NCSAs offered by CAP gives cadets a diverse experience. Activities focus on career exploration, leadership development, search and rescue skills, aeronautical training, Air Force familiarization, government, and a variety of other topics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsas.com/ |title=Special Activities Home – Civil Air Patrol |publisher=Ncsas.com |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessair.com/aircraft-press-releases/cadets-assist-world-s-largest-air-shows-part-civil-air-patrol-s-national-blue-beret-encampment |title=Cadets assist with one of world's largest air shows as part of Civil Air Patrol's National Blue Beret Encampment |publisher=Business Air |date=2012-07-16 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>

==Scholarships==
Civil Air Patrol members are also eligible for a wide variety of scholarships; academic scholarships, flight scholarships and school-specific scholarships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/scholarships |title=Scholarships – Civil Air Patrol |publisher=Capmembers.com |date=2014-01-15 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://generalaviationnews.com/2013/12/13/two-south-dakota-cap-cadets-awarded-flight-scholarships/ |title=Two South Dakota CAP cadets awarded flight scholarships — General Aviation News |publisher=Generalaviationnews.com |date=2013-12-13 |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol|Awards and Decorations of the Civil Air Patrol]]
* [[Cadet grades and insignia of the Civil Air Patrol|Cadet Grades and Insignia of the Civil Air Patrol]]
* [[South Dakota State Guard]]

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |title=Hero Next Door: Story of the Civilian Volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol |url=https://archive.org/details/heronextdoor0000burn |url-access=registration |publisher=Aero Publishers |location=Fallbrook, California |first=Frank A |last=Burnham |year=1974 |isbn=0-8168-6450-0}}
* {{cite book |title=Search and Rescue Specialists |chapter=The Civil Air Patrol |publisher=PowerKids Press |location=New York |first=Lissette |last=Gonzales |year=2008 |isbn=1-4042-3779-8 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/searchrescuespec0000gonz }}
* {{cite book |title=American Home Front in World War II |url=https://archive.org/details/americanhomefron0000hane |url-access=registration |chapter=Civil Defense |publisher=UXL |location=Detroit |first=Richard Clay |last=Hanes |author2=Hanes, Sharon M |author3=McNeill, Allison  |year=2005 |isbn=0-7876-7651-9}}
* {{cite book |title=Flying Minutemen of the Civil Air Patrol |publisher=Weider History Group |first=Nick |last=Jacobellis |year=2003}}
* [http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P050_005_C3E62FDD0BD80.pdf Introduction to Civil Air Patrol, CAPP 50-5, April 2013, Page 24, Retrieved 26 February 2014]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://sdwg.cap.gov sdwg.cap.gov] South Dakota Wing Website
* [https://gocivilairpatrol.com gocivilairpatrol.com] Civil Air Patrol Website
* [https://cap.news cap.news] Civil Air Patrol News Magazine

{{CAP |state=expanded}}
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[[Category:Military in South Dakota]]
[[Category:Wings of the Civil Air Patrol]]