25 July 2020 SAREX

I just got back from the SAREX in Delano hosted by Viking Squadron, and since I was the only one there from our squadron, I feel the need to summarize what happened. This was actually my long-overdue first SAREX(the other ones didn’t work out with my schedule or I forgot to sign up) and I had lots of fun and learning in the time I was there. This is a good time to mention GET YOUR GES DONE(eServices-> Online Learning-> Learning Management System-> the new AXIS portal at the top-> Course Catalog; scroll down a bit until you find it) because without it, they can’t check anything off for attending the SAREX. There were 9 squadrons invited to this event, and I met many new cadets, some I’m sure will be at our Tri-Squadron Blue Moon.
The day started off with opening formation and briefing, then moved on to training for compass, map reading, communications/radios, and ELT(emergency locator transmitter). This was probably the most boring part, but still important and engaging, as you get to check off the Ground Team 3 SQTRs. After the training, we did a mock search and rescue in the grassy parking lot to practice the skills we had learned. We then ate a large lunch provided by the Delano Lions’ Club. During lunch, an elderly lady was watching some planes land when she spotted us and asked if we were Civil Air Patrol. Long story short, she came to the hangar we were eating at and shared some of her life with us- she was a CAP cadet in 1943!!! After lunch, we went for a “Launch Exercise.” The group was split up into 2 teams and dropped off at either side of the property with an LPR(I think that’s what they are called), radios, and lots of water to conduct a line search for an ELT and a dummy that had been planted somewhere on the property. After about 20 minutes, we were in the woods following paths and traipsing through the brush to find clues of a downed aircraft. A CAP plane was up in the air, and they dropped a care package/supply drop of cookies out the window about 1.5 hours into the search, which was really cool to see. After about 2.5 hours, we ran out of time, even after some hints and someone leading us to the general area the ELT was hidden. We were practically on top of it but couldn’t find it, so we decided to walk back to mission base. The people who hid it apparently hid it under a log, and the ELT was dark green, so it was very hard to find. When we got back to mission base, we ate some ice cream treats, had closing formation, and cleaned up.
Overall, this was a very valuable experience. There will be another SAREX hosted by Viking Squadron at the same location on the 2nd weekend of September, so save the date because I want more St. Croix cadets there next time(and hopefully we can take the van because I don’t want to drive an hour each way by myself)! Now all I need to be Ground Team 3 certified is to go to another UBX or SAREX! If anyone has any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reply to this email because I would love to hear them!

-C/CMSgt Menk

P.S. The squadron merch is a very good idea. I felt so professional representing St. Croix Squadron with my mask and T-Shirt.