Group 22 Particpates in Ice Bowl 2011

The extended cold weather CAP Emergency Services exercise that has become known as the "Ice Bowl" was held on 26 Jan 2011 at both Du Page Airport and at the Paul Wolff Forest Preserve with great success.
Major Andy Welch and his team provided oversight and training opportunities for ground team and communication personnel at the Forest Preserve while 1Lt Cher Gupta Fletcher and her team, including Lake County Composite Squadron Commander Captain Brian Pokuta, handled air operations at Du Page Airport. All together, there were 48 people from 12 different squadrons participating.
While the ground team training proceeded the air operations were grounded most of the morning with low ceilings and limited visibility. This didn't stop those gathered from completing training, reviewing and renewing many required tasks.
It wasn't until 2:00 PM that the skies cleared and the crews received the "green light" to launch. Despite the delay the team at Du Page was able to launch 4 sorties in support of the ground teams and guiding them to their targets.
As usual the event was well organised and well attended, and this is why this event has become a staple of emergency services training in Illinois.