Our Squadron
Welcome to our squadron!
Welcome to the website of the Southeast Minnesota (SEMN) Composite Squadron of the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization of over 60,000 volunteer members nationwide who serve their community through three primary missions: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.
We have an active program that includes both Senior Officers (members 18 years of age and older) as well as cadets (members 12-18 years of age). We are always looking for volunteers young and old, regardless of prior knowledge or experience. Squadron meetings are held weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM at our Squadron Headquarters at the Rochester Minnesota Emergency Operations Center (EOC) co-located in Rochester Fire Station 2 (2185 Wheelock Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906).
Please feel free to browse this site and contact us with any questions.
Squadron Commander
1st Lt Matthew Treichel
1st Lt Treichel took Command of the Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, on July 18, 2024. As Commander, he is responsible to the Civil Air Patrol Organization and to the Group IV Commander for executing the objectives, policies, and operational directives at the squadron level.
He spent two years in CAP, as a cadet, before enlisting in the US Navy and attending the Nuclear Power Training Command. Following graduation, he volunteered to serve on submarines and was stationed aboard the USS Columbus (SSN 762), a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, based in Pearl Harbor, HI. While attached to that command, he participated in two Western Pacific deployments, a major shipyard refit, sound trials, weapons testing, and many other interesting missions.
Treichel was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Sea Service Ribbon, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, qualified to wear the Submarine Warfare Insignia (“dolphins” or “fish”), and obtained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class while on active duty.
Following a six-year enlistment, he focused on his career, obtained an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration, and earned the Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission NERC Certification. He currently works as an Electric Transmission System Operator at a local utility company.
Treichel re-joined CAP in May of 2022, and served the Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron as the Deputy Commander for Seniors, Aerospace Education Officer, Safety Officer, and Assistant Testing Officer. He has overseen many successful projects since and serves as a Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America.
Since re-joining Civil Air Patrol, he has been awarded the CAP Achievement Award, CAP Leadership Award, CAP Membership Award, CAP General Yeager Award, CAP Crisis Service Award, CAP Red Service Award, and CAP Safety Technician Rating Badge. He is an active Ground Team Member, Mission Radio Operator, Recreational Drone Pilot, and VFR Pilot. He holds a Commercial Drone License and a Private Pilot License.
Treichel enjoys attending his kid’s sporting, choir, and band events, coaching softball, restoring classic cars, hiking, hunting, fishing, and of course, flying. He lives in Zumbrota, MN, with his wife and two kids.
Current as of July 2024
Deputy Commander for Senior Members
1st Lt Elsa Olson
1st Lt Olson became the squadron's Deputy Commander for Seniors in July 2024. She serves to connect senior members to the program, identifying and aligning their strengths with squadron needs and duties.
Deputy Commander for Cadets
2d Lt Kate Brewner
2d Lt Brewner joined the Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron after watching her son thrive in the cadet program for many years. She became the Deputy Commander for Cadets in January 2024 and enjoys helping the cadets grow and thrive within the program.
About Our Emblem
Emblem of the Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary (NCR-MN-047)
Element One
White Dragon – The White Dragon, a symbol of the squadron since 1991, faces the position of honor and the direction of progress. White represents the purity of the squadron’s Cadet Program and the transformation of youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders. The Dragon’s wings are poised showing the squadron’s readiness and commitment to be available when the community requires. The four scales on the Dragon’s breast and near its heart represent the values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect, that serve as the ethical framework for Civil Air Patrol's service to America.
Red Eye – The Dragon’s Red Eye reflects the Red Star below, showing the squadron is Always Vigilant. The red in both represents the boldness of the squadron and its passion for service.
Element Two
Map of Minnesota – This is a homage to the Minnesota Wing emblem. Gold is the color of wisdom, representing the continuing education and training which our members have dedicated themselves to.
Red Star – Identifies the location of the squadron’s headquarters in Rochester, Minnesota, and the points of the star represent the surrounding communities in Southeast Minnesota where squadron members come from. The Dragon protectively surrounds this area on the map with its tail.
Element Three
CAP Charge – The “tri-blade” is a historic symbol of the Civil Air Patrol and is easily identifiable by all. Together the red, white, and blue field behind it represent the squadron’s patriotism and support of our great nation. The Dragon displays this symbol with pride.
Shape & Field
Emblems representing a Squadron-level echelon of the Civil Air Patrol are contained in a disk shape. Blue and Yellow are the colors of the US Air Force, representing our relationship with, and support of the branch as their only official auxiliary. The blue represents the sky, the primary theater of operations, while yellow represents the sun and the excellence required of all personnel.
“Respira Ignem” is a Latin phrase meaning Breathe Fire. A member who breathes fire is one that is assertive, motivated, and leads by example. The squadron’s motto reminds members to always do your best and give maximum effort.
