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 6:30-10 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

Captain Anthony Knauer

Captain Anthony Knauer has been a member of Southeast Minnesota Composite (Dragon) Squadron since 2013. He originally joined the squadron with a son and grandson. He has continued on with the squadron appreciating the learning opportunities and values of the Civil Air Patrol and the impact it has on developing future leaders. Captain Knauer serves as Squadron Commander as well as the Emergency Services Officer and Communication Officer. He has participated in Ground Team Academy and has been the project manager for the annual Group IV Search and Rescue Exercises. He also has a Scanner rating for aircrew.

Captain Knauer believes in the core values of the Civil Air Patrol: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. He currently has two grandsons as members.

Deputy Commander for Senior Members

2d Lt Matthew Treichel

2d Lt Treichel became the squadron's Deputy Commander for Seniors in August 2023. He serves to connect senior members to the program, identifying and aligning their strengths with squadron needs and duties.

Deputy Commander for Cadets

2d Lt Sergey Duchelle

After transferring to the Dragon Squadron in 2020, 2d Lt Duchelle became the  Deputy Commander for Cadets. 

About Our Logo

Cadet Andrew Browning designed the Rochester Squadron patch in 1992 with the help of high school friend Jerusha Dose. The colors used in the design mirror those of the Minnesota Wing shoulder patch. The shield shape is the same as the Minnesota Wing Cadet Encampment pocket patch being used during the same time frame and common shape of many United States Air Force emblems.

• The White Dragon represents what the unit is to the community: a wise and strong friend that in fantasy tales comes down from the skies to aid mankind.
• The dragon stands protectively upon a map outline of Minnesota, with wings spread, ready and willing to fly when needed.
• The tail of the dragon curls protectively around a red star marking the city of Rochester.
• The five points of the star extend towards the surrounding communities from which the unit's members hail.
• The star is reflected in the Dragon's eye because he is "always watching" - "Semper Vigilans" in Latin, which is Civil Air Patrol's motto.

The original design was modified, and a new variation of this patch began being used when the Rochester Composite Squadron was renamed the Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron.