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
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
SM Kate Brewner
Kate 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.
