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CAP Unit Receives Computer Gifts from TSP

September 9, 2021

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(Sioux Falls)—The Sioux Falls architectural firm TSP has given three computers to Sioux Falls Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

“I’ve become more and more aware of what some of the computer needs are in nonprofit organizations,” said Ron Mielke, a principal in TSP. “Our business changes out computers on a regular basis, because we need a fairly high level of computer capability, but the computers we’re are changing out still have good life in them.

Mielke is a member of Civil Air Patrol and a retired brigadier general in the South Dakota Air National Guard. He hopes TSP can be a role model for other businesses contributing to other non-profit organizations.

CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, with responsibilities that are part of USAF’s support to civil authorities to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

“Computers are vital to planning, executing, and analyzing results from CAP’s operational missions,” said 1st Lt. Travis Robinson, commander of Sioux Falls Composite Squadron. “The computers given by TSP are highly capable for CAP’s mission management applications, as well as standard software like Word and Excel.”

One of the first uses made by the squadron was analysis of FEMA Hurricane Ida airborne damage assessment photography. The crowdsourced analysis discerns between damage to a structure and trees down that have not impacted a structure, and tags the photos as such.

CAP has over 400 members in South Dakota with units in Brookings, Custer, Miller/Faulkton, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish and Tea. The wing can deploy its six aircraft, ground teams and small search drones to assist in emergency response and other support to local, state, tribal and federal agencies.

Tagged As: Emergency Services

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