South Dakota Wing Completes Successful Financial Audit

South Dakota Wing demonstrated its responsible financial management when it completed a financial audit successfully in October. The review by the wing’s financial analyst, Lisa Campbell, found no critical control weaknesses.

“It is vital that Civil Air Patrol be accountable for the funds it receives from Congress via the Air Force, state government, and membership dues,” said Col. Michael Marek, CAP’s South Dakota Wing commander. “That accountability to taxpayers and members includes using the funds wisely, but also the bookkeeping, accounting, authorization, and other practices that a professional, trustworthy organization requires.”

During her visit to South Dakota Wing Headquarters, Campbell, a CAP national headquarters employee, reviewed South Dakota Wing’s financial records and transactions. Marek said that her report listed three commendable management practices and offered a handful of wing and squadron items where we could adjust internal controls or records.

“The excellent report on this audit is due to the strong collaboration of our wing finance team, including the outgoing and incoming wing finance officers, Capt. Kevin Pegelow and Lt. Col. Craig Goodrich, respectively,” said Marek, “and also to the yeoman efforts of Rachel Kuecker, our wing administrator.”

Civil Air Patrol nationally receives close to $70 million annually, including operating CAP’s national headquarters; operational mission training; and acquiring aircraft, vehicles, and communications equipment. South Dakota Wing is allocated $60,000 from the state Department of Military budget to reimburse eligible expenses.