Robyn Stoner, Assistant Deputy Commander for Cadets, Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron
Minot, ND — The MinotWreaths.org 1st Annual Cadet Challenge delivered a surge of energy Sunday as cadets of the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron transformed a 90 minute fun run into a major community impact event. Minot businesses kept pace by pledging donations for every mile logged, sponsoring veteran wreaths at Rosehill Cemetery through MinotWreaths.org, the local effort of Wreaths Across America. In a display of grit, determination, and unmistakable cadet spirit, participants logged 52 miles at Minot North High School’s Sentinel Field.
With a portion of all wreath funds returning to the community to support the squadron’s Cadet Program, every stride meant these cadets were directly supporting their own training and development. Local businesses responded in force, pledging approximately $10,000 in support of MinotWreaths.org. Those pledges will provide nearly 600 wreaths to honor veterans at Rosehill Cemetery this December.
MinotWreaths.org Coordinator Robyn Stoner noted the cadets’ drive from the opening lap. “The Civil Air Patrol cadets were driven once they hit the ground running. Since 29% of all wreath funds return to our community to support their own Cadet Program, every stride meant these kids were supporting their own squadron. Not only did they work for wreath sponsorships to honor our veterans, they also generated $2,900 that returns to our community to strengthen their cadet emergency services training, leadership development, aerospace education and year round service activities. The event was created to include all members of the squadron, ensuring every cadet had the opportunity to participate, contribute, and support the mission of honoring veterans through MinotWreaths.org, even those not geared toward fundraising. And our Minot community stepped up!”
The Cadet Challenge showcased a standout group of cadets who pushed hard from start to finish: C/Capt. Zeke Hoverson, C/2d Lt. Kohen Merkel, C/CMSgt Emma Slocum, C/MSgt Jeannie DeHaan, C/TSgt Tyler Todd, C/SSgt Miles Batteiger, C/SrA Nick Parker, C/A1C Jack May, and C/Amn Miller Merkel. Their determination and stamina set the tone for an event that blended athletic challenge with community remembrance.
MinotWreaths.org and Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron extend sincere appreciation to the businesses and supporters who turned miles into meaningful tribute. Each wreath sponsored through this event ensures a veteran’s name will be spoken aloud and remembered with honor during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 19, 2026.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit MinotWreaths.org or contact MinotWreaths@gmail.com.
