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May 2026

Inspiration to Ponder

Around the Chaplain Corps

The Transmitter Live Launches: A New Era of Chaplain Corps Collaboration

Session #1: Preparing for Encampment 2026

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps marked an important milestone with the launch of “The Transmitter Live,” a new monthly webinar series designed to strengthen communication, training, and mission readiness across the corps.

This live Zoom-based initiative, hosted through the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps College, creates a consistent forum where chaplains and character development instructors can stay informed, share best practices, and engage directly with leadership. Each session is recorded, ensuring that every member of the corps can access and benefit from the training at their convenience.

A Strong Start: Encampment Preparation 2026

The inaugural session, “Preparing for Encampment 2026,” set the tone for what promises to be a highly impactful series. Led by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Linda Berez and Chaplain (Maj.) Dovid Grossman, the session focused on equipping Chaplain Support Teams (CSTs) with practical tools and best practices for success at encampments nationwide.

Participants were also introduced to the new Chaplain Activity Reporting System for Encampments, a streamlined tool developed by Chaplain Corps leadership to enhance reporting, accountability, and operational effectiveness in the field.

Approximately 70 chaplains and character development instructors from across the country joined the live session, demonstrating both the need for and enthusiasm surrounding this new platform. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance of the content, the clarity of instruction, and the value of connecting as a National Chaplain Corps.

Collaboration Across the Corps

“The Transmitter Live” stands as a clear example of collaboration in action. In alignment with active-duty Air Force structure, the Chaplain Corps operates through four key functional areas at Headquarters:

HCP (Personnel), HCE (Education), HCT (Technology),HCX (Programs and Operations).

This inaugural webinar was made possible through the coordinated efforts of HCE, HCT, and HCX, each contributing their expertise to deliver a seamless and meaningful experience. From curriculum development to technical execution and operational relevance, the partnership reflects a unified commitment to excellence.

The session opened with remarks from the Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (Col.) John Reutemann, who emphasized the importance of continued professional development and connection across the corps. The webinar was expertly hosted by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Tim Miner, Chief of Education and Training for the Chaplain Corps, whose leadership helped guide the session and engage participants throughout.

Looking Ahead

“The Transmitter Live” is more than a webinar, it is a strategic step forward in building a more connected, informed, and mission-ready Chaplain Corps. By bringing together leadership, subject matter experts, and field personnel in a dynamic and accessible format, this initiative strengthens our collective ability to serve cadets, adult members, and squadrons across the nation.

All members are encouraged to take advantage of future sessions and to share these resources within their units.

Stay tuned for the next Transmitter Live session—your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead.

The Transmitter Live Session from April 23, 2026 is available on our YouTube Channel.

USAF Expeditionary Operations School

The USAF Chaplain Corps conducts a second tier training course on HC Readiness for its Religious Support Teams (RST). The purpose of the course is to train its Religious Support Teams to return home and prepare for mass casualty, natural disaster, and contingency operations (foreign and domestic) tailored to their base. On May 13, 2026, Civil Air Patrol Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Morison, HC Readiness trainer for the Air Force, presented a briefing he developed on CAP as the Fourth Component of the Total Force and its capabilities to augment Air Force/Space Force.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Morison briefing twenty-two US Air Force Chaplains and

Religious Affairs Airmen.

North Central Region
Chaplain Corps Staff College 2026

By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don Mikitta

CAP members of the NCR class of 2026

The North Central Region (NCR) Chaplain Corps Region Staff College 2026 of the Civil Air Patrol was directed by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jeffrey Williams, 20-24 April 2026 at Camp Dodge, Iowa. The NCR Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Donald Mikitta hosted the college, while Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jill Holm served as the Staff Chaplain. Maj. Heike Dodge served as the registrar. Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps Executive Officer, Lt Col Shirley Rodriquez was also in attendance.

Our key training event theme for the college was: “Mission Staff Assistant” training members in Mission Base Operations.

Additional presentations were given as follows:

- “WIMRS for fun and Prophet” and “The Practical Aspects of WIMRS”,

by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jeffrey Williiams

- “Aerospace hands on” by Lt. Col. Jeff Michalski

- “Perspectives and Relating” by Lt. Col. Marybeth Slocumb, CDI

- Chaplain/CDI breakouts - Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don Mikitta

and Lt. Col. Shirley Rodriguez, CDI

- “Leadership and Character Development – The Rework Protocol”

by Col. Jonathan Lartigue

- “NCR Chaplain/CDI Briefing” by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Donald Mikitta

The Graduation Banquet was held at the Camp Chapel. Prior to the banquet, Chaplain (Col.) John Reutemann addressed the attendees. The Banquet speaker was Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Sickmeyer. Graduates received certificates of attendance, Col. Thomas Theis presented the certificates

Three chaplains retired. Chaplain (Lt .Col.) Charles D Hudson, Chaplain (Lt .Col.) James Sickmeyer and Chaplain (Lt .Col.) Eugene Abrams.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don Mikitta presented a plaque to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Sickmeyer from his endorser, Associated Gospel Church, Greenville, SC

Back to Basics

Mission of the Chaplain Corps

The CAP Regulation 80-1 provides our guiding regulation for the focus of our activities as Chaplains and CDIs and allows us to successfully execute our part as members of the larger CAP team.for the chaplain. Our mission is defined as follows from section 5.

Chaplains are representatives of America’s religious communities; CDIs assist with the non-religious aspects of the Chaplain Corps. In accordance with its founding general order, the CAP Chaplain Corps:

5.1. Will provide resources and personnel to enable the free exercise of religion by CAP members.

5.2. Will promote the role of the CAP core values in all CAP activities through education, presence, and advice.

5.3. Will respond to emergencies with skill and professionalism.

5.4. Will conduct themselves with compassion and respect toward all members of CAP.

5.5. Will provide CAP and USAF (including Guard and Reserve) members with:

5.5.1. Opportunities for worship, liturgies, rites, and ceremonies that enable them to exercise their faith and fulfill their religious requirements.

5.5.2. Spiritual resources and religious programs that serve the educational, humanitarian, and personal needs of the CAP community and individuals.

5.5.3. Advice that helps CAP leaders address spiritual needs, religious requirements, and ethical issues as they impact mission, quality of life, and First Amendment rights for CAP members.

5.5.4. Support for the CAP Worship Weekend (CAP Sabbath / Sunday) on the first weekend in December.

5.6. Will provide curriculum and personnel to support the ongoing core values and character development training of all CAP members, both senior and cadet.

5.6.1 Senior Members. All senior members are encouraged to make core values and character education an integral part of their CAP experience. Commanders, chaplains, and CDIs are expected to assume leadership roles in CAP's internal core values and character programs. The Chaplain Corps will provide the senior member character, ethics, and core values materials. When the character, ethics, or core values training is presented as part of the Senior Member Education and Training program, it will be taught by a Volunteer University instructor. When possible, the instructor for character, ethics, or core values training presented as part of the Senior Member Education and Training Program will also be a chaplain or CDI.

5.6.2. Cadet Members. Character education is a major part of the cadet program. Cadets must complete formal character forum requirements to progress through the various achievements of the cadet program. CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management, defines the cadet program and outlines the character education requirements.

5.7. The Chaplain Corps organizes and trains to provide a ministry of presence to all Civil Air Patrol members in all missions and across all domains of operations.

5.8. The Chaplain Corps provides leadership, personnel, and resources to enable CAP members to participate in national resilience and wellness activities as directed by the national, regional, and local command authorities.

Need to Know

Become a Spiritual Wingman

Join the Civil Air Patrol Spiritual Support "Squadron"—a growing team dedicated to providing spiritual air cover across CAP and our military family. Become a spiritual wingman today.

Click here to register to become a spiritual wingman!

Members may request prayer by emailing:

[email protected]

The Virtual Incident Command Post

The Virtual Incident Command Post (vICP) needs your support.

Chaplains and CDIs are invited to offer an opening prayer. Click here for information and to sign up !

Be sure that you are sign in with your hc.cap.gov address or request one at [email protected].

Education & Training Opportunities

Click here for the CAP Chaplain Corps College

Click here for Chaplain Corps Region Staff Colleges (CCRSC)

Click here for the Chaplain Corps Emergency Services School (ChESS)

USAF Chaplain Corps Multi-Faith Calendar

(May 15 - August 15, 2026)

15 May - Yom Yerushalayim - Judaism

21 - 23 May - Shavuot - Judaism

22 May - 05 Jun - Hajj/Pilgrimage - Islam

23 May - Declaration of the Bab - Baha'i

24 May - Pentecost - Christianity

26 May - Day of 'Arafah - Islam

26 - 29 May - Eid al-Adha - Islam

28 May - Ascension of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i

31 May - Buddha Day - Buddhism

07 Jun - Pentecost - Christianity, Orthodox

07 Jun - Corpus Christi - Roman Catholic

17 Jun - Muharram - Hijri Calendar - Islam

18 Jun - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib - Sikh

21 Jun - Litha/Summer Solstice - Wicca, Paganism

25 Jun - Day of Ashura - Islam

29 Jun - 03 Jul - Ghambar Maidyoshem - Zoroastrianism

02 Jul - Fast of 17 Tammuz - Judaism

09 Jul - Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha'i

23 - 24 Jul - Fast of Tisha B'Av - Judaism

29 Jul - Dharma Day - Buddhism

31 Jul - Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola - Roman Catholic

01 Aug - Lughnassad (Lammas) - Wicca, Paganism

06 Aug - Transfiguration of Christ - Roman Catholic, Orthodox

15 Aug - Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Roman Catholic

15 Aug - Dormition of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary - Orthodox

Where does one go for information?

The Chaplain Corps has four divisions where one can go for assistance. You may contact the appropriate division for assistance.

Education, for all questions related to Chaplain Corps courses. [email protected]

Personnel, for all questions related to personnel concerns. [email protected]

Technical, for all questions related to software and IT concerns. [email protected]

Plans & Programs, for all questions related to operational concerns. [email protected]

...or check out our website sections below:

Main Page

Resources

Education and Training

Values for Living 2.0

From the Editor

The Transmitter is a publication that requires your support! You are the one who can share knowledge and experiences that promote creativity, flexibility, and ingenuity in what we do. Sharing this with our fellow chaplains and CDIs inspires greater service to CAP and our local community.

We encourage you to inspire the Chaplain Corps by sharing your participation in special ceremonies, special training programs (as participant or instructor), and in all types of CAP activities. Help us serve better by sharing knowledge, insights, and best practices that allow us to better serve to our fellow CAP Airmen and our communities.

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