CAP National Commander Invites Members to Wear Their Uniform to Religious Services

As Civil Air Patrol’s 77th anniversary on Dec. 1 nears, the organization’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Mark Smith, invites all members to join him in an annual tradition – representing CAP by attending worship services in uniform the weekend of Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

“We in CAP take pride in our uniforms and on occasion look for opportunities to wear them publicly to demonstrate this pride,” Smith said. “Traditionally, one of these opportunities has been on the first weekend of December, when CAP members are encouraged to wear their uniform to their religious service of choice.”

In 1972, the CAP National Board designated the first Sunday in December as “CAP Sunday.” Soon after that, Saturday was added for those whose day of religious observance is Saturday.

Now, all faiths are encouraged to participate during the weekend.

“This special tradition gives CAP chaplains an opportunity to acquaint their congregations with their ministry as CAP chaplains, and for CAP members to raise awareness about Civil Air Patrol,” said Chaplain (Col.) Charlie Sattgast, chief of CAP’s Chaplain Corps.

“Attending one's church, synagogue or mosque in uniform is an excellent opportunity to take the message of aerospace to non-CAP members, especially to the community’s youth,” Sattgast added. “For chaplains, it is also an excellent opening for telling their religious bodies about the importance of character development and emergency services in CAP.”

CAP proclamations allow all cadets and senior members to wear their U.S. Air Force-style blue uniforms or the CAP equivalent to their worship services anytime during the weekend closest to the organization’s Dec. 1 anniversary.