Civil Air Patrol service often starts close to home, yet its influence frequently reaches far beyond a single unit or state.
On Sept. 30, Civil Air Patrol Capt. Dan Robelen was commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Navy during a ceremony held at a meeting of CAP’s Kevin A. Adams Memorial Composite Squadron.
Family members, friends, fellow squadron members, and distinguished guests gathered to witness the milestone. The ceremony marked Robelen’s transition from volunteer chaplaincy within Civil Air Patrol to active-duty military service. Former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Atkinson, now a deacon at Robelen’s church, served as the commissioning officer.
Robelen has supported his squadron and the Michigan Wing as a Civil Air Patrol chaplain, providing spiritual care, mentorship, and guidance to cadets and senior members. He will now serve sailors, Marines, and their families as part of the Navy Chaplain Corps.
Where Service Opens New Doors
For many members, Civil Air Patrol is more than a volunteer organization. It is a place where leadership develops, service becomes habit, and personal calling takes shape.
Robelen’s journey reflects how CAP creates opportunities for growth through real responsibility and trusted leadership roles. Experience gained at the squadron and wing level often helps members clarify future paths in civilian life, public service, or the military.
For individuals seeking meaningful service, mentorship, and purpose beyond themselves, Civil Air Patrol offers a starting point grounded in action.
Faith, Service, and Calling
Reflecting on his commissioning, Robelen spoke about faith and the unpredictable nature of service.
“One of the exciting things about serving Christ is while you know where you will spend eternity, you do not always know where you will spend next year or the rest of your ministry,” Robelen said. “Now Christ will be guiding some of those paths through the U.S. active-duty Navy.”
Leaders attending the ceremony praised Robelen’s dedication to ministry and his consistent commitment to those he served through Civil Air Patrol. The event also underscored the longstanding relationship between CAP and the armed forces, built on shared values of service, leadership, and duty.
Service That Continues to Multiply
Robelen’s commissioning represents a continuation of service rooted in Civil Air Patrol. His experience highlights how CAP prepares members to lead, care for others, and respond when new opportunities to serve arise.
Through chaplaincy, emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs, Civil Air Patrol shapes citizens ready to contribute wherever the nation needs them most.
For those willing to step forward, service through Civil Air Patrol often leads farther than expected.
