Pegelow Assumes Command
Col. Kevin Pegelow took command of South Dakota Wing of Civil Air Patrol, following a change of command ceremony December 7 in Pierre, South Dakota at the State Capitol Building. CAP North Central Region commander Col. Tom Theis officiated this ceremony, where Col. Pegelow succeeded Col. Michael Marek.
“It is with tremendous pride and humility that I accept command of this incredible group of people,” said Pegelow. “We are grateful to Col Marek for his service over the last three years and we look to continue to be of service to our communities, state and nation."
The tradition of the Change of Command ceremony dates to the Continental Army, where the previous commander passes the organization’s flag to the incoming commander in the presence of the entire organization. The flags being passed is a reminder of allegiance to the organization and is a tangible way of showing change to the organization.
“It was an honor serving as South Dakota Wing commander during my three-year term,” said Marek. “Col. Pegelow is as ready for his new command position as anyone could be. He has my full support.”
Col. Pegelow started in Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in 1992 and is a proud graduate of the Wisconsin Cadet Academy. Col Pegelow received the Carl A Spaatz award and proceeded to serve the Wisconsin Wing in a variety of roles until 2006.
After moving to South Dakota in 2021, Col. Pegelow rapidly progressed through the senior member levels of Civil Air Patrol, where he eventually went on to earn the Gill Rob Wilson Award in 2023. In addition, he has obtained a Master’s rating in Cadet Programs and Senior Ratings in Emergency Services, Safety, Command, Finance, Professional Development, Personnel, and Administration. In addition, he holds Technical Ratings in Aerospace Education and Communications.
He has also served in 12 cadet encampments, two years at the National Blue Beret, and in 2024 attended the National Emergency Services Academy for incident commander. He has also served in a variety of positions within South Dakota Wing, including squadron deputy commander for cadets, deputy commander, wing director of finance, assistant wing chief, and wing deputy commander.
Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, with responsibilities that are part of the USAF’s support to civil authorities to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance. In 2024, South Dakota Wing even assisted in the Ellsworth AFB B-1 crash by providing aerial photography and aerial maps of the crash site.
With close to 490 members in the South Dakota Wing, and units across the state from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, this wing can employ six aircraft, ground teams, and small drones to aid in disaster response and support to local, state, tribal, and other federal agencies.
