Chaplain Richard Nelson is a native Californian. Growing up on 300 acres, he attended Yuba City High School, College of San Mateo, University of the Pacific, B.A. Business Management and Liberty University M.A.Th. in Chaplaincy 2012. He joined the California National Guard in 1956 and during the next 10 years he advanced to the rank of SFC holding the position of Division Operations Sgt. for the 49th Division Artillery.

Richard began his ministry in 1970 holding volunteer positions in Sunday School, Jr. High, Music, Christian Drug Center Director, Youth Prison Ministry, Singles Pastor, Prayer Minister, and Teacher.

Chaplain Nelson joined CAP in August 2005, and received his Chaplain’s appointment in October 12th, being assigned to Squadron 47 at Camp Pendleton. His awards include, CAWG Chaplain of the Year, Pacific Region Squadron Chaplain of the Year, and several Commander’s Commendations. He has completed Basic & Peer Critical Incident Stress Management, and Pastoral Care CISM along with several courses in Suicide Awareness.

Richard is also an OES Disaster Chaplain, works with the Red Cross and the Armed Forces YMCA. He enjoys photography and Tae Kwon Do working on his 5th Dan Black Belt. He is married to Nancy, has five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.