OPINION: Air Force Chaplain Corps ensuring Airmen spiritually fit to fight for 75 years

This year, Kirtland Air Force Base joins the rest of the Air Force in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Chaplain Corps.

The Chaplain Corps has been a vital component of the Air Force since its establishment in 1947, providing spiritual support and guidance to service members and their families. Though much has changed since 1947, including the creation of the United States Space Force, our chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen continue to ensure warfighters are spiritually fit and ready to fly, fight, and win.

At Kirtland, the Chaplain Corps plays a critical role in supporting the diverse and dedicated community of more than 75,000 military personnel, civilian employees, veterans and their families. The Chaplain Corps provides religious services, counseling, and moral leadership to those of all faiths and is instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Air Force.

One of the most significant contributions of the Chaplain Corps at Kirtland has been its role in supporting warfighters and their families during times of crisis and stress.

The base is home to a wide swath of specialties requiring advanced education to conduct research and development in the area of nuclear weapons, and test and evaluation of Air Force aircraft and Space Force satellites. The base also supports a range of other mission-sets from more than 100 different units, including special operations aviation, pararescue training, and sister services including the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

These missions, and the training and education required for them to be successful and safe, can be demanding and stressful, and the Chaplain Corps has been instrumental in creating programs to support Airmen and Guardians who are struggling with mental health issues. The Chaplain Corps has been a constant source of support for Airmen struggling to make sense of their work and its impact on the world.

As Kirtland Air Force Base celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Chaplain Corps, it is important to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Chaplain Corps and its members.

From war zones overseas to protection of the homeland, in every unit across the Air Force, our chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to Airmen, Guardians and their families, creating a lasting impact on the Air Force and the broader community.

As we look forward to the next 75 years, let us honor the legacy of the Chaplain Corps and its contributions to Kirtland AFB and the Air Force.