MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- U.S. Air Force Chaplain Major General Randall Kitchens, U.S. Air Force chief of chaplains, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Sadie Chambers, Religious Affairs senior enlisted advisor, visited Minot Air Force Base (AFB) Jan. 28-30, 2024. Kitchens and his team spent three days meeting with the Minot AFB chaplains, touring different units and facilities on base, and visiting a Missile Alert Facility (MAF).
As the Chief of Chaplains, Kitchens leads the Department of the Air force Chaplain Corps of approximately 2,100 chaplains and religious affairs Airmen from the active duty and Air Reserve components. Kitchens establishes guidance and provides advice on all matters pertaining to the religious and moral welfare of Air and Space Force personnel and is responsible for establishing effective programs that meet the religious needs of Airmen, Guardians and their dependents.
“For those that are religious and non-religious the Chaplain Corps offers pastoral care, ministry and counseling in an environment that can be challenging to many,” said Kitchens. “It is my hope that my team and I can offer to those that seek it, guidance, in a turbulent and sometimes difficult to navigate world.”
During his visit, Kitchens took the opportunity to recognize and commend outstanding Airmen for their exemplary service. The visit involved a tour of the MAF Bravo-01, a critical element of Minot AFB's strategic capabilities. This hands-on experience allowed Kitchens to gain insights into the unique challenges faced by the airmen in this sector and reinforced the importance of spiritual and emotional support in high-stress environments.
Recognizing the demanding nature of military service, the Chaplain Corps aims to provide a supportive environment, fostering the mental fortitude needed to navigate challenges.
“Our Chaplain Corps plays an essential role in promoting the spiritual fitness of our warfighters and families,” says Kitchens. “Spiritual fitness is not merely a characteristic but a dynamic quality of resilience that helps our Airmen and Guardians thrive. It's the foundation that fortifies the mind, uplifts the soul, and fosters an indomitable spirit within our military community.”