Photo By Sgt. Elizabeth DeGroot | Chaplains, Religious Affairs Specialists and Directors of Religious Education gather...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — More than 200 chaplains, religious affairs specialists, and directors of religious education from across I Corps gathered Sept. 9-11, 2025, for the I Corps Chaplain Annual Sustainment Training at the North Fort Chapel.
The three-day event combined leadership panels, classroom instruction, physical training, and team-building exercises with a clear mission: to provide first-class religious support to America’s First Corps, the operational arm of the Pacific.
“This is about sharpening our skills, deepening our partnerships, and renewing our calling,” said Chaplain (Col.) J.P. Smith II, I Corps Command Chaplain. “As we celebrate 250 years of the Chaplain Corps, we’re focused on strengthening spiritual readiness for the lethal warriors of I Corps.”
The training opened with remarks from Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) William Green Jr., U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, who emphasized the enduring role of spiritual leadership in modern military operations.
“Our mission is sacred and essential,” Green said. “We nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the fallen. That calling has never been more important than it is today.”
Alongside Green, Sgt. Maj. Meaghan Simmons, the Chaplain Corps and Regimental Sergeant Major, shared insights from her experience developing resilient leaders. Together, they underscored the dual role of chaplains and religious affairs specialists as both spiritual leaders and professional staff officers.
Leaders from across the Army provided additional guidance, including Chaplain (Col.) Gary Fisher and Sgt. Maj. Keisha Archer of U.S. Army Forces Command, and Chaplain (Col.) Khallid Shabazz and Sgt. Maj. Andrew Hagemann of U.S. Army Pacific. Each highlighted the importance of integrating religious support into contingency operations, particularly within the Indo-Pacific theater.
Between panels and lectures, Soldiers broke into small groups to take notes, discuss challenges, and share lessons learned. The training also featured hands-on events designed to build teamwork and resilience, including an outdoor group physical training session and a creative exercise where Soldiers worked together with building blocks to strengthen problem-solving skills.
“This week is about more than professional development,” said Sgt. Maj. Crystal M. Jones, I Corps Chief Religious Affairs NCO. “It’s about reminding ourselves that our work matters, for the warrior, for the family, for the Corps, and for our nation.”
The sustainment training concluded with a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps, where attendees honored the past while looking toward the future.
“Religious support is a combat multiplier,” said Smith. “By caring for the spirit, we ensure the strength of the force.”
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2025 17:10 |
| Story ID: | 547989 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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