Strengthening spiritual resilience: Maxwell-Gunter chapel team hosts annual Clergy Day

Published June 18, 2026
By 1st. Lt. Shelby Pinner
Maxwell Air Force Base Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --

The 42d Air Base Wing chapel team brought local faith leaders together for their annual Clergy Day on June 12.

The event honored key community partners and reinforced spiritual resilience as a critical pillar for Airmen and family readiness.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jon Smithley, 42d Air Base Wing chaplain addresses attendees at a military perspective panel during the Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026. Panelists discussed the unique challenge families face during PCS moves, deployments and their experiences connecting with the local faith community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Figueroa)

"Everyone should familiarize themselves with the idea of spiritual resilience," said John Walker, a member of the Catholic Parish on Maxwell. "Every human has a spiritual and mortal side, so having a connection to something greater than themselves is especially important."

This connection is particularly vital given the challenges of military life, where frequent relocations require families to rebuild their support systems. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Gorton, 42d ABW chaplain, emphasized that establishing a strong spiritual foundation during these transitions is essential. He noted how the chapel team bridges this gap, ensuring Airmen and their families never have to navigate a new assignment alone.

"In the military, we move a lot. We put our lives in boxes, and when we show up to a new location, we oftentimes must look for a new faith or spiritual community to connect with," Gorton said. "We as a chapel team connect our local leaders, faith group leaders, and those Airmen and their families."

A group of community faith leaders gather during a Clergy Day event at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, June 12, 2026. The event prepares local clergy with the role of helping and supporting Airmen to accomplish the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Figueroa)

Looking ahead, the chapel team is planning to build on this momentum. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jared Rykse, 42d ABW chapel superintendent, outlined upcoming opportunities to unite Airmen with local River Region faith leaders.

"Building connections beyond Clergy Day is extremely important for us because we want to be able to continue that relationship," Rykse stated.

The chapel's upcoming event in July is an interfaith picnic designed to connect church organizations and clergy with Airmen and their families.

The 42d ABW chapel team provides vital spiritual care, community programs, and counseling for Airmen and their families. Dedicated to fostering resilience, they offer diverse worship services and supportive resources to keep the military community strong and connected.