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Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps listen to remarks by retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force chief of chaplains, at Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps listen to remarks by retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force chief of chaplains, at Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The Chaplain Corps is celebrating its 75th anniversary of establishment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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A wreath commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps is displayed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

A wreath commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps is displayed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The Chaplain Corps was established in 1949 by Gen. Carl Spatz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The wreath was laid in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps, which has been an integral part of the Air Force's mission, nurturing the spiritual well-being of its members in times of peace, conflict, and uncertainty since 1949. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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  • Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps listen to remarks by retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force chief of chaplains, at Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

    Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps listen to remarks by retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force chief of chaplains, at Chaplains Hill at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The Chaplain Corps is celebrating its 75th anniversary of establishment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • A wreath commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps is displayed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

    A wreath commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps is displayed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The Chaplain Corps was established in 1949 by Gen. Carl Spatz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

    Members of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. The wreath was laid in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps, which has been an integral part of the Air Force's mission, nurturing the spiritual well-being of its members in times of peace, conflict, and uncertainty since 1949. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Air Force Chaplain Corps celebrates 75 years of service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Emmeline James, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --  

Air Force Chief of Chaplains (Maj. Gen.) Randall E. Kitchens commemorated the anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps in an event at Arlington National Cemetery, 75 years after the date of its inception, May 10.

Kitchens attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and other attending members of the Chaplain Corps laid flowers at the graves of Air Force Chaplains on Chaplains Hill.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Randall Kitchens, U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, presents a flag to retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force Chief of Chaplains, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 10, 2024

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Randall Kitchens, U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, presents a flag to retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former Air Force Chief of Chaplains, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 10, 2024. The flag was presented during a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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Retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former U.S. Air Force chief of chaplains, gives remarks during a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the chaplain corps

Retired Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles Baldwin, former U.S. Air Force chief of chaplains, gives remarks during a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the chaplain corps at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024. Members of the Chaplain Corps visited Chaplains Hill to lay flowers at the graves of former Air Force chaplains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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Airman 1st Class Julia Asmus, 436th Airlift Wing religious affairs, places flowers on a grave at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024

Airman 1st Class Julia Asmus, 436th Airlift Wing religious affairs, places flowers on a grave at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2024,in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Chaplains Corps. Established on May 10, 1949, the Chaplain Corps has been an integral part of the Air Force's mission, nurturing the spiritual well-being of its members in times of peace, conflict, and uncertainty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emmeline James)
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“Our mission is to inspire the readiness of Airmen, Guardians and their families through the accommodation of their religious needs,” Kitchens said. “We exist to lead and enhance spiritual fitness with the necessary advisement in the areas of religious, spiritual or ethical concerns.”

For more than seven decades, the Air Force Chaplains Corps has served service members of all faiths, offering counsel and religious support services.

“The unique challenge our Chaplain Corps faces today is the growing need for care and support with the competing prioritization of needed personnel and resources. As we look to the future and possible future conflicts, we will need more Chaplain Corps members to meet the demand.” Chief of Chaplains (Maj. Gen.) Randall Kitchens


Established May 10, 1949, the Air Force Chaplain Corps has been an integral part of the Air Force's mission, nurturing the spiritual well-being of its members in times of peace, conflict and uncertainty. It continues to serve Air Force Airmen and Space Force Guardians at locations around the world.