Chaplains Corps develops spiritual fitness in Airmen on the slopes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

“Spiritual fitness is central to our ability to endure hard times and respond in a positive and healthy manner to the stresses we each face,” said Capt. Andy Peck, 58th Special Operations Wing chaplain.

Kirtland’s Chaplains Corps sponsored and hosted six ski trips for 100 Airmen to the Sipapu Ski Resort from Feb. 22 to March 22, 2019.  

In addition to spending time on the mountain, the Kirtland Chaplains Corps hosted a workshop for Airmen to help them with the spiritual fitness portion of the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Model.

“We wanted to increase the spiritual fitness of the Airmen in our units,” said Peck. “When Airmen are able to get outside of the work environment with each other and have fun together, connections are forged that are vital to healthy living.”

According to spiritual fitness assessment forms filled out by Airmen who attended the ski trip and spiritual fitness workshop, their spiritual fitness was increased by 38 percent.

“The purpose of this time was to spark ideas for the Airmen on how they can become more spiritually fit,” said Peck. “Often we focus on physical health, and all aspects of the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Model are important, but as a Chaplain Corps, we wanted to highlight the importance of being spiritually fit.”

For Senior Airman Ruby Del Real, 58th SOW knowledge management, the time spent to visit the topic of spiritual fitness was valuable.

“Learning about spiritual fitness and resiliency helped me to understand that sometimes you need time to decompress,” said Del Real. “The most valuable thing I learned from going on this trip was that it’s good to take time to not only take a physical break but also a mental break from time to time.”

According to Peck and feedback provided by attendees recognized the importance of spiritual fitness.

One Airman, Peck explained, was reminded of the importance of not just feeding the body, but also the mind and body. Another Airman rededicated themselves to assessing overall wellbeing with spiritual questions more often. Another participant expressed taking time to talk about spiritual fitness combined with the ski trip was a great way to grow spiritually.

Taking time to take care of oneself does not just contribute to the comprehensive airmen fitness model, but to each mission that every Airmen is a part of.

“It is easy to get stuck in a rut, and trips like this help jostle us back to seeing the bigger picture and enjoying life,” said Peck. “The goal was that Airmen returned to their jobs refreshed and ready to accomplish the mission.”