Putting the "lit" in spirituality

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathon D.A. Carnell
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – “There is nothing that we can’t do when we put our minds to it,” said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Dondi E. Costin, U.S. Air Force chief of chaplains. “There is no difficulty you can give us, there is no challenge you can put before us, there is nothing that you could have us face that we’re not going to succeed at because our mindset has no bounds.”

On Feb. 21, Costin came to Travis Air Force Base, California, for a three-day visit where his priority was to speak with Airmen of all ranks to discuss comprehensive airman fitness, spirituality and faith works.

The purpose of faith works is to develop spiritually fit Airmen to fly, fight and win. Research by Tyler J. VanderWeele, Harvard epidemiology professor, demonstrates the role spirituality and religion can play in improving health in every domain of CAF thus increasing Airmen readiness.

“Faith works is a platform and a means for the chaplain corps members and others to look at the data which connects spirituality, religion and how they relate to health,” said Costin. “What the researchers have found is that the connection of these are very clear. From a public health perspective and from the researchers, people who are devoted in their faith live happier and healthier.”

Costin opened an all-call with a few questions for the Airmen in the room.

“We all have to start by answering some major questions of life, which I define as the crux of spiritual fitness: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What happens after I die?” said Costin. “These are questions to ask yourself thoroughly to obtain complete CAF.”

CAF’s goal is to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community that fosters mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

“The ways in which spiritual fitness can be exercised will most likely be different than someone else’s way,” said Costin. “For many, spiritual fitness is their religion and is a key component to exercise their spiritual fitness.”

Many Airmen are performing at higher levels than ever, said Costin.

“When we have so much work to do and not so many people to do it, we want to protect the Airmen who practice the religion of their choice,” said Costin. “Airmen can have religion or no religion. We want to accommodate whatever religious needs there are to make sure we get out there and maintain readiness to fly, fight and win.”

Costin provided all-calls to Travis AFB Airmen of various ranks and invited all base Airmen to the base theater for participation in his all-call.

“We rapidly project American power anytime, anywhere,” said Costin. “You do it every day and even at times you aren’t aware of it. You remain resilient and do this because you focus on Airmen, your team, pride and readiness.”

While visiting different U.S. Air Force bases, Costin plans to further faith works.

During Costin’s mission here, more Airmen at Travis now have some questions which they can work on. Costin discussed how it’s not the name, but what you put into that name that matters.

“We are all a part of the world’s greatest Air Force,” said Costin. “Remain resilient and keep putting service before self.”