MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Faith leaders from across the River Region joined Maxwell Air Force Base personnel for a day of dialogue, food and fellowship during the inaugural Interfaith Picnic hosted by the 42d Air Base Wing Chapel July 24, 2025.
The picnic built upon the foundation established during the chapel's Clergy Day on April 8, where local faith leaders were invited to Maxwell to strengthen relationships and better understand the unique spiritual needs of military families. That initial outreach event served as the catalyst for deeper community engagement, leading directly to the expanded interfaith initiative that brought together an even broader spectrum of religious organizations and Maxwell personnel.
The picnic, held at the Faith Chapel on Maxwell, supported the 42d ABW's operational approach of elevating quality of life efforts across Team Maxwell, and enhancing communication between the installation and community. It united various off-base religious organizations and Maxwell's spiritual community to foster understanding and strengthen partnerships between military personnel and the diverse faith traditions of the River Region.
"The main objective of this event was to focus on building and strengthening partnerships with local faith organizations to ensure comprehensive spiritual care and support for our military personnel." said U.S. Air Force Major Steven Wichern, 42d ABW deputy wing chaplain. "When we build these bridges between our military families and the local faith community, we're not just connecting people to religious resources; we're weaving a spiritual safety net that strengthens both our Airmen and the River Region.”
The event comes at a time when the Air War College and Air Command Staff College, the longest schools in duration at Air University, are welcoming students and their families. AWC and ACSC run for about ten months out of the year. The picnic gave students and families a jumpstart on integrating into their new community.
"Because we are in the business of making sure our people are cared for, we want to make sure that on a spiritual level, coming from the chapel, that our people have whatever it is they need," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kiyana Pittman 42d ABW religious affairs noncommissioned officer in charge planning and program. "The event was an opportunity to extend hospitality, build trust, and foster connections with the broader community that exists outside of the base, while taking people."
As Maxwell continues to serve as the focal point for Air Force education and leadership development, events like the interfaith picnic offer not just a burger and fellowship but also lasting connections. Through shared conversation, hospitality and faith, the 42d ABW Chapel team is building bridges that strengthen Maxwell, as well as the entire River Region.