JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Staying spiritually healthy is one of the four domains of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness framework, and a Bible study class at JBSA-Randolph is giving Airmen an opportunity to strengthen that domain.
The chapel hosted its fall kickoff Bible study Aug. 20, 2025. Sessions will continue every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the chapel annex at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction document No. 3405.01, spiritual fitness is defined as the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles or values needed to persevere and prevail in accomplishing missions.
Chaplain (Capt.) Jennifer Santellan, a 502d Air Base Wing Individual Mobilization Augmentee, said the spiritual domain plays a vital role in the Comprehensive Airman Fitness model.
“The spiritual domain helps Airmen define their values, purpose and motivation,” Santellan said. “It also strengthens their resilience and guides their beliefs.”
Santellan added that supporting spiritual growth benefits both Airmen and the Air Force as a whole.
“We try our best to support our Airmen in their efforts to bolster their spiritual fitness,” Santellan said. “This not only benefits the individual Airman, but it helps commanders in executing their missions and contributes to a healthier, more efficient force.”
She explained that just as physical health impacts other areas of life, so does spiritual health.
“Just as neglecting physical health can affect mental, social and spiritual well-being, neglecting one’s spirit has the same impact,” she said. “Spiritual fitness shapes meaning and purpose, values, community and coping skills. Spiritually fit Airmen have a strong sense of identity, embrace core values, treat others with respect, and handle stress, change and trauma in healthy ways, enabling them to perform the mission effectively with a positive attitude.”
Consuelo Gueits, an Air Force veteran and Bible study attendee, said her faith has been a steady source of strength through life’s changes.
“I know that when I’m lost in any aspect of life, I can pray or worship and have this automatic feeling that God will always help me,” Gueits said. “He’s constant, loving, and always there while we’re changing. Spiritual faith is having that constant that we know we can always go to.”
Her experience reflects the broader goal of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness framework, which emphasizes intentional development and work across four interconnected domains, which are physical, mental, social and spiritual.
Chaplain leaders like Santellan note that growth in each area contributes to overall readiness and resilience, and the Bible study offered through the Protestant Women of the Chapel is one way to help Airmen strengthen the spiritual domain while also fostering fellowship.
“Taking care of spiritual fitness is just as important as hitting the gym or staying connected socially,” Santellan said. “It’s one of the ways we ensure our Airmen are ready for the mission and for life.”
Chaplain leaders emphasize that spiritual fitness is not limited to one belief system, and that Airmen and families of all backgrounds are encouraged to engage in opportunities that help strengthen their sense of purpose and resilience.
In addition to the Bible study, JBSA chapels offer a variety of spiritual resources and services to support personnel of many different faith traditions. For more information on these resources, visit https://www.jbsa.mil/Resources/Chaplain-Services/.