The vision for the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber is centered around the concept of serenity. The building was designed to resemble a historic chapel structure, subtly hearkening to the tradition and significance of spiritual strength within the ranks of our warriors.
Located in a wooded area that provides easy accessibility for Soldiers, Thunderbird Chapel features a sanctuary and facilities to accommodate services for 150-175 soldiers, as well as offices for clergy and counseling and areas to conduct seminars, religious studies and other gatherings that benefit the lives of Soldiers and their families.
“There’s a synergistic response in people when they come together to share in worship, regardless of their traditions. Prayer is the foundation for spiritual fitness.” – Chaplain (Col.) Chet Egert
The life of a soldier is fraught with the realities of life and death close at hand, making spiritual well-being crucial in concert with physical and mental strength to comprise the triad of soldier fitness. Without strength of spirit, our warriors and their families face a grave deficiency in their ability to maximize their training and to endure the rigors of military life.
Spiritual growth and worship in a group setting affords our soldiers the ability to connect with each other through faith, and to participate in a community of believers that provides support, encouragement and healing amidst an extremely demanding environment. The construction of the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber represents an invaluable long-term gift to these fighting men and women, allowing them a dedicated place of worship and a means of strengthening the faith that guides them.