Photo By Airman 1st Class Kurstyn Canida | U.S. Airman 1st Class Julia Lao, 81st Medical Support Squadron medical records...... read more read more
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The Larcher Chapel at Keesler reopened Feb. 28 with a ceremony and fellowship event.
The multipurpose facility went through an extensive three-year, $4.4 million renovation project and will serve as a community fulcrum for permanent party Airmen.
“The chapel and lighthouse ministry center is a sanctuary for all operational Airmen, so they can build upon their spiritual and social pillars, while also connecting with one another,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Siacunco, 81st Training Wing religious affairs Airman. “We want to truly return to the term sanctuary with this space.”
The Larcher Chapel will feature an Airman Ministry Center with amenities like gaming consoles, a movie room and a music studio providing Airmen a space to relax, connect and build resiliency away from the dorms.
In addition to the Ministry Center, the facility will house offices for chaplains and religious affairs personnel, as well as an interfaith chapel that accommodates diverse religious traditions.
“This is a big deal because on a lot of bases, you may have an interfaith discussion group, but we have actual worshipping groups,” said Col. Dallas Little, 81st TRW wing chaplain. “They’re actually practicing the First Amendment right to religious expression by having worship in their tradition, right here in an Air Force chapel.”
Designated religious leaders will host worship services for both the Norse Pagan and Wiccan communities, making Keesler one of only a few bases to offer such inclusive religious accommodations.
Beyond spiritual support, the chapel and lighthouse ministry center will offer a versatile multipurpose room for squadron events, promotions, retirements and even personal celebrations all available at no cost to the base community.
The reopening of Larcher Chapel represents more than just a renovation; it’s a meaningful addition to the Keesler community. As Maj. Reuben Covos, 81st TRW wing chaplain, put it, “I wish I had something like this when I was starting out.” That sentiment alone proves that the time, effort and investment poured into this project were well worth it.
With its doors finally open, Larcher Chapel is ready to fulfill its mission- welcoming Airmen home.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2025 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 493296 |
| Location: | BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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