Giving the Air Force HOPE Published June 26, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing was recently selected to be the first base to lead a new Air Force wide initiative, HOPE, designed to empower Airmen through the cultivation of spiritual fitness, a fundamental component of the U.S. Air Force’s resilience model. The HOPE initiative, which was inspired by RAF Lakenheath’s Torchbearers program launched in 2020, aims to provide Airmen with tools and resources to build resilience. The program’s mission is to create a movement of HOPE specialists dedicated to spiritual fitness, character and community service, communicating their unit's ideas, needs and concerns to the Chaplain Corps Religious Support Team (RST). Implementing programs like HOPE aligns with the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force’s priorities of people, readiness and culture. “The Chaplain Corps has seen the benefits to having a program like Torchbearers Air Force-wide to increase Airmen care capabilities,” said Martin Urias, Airmen Ministry Center coordinator. “Here at RAF Lakenheath we have seen an increase in over 30% counseling capabilities due to the previously known torchbearers program's growth. We’ve helped over 700 Airmen find care and community and are dedicated to creating a safe place.” The HOPE initiative is open to all ranks within the 48th Fighter Wing and is organized into three tiers: Tier 1 for junior enlisted Airmen, Tier 2 for noncommissioned officers and company grade officers, and Tier 3 for senior noncommissioned officers and field grade officers. The HOPE initiative will be used to develop and strengthen frontline leaders and improve the force's quality of life and quality of service. For more information about HOPE, contact your local Chaplain Corps RST.