Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for information.
Text HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.

Chaps

Navy chaplain Autumn Wilson sits in a chapel pew wearing Navy fatigues counseling a fellow Navy sailor

Leading In Faith

For Autumn Wilson, life in rural Eufaula, AL, wasn’t always easy.

While her mother struggled with the effects of addiction, Autumn was left with the consequences. Raised by her grandparents in a devoutly African Methodist Episcopal home, her time was spent deeply involved in her church in Eufaula. Here, her community came together and helped her build a foundation and trust in God that has defined her life’s journey.

Though her religion played an important part in her childhood, she began to become disillusioned with the church in her teens. She questioned the strict teachings of her community and wondered why her relationship with God couldn’t be a mature conversation between two consenting adults.

In search of greater meaning, she entered the seminary, seeking the answers to the questions she posed to her faith. Though she graduated as a pastor, she never had the desire to lead a traditional congregation. After a year of service to her church, she met her first military Chaplain—someone who would take her down a road she had never walked before.

As a Chaplain, Autumn discovered that ministry isn’t always one-sided. Now, rather than simply tending to the flock in her congregation, she was faced with challenges from Sailors who may not have had any experience with religion. She got the chance to explore faith with other religious leaders—Buddhists, Muslim Imams and Jewish Rabbis, who became her closest friends and new community. Tasked with leading Sailors and Marines, no matter their beliefs, she could offer a safe space for them to decompress and share their feelings privately, without judgement.

For Autumn, the idea of Chaplaincy is about more than spreading the word of God; it’s about guiding people toward an answer for their problems. It’s about becoming the listening ear and shoulder to cry on when the weight of the world feels all too heavy.

Today, Autumn serves as the Command Chaplain at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home to the renowned Walter Reed Military Hospital.

Navy chaplain Autumn Wilson spends time with her family at home and places balloons along their fence for an upcoming celebration.

 

Navy Chaplain Corps

There are those who are born to lead. And then there are those who are born to lead in faith. As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors. From morning prayers to Sunday mass services to baptisms at sea, you will support and uplift the brave men and women who have chosen to serve their country. Find out what it takes to be a Navy Chaplain in America's Navy.

More Episodes

The Fighter

Kaylah Gillums's dad taught her how to box. The Naval Academy taught her to fight.

READ MORE

The Protector

When disaster strikes, Aircrewman Esmelin Villar leaps into action to save lives.

READ MORE

The Quiet Professional

Silence is a weapon. And no one wields it better than SWCC Boat Operator Nick O’Sullivan. Meet one of the Navy’s best kept secrets now.

READ MORE

The Provider

When Ana Monterrosa became a single mother at 18, everyone told her to stop chasing her dreams, but Ana knew she was capable of more.

READ MORE

Snipe

Engineman Desirae Martinez rolled up her sleeves to become one of the Navy’s first female Mark VI Patrol Boat coxswains.

READ MORE

The Bridge

After a traumatic accident, Hospital Corpsman Dominique Velazquez made a miraculous recovery and joined the Navy to pay it forward.

READ MORE

Liberated

Health Care Administrator Diana Tran-Yu proudly serves the country that gave her freedom.

READ MORE

The Lens

Photographer Kathleen Gorby tells the Navy’s story through the lens of her camera.

READ MORE

Patch Wearers

The real pilots of TOPGUN aren't the mavericks the world believes they are.

READ MORE

Homecoming

Doctor treats infectious diseases worldwide—including her childhood home of Liberia.

READ MORE

The Interpreter

Digging for purpose didn’t happen in her own backyard—it took her all the way to Bahrain.

READ MORE

The Seventh Sailor

Home's hard to leave. This Sailor watched 6 siblings join the Navy before it was his turn.

READ MORE

The Wallflower

Sometimes, it takes four legs to remind you how important your purpose is in the world.

READ MORE

Stuntwoman

Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut."

READ MORE

The Achiever

For one homeless teen, a Navy education offered a chance to make the world a better place.

READ MORE

El Oyente

Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy.

READ MORE

Junior

Michael Benitez thought he was leaving family behind but found a new one joining the Navy.

READ MORE

THE WALK-ON

Some train to play college football, but former SEAL Damian Jackson simply walked on.

READ MORE

Selfless

When this Sailor must leave her family to ensure their future, her strength is tested.

READ MORE

Lifeline

Being curious changed this Sailor's mind about the Navy. Then it changed her life.

READ MORE

The Ascender

A life of relocation and instability set him up to fail, but the Navy ensured his success.

READ MORE

Life Preserver

A life preserver. Sailor saves people from perils at sea and feeds the hungry on days off.

READ MORE

Dirt Sailor

This Sailor learned the importance of a meaningful life while staying true to his roots.

READ MORE

The Driver

As a Navy Reserve Sailor in America's Navy, he’s also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.

READ MORE

Momma Bear

She juggles multiple roles with pride and proves you can accomplish anything in the Navy.

READ MORE

Miss Congeniality

In remaining an individual, she exemplifies the strength in staying true to yourself.

READ MORE

Citizen No. T399836

Sailor uses personal struggles by giving back to the country that gave his family so much.

READ MORE