The Cadet Chapel and surrounding areas offer worship spaces that accommodate nearly every cadet’s spiritual needs.

The Buddhist Chapel, known as the Vast Refuge Dharma Hall, was dedicated Oct. 29, 2007. It is located downstairs, just north of the Jewish Chapel. The chapel was a gift from the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism and The Friends of Zen.

A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate from the first class — 1959 — played a key role in its creation: Friends of Zen founder and vice abbot, the Rev. Dai En Hi Fu (DIE EN HE FU), also known as George Wiley Burch. He led the fundraising effort through the Association of Graduates.

Ed Shure designed and built the 300-square-foot, freestanding chapel within the existing structure. It is made of Port Orford cedar, a rare, aromatic wood traditionally used in Japanese temple construction. Takayuki Kida, a classically trained Japanese woodworker, crafted the altar and alcove from American cherry and ash. The Buddha statue originated in Burma, and the large, lion-topped censer came from China.

The Cadet Chapel also includes a Muslim prayer room and an all-faiths room that serves smaller religious groups. A prayer circle, primarily used by earth-centered faiths, is located on the hill west of the chapel. In addition, chapel staff have designated worship space in both cadet dormitories and access to rooms in Fairchild Hall, the academy’s academic building, as needed.