East St. Louis native Liddell Gayden, ex-intelligence chief with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, has joined the Navy Chaplain Corps. His decision stems from a passion for serving others developed during his Marine service, often exemplified by volunteering at base chapels.

“I found it very rewarding to help people walk through scriptures and grow spiritually,” Gayden said. “That laid some foundations for what became a ministry call.”

Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1996, Gayden aimed to leverage his service for college opportunities. He utilized grants from Illinois and the Montgomery GI Bill for his education.

Gayden started his career as an administrative clerk and re-enlisted after his initial four-year term. When the administrative clerk specialty closed, he transitioned into the intelligence field. Over 24 years, he served in every element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I spent the first five years at 1st Intelligence Battalion,” said Gayden. His duty stations included 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 5th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron 1.

U.S. Navy Capt. Dennis Wheeler, 3rd MAW chaplain, remarked, “For him to commission after 28 years and give through this new endeavor as a U.S. Navy chaplain shows his commitment.”

Gayden leaned heavily on his faith throughout his action-packed Marine Corps career. Raised in a family of religious ministers, his spirituality offered comfort and strength.

“I’ve always sought my faith for strength, especially during challenging times,” said Gayden. “My free time was often spent reading the Bible, which provided me with a lot of strength and encouragement.”

Completing seminary in his off-duty time and inspired by conversations with Navy chaplain mentors, Gayden engaged with a Navy recruiter about joining the Navy Chaplain Corps. Undergoing interviews with chaplains invigorated his pursuit of this goal.

As a chaplain, Gayden will provide religious ministry, support the faith of service members and their families, and offer care and counsel to all service members. The Navy Chaplain Corps includes over 800 chaplains from more than 100 faith groups, and they support the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, often deploying overseas.

“Those interviews helped me understand the weight of the job,” Gayden said. “It encouraged me even more because I enjoy helping service members and their families.”

He credits his wife, Rachel, as a significant source of inspiration. “I’m blessed to have Rachel as my wife. Her care and concern for people have inspired me to continue doing more in service.”

Gayden will attend Navy Officer Development School this fall, followed by Naval Chaplaincy School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island.