Phil Burnette of Clanton looks quite proud in the July 8 edition of The Clanton Advertiser, and rightfully so.

Burnette’s photo was in the paper accompanying a story about the U.S. Corps of Chaplains, which Burnette helped found in March 2004 and which is still headquartered in Chilton County.

The group is planning its sixth annual conference for Saturday and Sunday at Clanton’s Guesthouse Inn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

The Corps of Chaplains combined two things–the ministry and the military–Burnette was passionate about.

“Basically, we are anywhere spiritual support can be used–which, I think, is anywhere,” Burnette said. “I got involved in several ministries over the years, and I kept pulling back to military ministry. It was something I enjoyed and was comfortable with.”

There was obviously a national need for this type of organization, which has grown to include hundreds of members from around the country.

It’s always impressive to see someone show the initiative and commitment necessary to start up an organization that fills a national niche, and it’s good to say Burnette is a county resident.