Father Jose N.P. Lachica is a military chaplain at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. He works with the Installation Chaplain to develop an Airman Ministry Program for 65,000 trainees, active-duty personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and families from various military
branches and NATO nations.
 Father Lachica was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 21, 2002, and served as a Contract Priest at the Defense Language Institute under the Diocese of Monterey, California. He joined the United States Air Force as a chaplain through the Archdiocese for the Military Services in
2016, starting with the 81st Training Wing at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.
 During his time at Keesler, he deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, to provide spiritual support to military personnel involved in OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
 In 2017, Father Lachica was reassigned to Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, serving as chaplain for the 470th Air Base Squadron, a geographically separated unit associated with the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base.
 In 2019, he transferred to the 502nd Training Wing at Lackland AFB,Texas, where he served as the chaplain for Basic Military Training. At Lackland, he deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, supporting OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.
 Father Lachica moved to Sheppard AFB, TX in 2023. Early in his assignment, he deployed to OPERATIONS STANDARD SHIELD and ENDURING SENTINEL at a classified location, addressing the spiritual needs of military personnel following a drone attack.
 Upon his return to Sheppard AFB, he effectively facilitated the relocation of the Catholic community from a shared, temporary facility back to the base chapel following two years of renovations. He conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was attended by a General
Officer and local civilian leaders. Additionally, he led the initiative to establish a Knights of Columbus Council at Sheppard AFB. After several months of planning and preparation under his leadership, Council 18612 was formally granted to Our Lady of the Skies Catholic Parish Community. This council offers membership and involvement opportunities to Airmen undergoing primary technical training at Sheppard AFB.
 Father Lachica has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal multiple times, recognized as Company Grade Officer both at home and deployed, and received the Army Achievement Medal for exceptional contributions with Army units. He is a proven leader and an outstanding chaplain, dedicated to serving those who serve.
 For these reasons and many others, Father Jose Lachica is named the 2025 Texas Knights of Columbus “Chaplain of the Year”.