Chief of Air Force Chaplains speaks at national prayer luncheon

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Victoria Lalich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Chief of Air Force Chaplains, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, spoke to Team Barksdale during the National Prayer Luncheon here April 20.

The prayer luncheon serves as a reminder of the nation's spiritual heritage and emphasizes the importance of reflection and prayer for maintaining spiritual health.

"Where do you find the courage to give your life for someone else?" asked Chaplain Richardson. "The single object of terrorists around the world today is to discourage us. But for those with faith, no matter what the threat, they need not fear. They should be encouraged."

"Of course there are dark times," he said. "During times of trouble, people do one of four things. They either check-out, pig-out, drop-out or call-out. I'm sure you have seen examples of each one. We aren't always there for those people, but God is."

Individual spirituality is often recognized as the third column of professional success; the other two being physical and mental fitness.

"We are grateful for the reminder that individual faith is the pillar which is essential to the total fitness of our Airmen," said Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander.

"Our faith strengthens, encourages and sustains us. It is really what holds us together," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Robert Odell, 2nd Bomb Wing head chaplain. "It becomes an anchor for us and remains with us during hard times and through our day-to-day struggles."

The Barksdale Chapel offers various support programs and retreats for servicemembers and their families leaving or returning from deployment, and also for servicemembers or spouses who simply want to talk.

"It's easy to forget, but spouses are offered the same confidentiality as service members," said Chaplain (Capt.) Paul Loser, 2nd Bomb Wing Protestant chaplain. "We are here to support and encourage people however we can."

The luncheon also included a prayer for the nation and deployed servicemembers, a ceremony to remember fallen comrades and a short performance by the River's Edge and Barksdale Air Force Base Gospel Choir.

Anyone with questions about the programs being offered by the chapel, or to speak to a chaplain, can contact the base chapel at 456-2111 or 456-2466.