Photo By Spc. Andrew Heymans | Col. Herbert Cleveland, retired chaplain, and Sgt. 1st Class Kristi Palmer talk after...... read more read more
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Attendees at the second annual Golden Coyote Prayer Breakfast filled their breakfast cups with hope and strength at the Camp Rapid Chapel on June 8.
The lighthearted Lt. Col. Lynn Wilson, chaplain with Joint Force Headquarters of Rapid City, S.D., led the morning service with songs of praise and prayer requests from service members.
"We wanted to start Golden Coyote with an emphasis on prayer and spirituality. Soldiers are most ready when they are strong in a relationship with both their family and their God," said Lynn.
The breakfast was hosted by the South Dakota Guard Chaplain Corps, and Col. Herbert Cleveland, retired chaplain, was the guest speaker.
His message was based on Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Cleveland has a distinguished career in the ministry, both as a local pastor ministering to the needs of South Dakotans, dating back to the 1950s, and on a national level. Three U.S. Presidents have appointed him to various positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He is no stranger to the difficulties of war.
Cleveland led local and national efforts to develop a system to address post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and psychosocial issues. He said he enjoys attending military events like these. "I am honored to be the guest speaker and spread the word to keep hope alive in our troops," he said.
"Any Soldier from the rank of private all the way to the top leader needs a strong foundation. God gives you hope and strength," said Cleveland. "There are times where it looks very bleak and you need a sense of personal hope."
The training exercise reminds every service member they are training for the time when they are called to duty, and Cleveland reminded them of how difficult life in the military can be. "It is one thing to live it. It is another thing to read it in history," he said during his sermon.
Sgt. Gregory Fritz of the 109th Regional Support Group of Rapid City, S.D. was in the crowd.
"This was a great opportunity to hear a message of hope and strength, to not only get us through the next two weeks, but for the rest of our lives."
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2009 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 34905 |
| Location: | RAPID CITY, SD, US |
| Web Views: | 545 |
| Downloads: | 501 |
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