By Spc. Sharmain Burch
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –Chaplains and the base commanders from Shaw Air Force Base were invited by Sumter County ministries to attend the annual Pastoral Care Luncheon at the Tuomey Healthcare System Oct. 29, in Sumter, S.C.
Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT, commanding general, and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Richard Fitzgerald, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB joined Mayor Joseph T. McElveen to be guest speakers at the luncheon and speak before faith communities from all around the nation.
“We have to connect with other people in order to draw our strengths,” said Brooks. “Mental strength is what we try to build, through the works of mental resilience and also through strengthening our spirit.”
The Pastoral Care Luncheon aims to educate and celebrate the work, willingness and witness of spiritual care givers who support their community.
As guest speakers enlightened the audience from a spiritual view point, chaplains and associate chaplains along with the Sumter County Concerned Clergy and Sumter Ministerial Association partook in the delights of pastries and juice beverages.
Rev. Diane Hodgson, President of Sumter Ministerial Association expressed a special thanks to the military and said their support encourages ministers to continue their work.
“Fellowship is very important because it’s how we as a community get to know each other and the needs of our community,” said Hodgson. “It’s not in every city that a county’s council and a Mayor alongside the nation’s military gather to support the gospel; thank you.”
For more information on Sumter Ministerial Association in the chaplaincy service department of Tuomey Healthcare System contact: Kenneth.smith@tuomey.com