MNBG-E Soldiers unite to observe National Prayer Breakfast

Photo By Sgt. Jarel Chugg | Capt. Patrick Hester, Chaplain for the Forward Command Post at Camp Marechal De Lattre DeTassigny, spoke about the importance of prayer to Soldiers serving the NATO Kosovo Force mission. The Prayer Breakfast was held on Camp Bondsteel May 8 inspired by the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington D.C. People of different faiths and nationalities gathered to pray for one another and to share a meal at the Camp Bondsteel dining facility. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jarel Chugg Guerra, 19th Public Affairs Detachment)  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

05.08.2018

Story by Spc. Jarel Chugg 

KFOR Regional Command East

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Following the lead of the National Prayer Breakfast held every year in Washington, D.C., Camp Bondsteel hosted a prayer breakfast May 8 to build and inspire the military community and unity of people of all faiths.

The prayer breakfast is an American tradition which began in 1953 by the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who believed that faith, patriotism and free enterprise were the fundamentals of a strong nation, with faith leading the three.

As prayer and religion were certainly a pillar for a former five-star general who served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe and then went on to become President, religion plays a big role in the lives of many Soldiers serving with NATO.

“We may all worship a little bit differently but we all worship the same God,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew McKindley, of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, California National Guard. “We may call the Almighty different names: God, Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, to name a few, but this morning we all come together as one flock to share a meal, break bread together and to pray.”

Capt. Patrick Hester, chaplain for the Forward Command Post at Camp Marechal De Lattre DeTassigny, Kosovo, spoke of President Eisenhower’s inspiring inauguration wherein Eisenhower noted the importance of religion and prayer in the founding of the United States of America and the continued importance of religion within the United States.

“Inspired by these words, this morning we encourage each of you to pray without ceasing,” said Hester, currently assigned to 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “To pray for our Service Members, our families, our elected officials, our allies, and most importantly, our great nation, and while asking for God’s continued blessings, may we always remember to thank him for the blessings we have already received.”

The prayer breakfast is planned to continue as a bimonthly event at Camp Bondsteel.

• Date Taken: 05.08.2018
• Date Posted: 05.11.2018 10:52
• Story ID: 276675
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ