Breedlove encourages Soldiers to live their faith

Photo By Patricia Dubiel | Retired Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove looks at his new "Home of Heros" Army blouse at the National Prayer Luncheon held at Fort Polk's Glory Chapel March 14.  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

03.21.2019

Story by Patricia Dubiel 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

“We need leaders of character, both in uniform and those not in uniform,” said Breedlove. “You are here today because you care about your faith, and I thank you for that faith. Our nation needs Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to defend it, people who understand what faith is and what it means in their lives — people who live their faith.”
Breedlove, who served for 39 years, was the 17th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR); Commander of the U.S. European Command; Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa; and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
In his address to those gathered for the luncheon, Breedlove spoke about the first SACEUR, then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Can you (imagine) what he was thinking about the day before ‘Operation Overlord’ began, the day before he sent the youth of America in tens of thousands across an ocean to a beach to fight — knowing that if it went well, tens of thousands would die and if it didn’t go well, the world’s history would be very different?” asked Breedlove. “Eisenhower was not a man of public prayer, and when he did pray publicly they were typically scripted. But in his memoirs, his prayers were simple. He prayed about you, about Soldiers and what they would face. You can bet he prayed hard a couple of times when he had to delay the operation because of weather and other things, trying to get it right.”
Breedlove said the nation needs prayer “more now than ever before,” as the country struggles with internal and external issues. “But what is also needed right now are leaders of character,” he said. “I would suggest that an important part of character is understanding who you are and who you are not. Do not set some crazy expectation of yourself — that is the first step.”
The second step, according to Breedlove, is living your faith.
“I believe that because I am a Christian, I must begin my character development on my knees in prayer. I think this is correct and true for men and women of all faiths. A leader of character must begin with that contemplation (of faith.)”
One of the most important prayers for today’s leaders is for wisdom and discernment.
“The world tries to put men and women in boxes, and limit them, and leaders of character have to see through that fog,” he said. “It’s as if the world is a boom box on my right shoulder, and my faith has to fight through it with this tiny voice on my left. I have to train myself to listen first and foremost to my faith, and not the boom box.”
Breedlove said he was grateful for the opportunity to speak at the luncheon and spend time with military service members.
“I am asked all the time, ‘What is it that you miss about the military after 39 years?’ And most people expect me to talk about flying the F16 — and I give them a disappointing answer when I tell them I don’t really miss flying — I miss the people, people just like you,” said Breedlove.
“I deal with a lot of nice, interesting people every day, but their DNA is not like yours. They are not wired to think about the same things that you think about. They are not going to make the sacrifices that you make, no matter if you wear the uniform or support those that do. And that is what I miss most.”
He thanked the guests for their service and for being guardians of freedom.
“Today, less than one-half of one percent of Americans will ever do what you have done — raise their right hand and say, ‘I swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic,’” he said.
“During the height of World War II, it was almost 24 percent of the nation, in some capacity, that took an oath to defend our nation. You are the citizen Soldiers that guarantee the freedoms of all the rest of the nation. Lead your life with faith and courage.”
At the conclusion of Breedlove’s speech, Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, presented him with a “Home of Heroes” Army blouse complete with name tag and rank, similar to the ones worn by the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment “Geronimos” when they portray the opposing forces during rotations.
“This isn’t just a Geronimo top, it’s a Home of Heroes top because it represents all of our units on the installation,” said Frank.
Breedlove said he would wear it proudly — somewhere.
“Maybe the next time I testify to Congress!”

• Date Taken: 03.21.2019
• Date Posted: 03.21.2019 16:05
• Story ID: 315233
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US