FORT BRAGG, N. C. – Rock stars, country singers, fighters, and big names in sports, and media celebrities, just to name a few, visit military installations worldwide to show their support to Soldiers and Families at a variety of venues.
Dr. Charles Stanley, a widely published radio and television evangelist, visited Fort Bragg to encourage Soldiers and Unit Ministry Teams stationed here Nov. 6.
Stanley is an educator, media executive, euntrepreneur and public speaker featured on a worldwide network of radio and television syndicated broadcasts.
“I grew up listening to the radio reporter every evening on the radio during World War II, and I had great respect for the service men and women who were fighting wars on both sides of our country,” said Stanley. “And so I appreciate the sacrifice that you are making today in defending America.”
“I have following Dr. Stanley for 26 years” said Spc. Claudine Brown, a chaplain’s assistant assigned to Warrior Transition Battalion here. “What a great opportunity to get to meet him in person.”
Dr. Stanley’s visit was also to encourage chaplains and chaplain assistants, unit ministry teams, for serving America’ brave men and women during a time of war. He also lauded them for their Family support to the units across the installation during repeated seperations due to training requirements and deployments.
“Dr. Stanley is a gifted communicator of the things of God,” said Maj. William Horton, chaplain for the 16th Military Police Brigade. “His expressions of thanks significantly encouraged all of the soldiers, airmen, civilians and their families who put countless hours every week into supporting the religious programs and ministries across Fort Bragg. It was an honor to hear from a man with such a renowned reputation and yet humble character.”
Kathryn Perez of Fayetteville, N. C. works with Cadence International to come alongside military chaplains to support their ministry to the troops. She and her two sons Regent Perez and Maxton Perez were in attendace to hear Dr. Stanley.
“As a mom with one son in the military and another who will enter service following graduation from MIT next summer, it is great to see the support Dr. Stanley has for the troops, and the solar powered media player he has put in their hands to listen to the Bible and sermons during deployments is increadible,” said Perez. “As a mother of a soldier, that is encouraging.”
First Sgt. Kenneth Breeding assigned to 319th Military Intelligence Battalion also attended with two sons Chance Breeding and Sabin Breeding.
“I started listening to Dr. Stanley in 2010 during deployment to Afghanistan, and now I listen to him every morning coming into work on the radio,” said Breeding. “I wasn’t surprised when I found out about Dr. Stanley’s support for troops because he is that kind of person.”
Among Stanley’s accomplishments are: founder of international organization focused on the felt needs of Families, NYTimes best selling author, and radio broadcast Hall of Fame inductee in 1988.