Vanguard UMT strengthens soldiers’ spiritual fitness with prayer breakfast

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Story by Staff Sgt. Tanya Lumbard

Date: 03.30.2012
Posted: 03.30.2012 13:07
News ID: 86024
Vanguard UMT strengthens soldiers’ spiritual fitness with prayer breakfast

FORT STEWART, Ga. – In an effort to foster good fellowship and boost soldier morale, the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s Unit Ministry Team hosted an opportunity for divine dining, March 27.

Scripture reading, prayer and special remarks from Chaplain (Col. retired) Alvin “Sonny” Moore were all a part of the Vanguard Brigade’s first prayer breakfast of the year.

Spc. Christopher McKeithen, chaplain assistant with 4-3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th IBCT, said it is vital that soldiers have venues, like prayer breakfasts, to remain spiritually fit.

“Spiritual fitness is much like physical fitness,” he said. “To be physically fit you have to work hard and practice. And, you have to practice your faith to become strong in it. That’s exactly what a prayer breakfast allows soldiers to do.”

McKeithen also said that the prayer breakfast provides Troops an opportunity to be a part of the 4th IBCT team.

“It lets the soldiers feel like they can be involved in something with their peers and their commanders outside of work,” he said. “It motivates me to see people here having a good time, sharing in fellowship and with smiles on their faces. When you see the value of a prayer breakfast, it really validates all that we do in the Chaplain Corps.”

Chaplain Maj. David Trogdon, 4th IBCT, shared similar sentiments.

“Where there is God, there is always help and hope,” he said, adding that the UMTs are always available to help soldiers to stay spiritually strong.

Trogdon said the brigade plans to host a prayer breakfast, or similar event, each quarter.