McConnell meets chief of chaplains

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  "Where do you find the courage to live?" asked Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson, U.S. Air Force chief of chaplains, during his message at McConnell's National Prayer Breakfast, March 1, 2011.

He continued with "Where do you find the courage to truly give of yourself; where do you find the courage to truly live out the core value of service before self?"

Chaplain Richardson was the keynote speaker at the event. The National Prayer Breakfast is a nationwide event that dates back to 1953, when congressional members wanted to unite leadership to reflect on the nation's moral and spiritual foundation. Chaplain Richardson's visit gave McConnell's Airmen a helping hand.

"Chaplain Richardson helped us recharge our spiritual batteries, and strengthen the spiritual pillar of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness by encouraging us to remain courageous in times of trouble, to stand confidently on the firm foundation of our faith in God and to remember that God can sprout flowers out of the life's mud," said Chaplain (Capt.) Quentin Genke, 22nd Air Refueling Wing protestant chaplain.

The breakfast was a focus event for Air Mobility Command CAF, a program designed to promote "Airman Resilience," and to equip Airmen to deal with the rigors of military life by using the CAF's four pillars: mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

Chaplain Richardson conveyed the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast theme "Courage in Trouble," a celebration of finding courage during times of distress, and turning to God for help.

"No matter how dark the situation, how brutal the intention of the terrorist or how loud the voices of evil ... no matter how bad it can get or how tempted we are to become discouraged, we need not fear as the people of God because God is our protector," said Chaplain Richardson.

His message deeply impacted the more than 265 Airmen in the audience.

"The overall message of encouragement he delivered was amazing," said Airman 1st Class William Smith, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Communication and Navigation technician. "I couldn't take away anything more valuable from [the event] than the message he gave."

Chaplain Richardson closed his message by explaining to the audience where to find courage.

"When you get in trouble, and everybody does, when life is just overwhelming and you've had all the stress you can handle and feel like screaming, turn and run into the arms of God. He will be your refuge, your strength, your help and your courage in trouble," he said.

To view Chaplain Richardson speech during the breakfast click here.