National Prayer Luncheon held in newly dedicated Sergeant Olds room

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall Chapel staff hosted the annual National Prayer Luncheon in the Horizons Community Center Ball Room B March 12, which earlier that morning was dedicated to Senior Master Sgt. Sherry Lynn Olds.

Chaplain (Col.) Paul L. Cannon, Air Force Special Operations Command chaplain, Hurlburt Field, Fla., spoke at the event. The theme of his speech was "At Your Service."

During his speech he told the story, "The Story of the Four Chaplains," which was about four U.S. Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other personnel when their ship, U.S. Army Transport Dorchester, sank Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II.

"They were united in service to their country and love for their soldiers," said Chaplain Cannon. "What a fantastic and inspiring story of the story of faith, service and sacrifice. That same spirit of faith, service and sacrifice is manifested in many ways. This morning this ball room was dedicated to Senior Master Sgt. Sherry Lynn Olds, and what a privilege it was for us to have been able to witness that event."

Sergeant Olds was one of 12 who lost their lives during the 1998 terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. She died just two months prior to reaching 20 years of service. During her Air Force career, she was stationed nearly a dozen years at Tyndall.

"We honor her memory, and we consider her sacrifice," Chaplain Cannon said. "We ask God to strengthen and protect all of our warriors that are deployed in that same war on terror. Those who are deployed are there serving the cost of freedom."

The room was quiet and still, as more than 140 people listened to the colonel at the luncheon.

Chaplain (Capt.) Jon Smithley, a Protestant chaplain in the 325th Fighter Wing, was the primary point of contact for the event.

"This event could not have been accomplished without the help of the protocol office, the multi-media office, the Horizons Club staff, the chapel staff and many other volunteers," said Chaplain Smithley. "This event provides a time of fellowship and prayer, it allows us to come together to be mindful. It provides individuals the opportunity to gather to pray for our nation, our leaders, and our troops."

The National Prayer Luncheon's history dates back to World War II. In 1942, senators would meet on Wednesday mornings to pray for the nation. The National Prayer Breakfast was then inaugurated in 1952 and would develop into an annual experience that would happen privately and in small leadership groups on a regular basis among all citizens: military and civilian.

Tyndall's 2013 annual luncheon was provided by the Tyndall Chapel. The chapel covered more than half the cost of the attendees' meals.

"This was just a way to give back to our Tyndall community and show our thanks," added Chaplain Smithley.