Tyndall hosts National Prayer Luncheon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE, FLa. --  Tyndall's 2011 National Prayer Luncheon was held at the Heritage Club Feb. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

National Prayer Luncheon's roots can be traced back to 1953 and occur annually in February at bases across the United States.

"Prayer luncheons are something we do in the Air Force that are spiritual morale builders," said Chaplain Captain Jon Smithley, Protestant Chaplain, 325th Fighter Wing. "It's an opportunity to gather as a people of faith and a people of prayer."

During the meal, Tyndall's Chapel "3-N-1" singers performed gospel music selections for approximately 145 guests. After the meal, guest speaker, Chaplain Brigadier General David H. Cyr, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, D.C., focused his message on the biblical verse Psalm 124:8 in regard to the oath of enlistment. He reminded Team Tyndall to stay focused on the Air Force mission.

"Some people say prayer is just coincidence," said Chaplain Cyr. "However, when I pray, I find there are more coincidences than when I don't pray. I'd sooner keep praying, that way, I have more coincidences."

As the Deputy Chief of Chaplains and a member of the special staff of the Chief of Staff, Chaplain Cyr assists the Chief of Chaplains in establishing guidance on all matters pertaining to the religious and morale welfare of Air Force personnel and their dependents.
He also assists in directing a professional Chaplain Corps of more than 2,200 chaplains and chaplain assistants from the active and Air Reserve components.
As a member of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board, he and other members advise the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff on religious, ethical and quality of life concerns.

He took over as Air Force Deputy Chief of Chaplains in May 2008.

He formally served as the Command Chaplain at Headquarters USAF Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va. He also served as the commandant for United States Air Force Chaplain Service Institute, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

The luncheon ended with attendees singing the patriotic hymn, "America the Beautiful" and the benediction by Rev. Patrick J. McCormick Catholic pastor, 325th Fighter Wing.

"The luncheon was uplifting, it was encouraging, and it was a message of hope," said Chaplain Smithley. "As a chaplain, I'm going to use what was discussed today and give it back to Tyndall."