Beale hosts National Prayer Luncheon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Beale hosted an annual National Prayer Luncheon at the Recce Point Club Jan. 15.

The National Prayer Luncheon is a tradition that dates back to 1953 during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower would join with members of his cabinet, the legislature and his friends to pray and ask for God's assistance in guiding the nation.

The event focused on the spiritual pillar of Air Combat Command's Comprehensive Airman Fitness model. CAF defines spiritual fitness as having a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose. It includes, but is not limited to worldviews, religious faith, sense of purpose, sense of connectedness, values, ethics, and morals. The other pillars of fitness include mental, physical and social.

Within the Department of Defense, it is common to see National Prayer Luncheon observances at most military facilities, both at home and overseas.

The luncheon featured scripture readings from different faiths to provide an all-encompassing event for the base.

"It is an opportunity for all of Team Beale who represent many different faiths, to come together, embrace in unity and reaffirm the spiritual foundation upon which our nation is built," said Chaplain (Capt.) Joshua King, 9th Reconnaissance Wing.

ACC's Command Chaplain, Col. Scott Ofsdahl, was the guest speaker at the spiritually-focused luncheon.

Ofsdahl spoke of military life and how having a strong spiritual background can provided Airmen with the strength to overcome challenges.

"Our Airmen are faced with many challenges every day," Ofsdahl said. "The Comprehensive Airman Fitness allows Airmen to become more resilient, which is vital to mission success."

At the end of the event, many left with the greater appreciation of spiritual services available throughout the Air Force.

"The Air Force goes to great lengths to provide spiritual guidance to all who seek it," said Bethany Nickel, a Team Beale member. "It's amazing to see the many faiths of Team Beale come together."

For more information about the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program visit www.beale.af.mil/library/comprehensiveairmanfitness/index.asp.