March 21, 2003
Soldiers, civilians gather for prayer at VAFB chapel By NORA K. WALLACE As the U.S.-led attack on Iraq entered its first full day, uniformed soldiers, civilians and families of deployed troops gathered at Vandenberg Air Force Base's chapel Thursday to pray for the nation, its leaders, service members -- and the Iraqi people. "Historically, before any battle or conflict, people come together in prayer and ask for God's protection and guidance," said Air Force Maj. David M. Terrinoni, senior Protestant chaplain. "We stand behind our leadership, and at this time, we stand with our brothers and sisters who are in harm's way." The service was arranged hastily, after the war with Iraq started Wednesday night. The nondenominational service was attended by about 25 people, including base commander Col. Robert M. Worley II. The group sang hymns as well as patriotic songs, including "God Bless America" and the national anthem.
"As our nation faces the evils of this world, may we be strong," he urged. "May we be constant and may we triumph in the name of freedom and peace . . . Lord, show us the path we must take to defeat our enemy and liberate its people. We pray for peace, but give us the strength and resolve to accomplish the liberation of the Iraqi people." In offering a meditation for the day, Maj. Terrinoni encouraged participants to remember their faith and used it as a foundation during these troubled times; to hold on to hope, which will carry them through the day, and to pray. The somber event included numerous references to America's fighting troops, as well as those deployed in support positions. Approximately 200 men and women from Vandenberg are deployed in Kuwait and elsewhere in southwest Asia. Lisa Griffin came to the chapel Thursday with her 12-year-old daughter, Laura, seeking solace in her faith. Mrs. Griffin, whose husband, Capt. Phillip Griffin, is a chaplain, said it was important to her to "come together as a community and pray and lift up our troops in prayer." A number of the base chaplains took turns leading the congregates in prayer and song. "Lord, we need you, that's why we gathered her today," said 1st Lt. Michael J. Martin, a Protestant chaplain. "This is bigger than us, this conflict, these things, these issues. We gather to pray, in fellowship, to encourage each other." Lt. Martin, in a prayer, asked, "Lord, that you touch the lives of our leaders. We need you to touch the lives of our military brothers and sisters, particularly those who are forward deployed and in harm's way." He also spoke of the antiwar activists, many of whom have protested at Vandenberg and plan to do so Saturday. "We pray for those in our community who don't understand our purpose and what we're trying to do," Lt. Martin said. "Father, I ask that you speak to them, bring understand to their lives and keep them restrained, Father. I ask that you pray for the Iraqi people, who are innocent bystanders in this. We do not want any harm to come to them." |
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