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Chaplain brings spiritual message to deployed Airmen

  • Published
  • By by Capt. Jason McCree
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Air Force deputy chief of chaplains traveled to Southwest Asia in March to meet Airmen and to speak at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's annual National Prayer Breakfast.

Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson was the guest speaker during the breakfast, delivering a message on the United States national motto: 'In God we trust.'

The National Prayer Breakfast is "an opportunity for Americans to demonstrate what it means when our Constitution says we can freely exercise our faith," said the chaplain, who assists the Air Force chief of chaplains in overseeing a corps of more than 2,200 Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants.

"It is a time to bring (many faiths) together and say 'We are all Americans.' Many did not know this is our national motto," said Chaplain Richardson, who has been selected to pin his second star on in May and take the seat as the Air Force's most senior-ranking chaplain. "Our nation was founded by religious people, and it will be preserved by people who have a commitment to free exercise of religion."

During his time here, he visited Airmen at the work centers throughout the wing including the explosive ordnance disposal section, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, security forces and the flightline.

"When I got around the Airmen, I got fired up," Chaplain Richardson said. "I received briefings, saw what they do on the job, and it renewed my faith and excitement about being in the military. It is an honor to wear the same uniform that those young people are wearing."

Before departing the air base, he discussed the contributions chaplains make to help accomplish the Air Force mission.

"The chaplain spends time behind closed doors with people helping marriages, relationships and those who may need help with their faith," the chaplain said. "When that Airman comes back to his unit, he'll be a better Airman. This will positively impact the entire unit -- that's what chaplains do."

"Chaplain Richardson's visit to troops (here) reminded us that we all are crucially important to God and to our nation," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Bruce Arnold, the 386th AEW chaplain. "And his concern for all who he met was a huge morale booster."