So help me God

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Service and community members from all different faiths joined together in prayer for this year's National Prayer Luncheon at the Loring Club at Kunsan Air Base Feb. 23.

The event featured a special guest, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Chaplains Brig. Gen. David Cyr. He gave a sermon that focused on a statement in the oath all service members take upon entrance into the military, "So help me God."

"I believe absolutely in the power of prayer," General Cyr said. "We pray because we don't know what kind of challenges face us. This takes commitment every day to fight for what we believe in -- freedom."

The general had each member in attendance spiritually excited for their individual faiths and what they believe.

"It was really great to see the strong turnout of the Kunsan community," said Master Sgt. John DeSpain, 8th Medical Operations Support Squadron dental flight chief. "My faith is very important to me and it ties directly into our mission readiness."

Mirroring Sergeant DeSpain, Staff Sgt. Jennifer Warren, 8th Fighter Wing equal opportunity technician, said she thought the event fairly represented members from all different faiths and beliefs.

"An event like this helps to incorporate the philosophy of equality," she said. "From past experiences, these prayer luncheons always seem to be a big success and an enjoyable time for everyone. This one was no different."

Sacred readings from religious texts from faiths including Judaism, Islam and Christianity were shared.  The readings were accompanied by a prayer for the deployed and a prayer for the nation.

In gratitude for the U.S. military's continued presence on their peninsula, a group of young South Korean drummers known as the Traditional Gunsan City Drummers performed using traditional Korean drums, gongs and cymbals.

This U.S. military presence, according to the general, is not possible without faith.

"God is the only one who can give us strength to fulfill our duties here," he said. "He equips us; he provides for us and nurtures our faith-life."

"George Washington was the first to include the clause, 'So help me God,' in our oath of service," General Cyr continued. "He stood the watch and knew he could not do it alone."

The general quoted the Christian Bible when he referenced Psalm 124:8, "Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth," a verse which summed up the basis for his message.

General Cyr then asked those in attendance to keep their hearts and minds firmly rooted in their faith, and in closing, thanked them for their service.

"Thank you for what you're doing every day -- for standing the watch, faithfully."