Prayer breakfast hosts AF Chief of Chaplains

USAF photo: Airman 1st Class James R. Bell Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson, U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, speaks to Cannon personnel and community members at the Landing on Feb. 19. Chaplain Richardson stressed the importance of faith and prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast.

The annual National Prayer Breakfast was held at the Landing on Feb. 19 with a special guest speaker, the Air Force Chief of Chaplains.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson kept the crowd smiling as he spoke for almost an hour about his entrance into the chaplaincy, his time in the enlisted corps as well as motivated and thanked all of those in attendance at the breakfast. Chaplain Richardson has been the Air Force Chief of Chaplains since May 2008.

A number of local clergy also attended and were thanked by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kenneth Crooks, 27th Special Operations Wing Chaplain, who introduced Chaplain Richardson as well.

“If you keep your faith, your faith will keep you,” said Chaplain Richardson, who added that faith wins battles, using the story of David and Goliath as a metaphor to demonstrate that one should follow his or her heart.

When discussing his courtship with his now-wife, he mentioned repeatedly asking her why such a beautiful woman would give him, a poor seminary student, the time of day, let alone a date, she responded, “I could see what was in your heart.”

Chaplain Richardson also expressed his appreciation to the men and women who defend our country.

“Thank you for who are and what you do for this country,” said Chaplain Richardson. “What a privilege it is to be an American,” he said to the crowd.

Also present for the breakfast was a brass quintet from Eastern New Mexico University, which performed various musical pieces for patrons while they ate.

Thanking Chaplain Richardson, Col. Timothy Leahy, 27 SOW commander, provided the chaplain with several gifts, including the wing coin.

The annual National Prayer Breakfast occurs every year after Congress convenes. Leaders from every state, as well as military leaders from each branch of service join members from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

Although viewpoints represented are varied, the result is a fellowship of concerned citizens, dedicated to affirming the moral, ethical, and spiritual values upon which our nation was founded.