CAMP HENRY, South Korea - The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, "Team 19", held a prayer luncheon on Camp Henry, Sept. 5.
People pray for many reasons. Regardless of their religious backgrounds, when facing difficulties or having a hard time, they pray. They also pray to celebrate milestones or important events.
Soldiers from 19th ESC attended the prayer luncheon after having successfully completed Ulchi-Freedom Guardian 2014. A 19th ESC Chaplain, Maj. Kevin S. Sears, helped celebrate the end of UFG and share prayers with the Soldiers for the start of the Korean Chuseok holiday.
"Prayer luncheons are a military tradition that we started as the Army did," said Sears. "We began this event to support and give mental comfort for our Soldiers. Today we are here to celebrate the Korean holiday Chuseok."
During Chuseok, which is similar to the American Thanksgiving Day, Koreans will join with their family members to celebrate. Also during Chuseok, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and pay respect to their loved ones, both living and dead.
Team 19's deputy commanding officer, Col. Kelly J. Lawler, spoke on the importance of reflecting on the positive aspects of our lives.
"Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving day, is coming," said Lawler. "It is very important that Team 19 comes together to think about what we have to be thankful for."
Cpl. Song, Sang Chul, 19th ESC Chaplain's Korean Augmentee, sang the Korean national anthem at the opening of the luncheon.
"It is my honor to sing on behalf of the ROK Soldiers," said Song. "I'm really glad to celebrate Chuseok with US Soldiers. I hope all Soldiers have a great holiday week."
The luncheon menu included typical America fare but also featured traditional Korean Chuseok dishes.
Pfc. Joshua Harris, a technician with the 19th ESC G-6, attended the prayer luncheon and is celebrating his first Chuseok.
"I was looking forward to celebrate Chuseok," said Harris. "It is great celebrate thanksgiving day. I think I like this Korean Rice cake songpyeon."
Ultimately, Soldiers of 19th ESC came together, shook off the fatigue of UFG and prepared for the upcoming holiday by engaging in the universal act of prayer.
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