3-2 ADA takes spiritual hike

By 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense ArtilleryNovember 13, 2014

Spiritual hike
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. -- On Oct. 8, Soldiers and leaders from 3rd Battalion 2nd Air Defense Artillery ascended Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, tuning in their spirits to the natural world.

Capt. Brian Hall, battalion chaplain, led 25 Soldiers up the worn down mountain, which tops out just shy of 2,500 feet. The Soldiers met at the base of the mountain to begin their spiritual hike and then trekked up the three-mile road that encircles the peak.

Once on top, they enjoyed a light breakfast and received a spiritual message.

The chaplain spoke to the group on the hills and valleys of life, discussing different aspects of the mountain and how the Soldiers are related to it. He provided discussion points regarding how people can deal with the problems they face in life.

After the message, Hall encouraged the Soldiers to do something they don't often get the time to do take time to reflect.

He gave them instruction on how to think about some challenges they were facing in their life and spend some time thinking about them and then listening for answers that might help them.

"I really enjoyed the hike and it was refreshing to do something like this," said Spc. Nick Pierce.

Many Soldiers expressed their appreciation to get out of their offices and relax in the natural setting.

"I wanted to bring my Soldiers out on this hike because I knew it would be a good way for all of us to de-stress and get away for a bit from the day to day grind of our jobs," said Staff Sgt.Veronica Embry. "Making time for your spiritual life is important."

Hall said he hopes the battalion can make the hike a recurring event and eventually incorporate it into the battalion's Master Resiliency Training Program.