ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley, commanding general of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, hosted ATEC's Spiritual Resilience Prayer Luncheon at Aberdeen Proving Ground, May 12, as part of ATEC's Ready and Resilient effort promoting spiritual fitness amongst the workforce.
"Prayer luncheons like this one, provide a venue for the Army's leaders, Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, to be reminded of the role of the divine in our national history, and in our personal lives," said Utley.
This year's theme for the ATEC prayer luncheon, 'Faith for Tomorrow,' encourages the workforce to maintain spiritual resilience through the power of faith, explains Utley.
Spirituality and family are two of the five dimensions of strength identified within Army's Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program designed to build resilience and increase performance of the Army Soldiers, their Families, and Army civilians.
During the luncheon, members of the workforce shared what spiritual resiliency meant to them, through the lens of their own faith, as they recited various readings from their respective religious doctrines. Afterwards, Bryan Shinholt and Dr. Victoria Dixon, ATEC, sang a duet of 'The Anchor Holds,' sending a message that faith will provide stability in spite of the challenges that life may bring.
Chaplain (Col.) Mark A. Penfold, ATEC chaplain and master of ceremonies, explained that in addition to the presentation of readings and music, prayer is another component of maintaining and developing spiritual fitness.
Col. (P) Paul K. Hurley, recently appointed U.S. Army's 24th Chief of Chaplains and guest speaker, expounded on the luncheon's theme, stating, "Faith for tomorrow is about faith now."
"Faith is about being prepared for this life that comes to us; our lives that are filled with all sorts of twists, turns, unexpected events, challenges and joys, but unpredictable in a sense," Hurley explained.
Hurley highlighted the importance of being resilient in our lives to be prepared when life presents unpredictable challenges we must overcome.
Utley presented Hurley with a certificate of appreciation and an ATEC coin as he thanked Hurley for sharing his message with the workforce.
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