ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Buoyed by a quote from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give," the theme for the Garrison Prayer Breakfast, held at the Aberdeen Area Dining Facility, Oct. 20, focused on serving others less fortunate.
Chaplain (Col.) Orman Boyd, Garrison chaplain, led the program, using slideshows of photos from humanitarian expeditions to Africa and Russia to make his point.
Boyd said one reason for the Prayer Breakfast was to take time to reflect on American Soldiers,
civilians and contractors serving in harms way "down range."
Another reason, he said, was to "share some wisdom that I have found on my journey" toward a spirit-filled life.
He talked about his early years in the military ministry, which included providing pastoral care to veterans and said spiritual journeys are what define life.
Acknowledging that most listeners were probably from a religious background, he put the question, "What does it mean to be at the top of your game'"
He said today's society promotes selfishness and that it takes a constant struggle to "go against the grain" to do for others.
"When you do things for other people, whether it's something small or something grandiose, it is physically healthy for you," he said.
He talked about humanitarian trips such as one he went on to Russia in sub-zero temperatures and other travels around the world, brining food, medicines and spiritual support to those in need.
He said that service such as this "makes us strong in the faith" and invited anyone with ideas about how to serve others, whether overseas or in the local community, to visit his office.
"When I look back on my life, it's these types of events that stand out," Boyd said.
He closed with a prayer for all those in the service of the nation.
"We pray for peace, for their Families, and that they can come home and that leaders all over the world can find some other way to settle their differences," he said. "Help us to make a difference
to do our part."
Attendees said they gained much from the message.
"I thought it was nice to do a good prayer breakfast in sync with our work mission," said Joyce Glasby, a CECOM command, control and supply branch chief.
"I'm always thinking there's more I can do," added Danny Lynn O'Hern, a retired staff sergeant and member of the chapel's Catholic service. "The fact that he [Boyd] was actually on the ground
giving aid to those in need of help is inspiring," she said.
Rick Witherspoon, an equal employment opportunity advisor, said he appreciated the service mission theme.
"I've always wanted to go to Africa and serve like that," he said. "It would give us a whole new perspective and make us more appreciative of the blessings we take for granted."
The program included a musical selection sung by Mike Cashman of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Office.
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