GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - After much anticipation, the ribbon was cut on the new Trooper Chapel at the Joint Task Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Feb. 28.
"We stand in this building today, the doors of which are open for the first time," said Cmdr. Terry Eddinger, JTF chaplain.
The new Trooper Chapel on Radio Road replaced the temporary structure that was the old Trooper Chapel on Kittery Beach Road which took nearly two years from start to finish.
"This event seemed to unfold slowly... but there was anticipation of a time when we would have something more permanent and here we are," said Cmdr. Stephen Gammon, JTF chaplain.
Now that the chapel is open, the seats are quickly being filled as the freshly furnished building is being used for events on days other than just Sunday. The facility was used for a three day leadership seminar not long after its official opening.
"This building will be used for a lot of events," said Gammon. "Whatever occurs in this place, may it bring Troopers, families, staff and friends together. May those who enter here find peace. May they enjoy learning, may they become stronger and more prepared for the challenges of life and service."
As a place of worship on a military base, the opening of this structure reiterates the freedoms which we work to protect every day.
"People of various faiths will gather here and they will celebrate one of the freedoms that every one of us defends... and that is our religious liberty," said Gammon. "That is a priceless treasure that we celebrate in America and that we celebrate here."
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