FORT SILL, Okla. -- A mixed crowd gathered at the Patriot Club to take part in the Fort Sill National Prayer Luncheon, May 25. The Fort Sill community, comprised of Soldiers and Marines,both enlisted and officers, Department of Defense employees and Lawton towns people gathered in the ballroom of the club for the event. Boisterous chatter roared throughout the room where many wore smiles as they conversed with their peers. The 77th Army Woodwinds Trio played softly in the background until it was time for the luncheon to begin.
Sponsored by the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, the luncheon was free and open to the community. Although the event required a ticket to get in, only donations were accepted.
The luncheon began with Col. Nathan E. Cook II, 75th FA commander, greeting the audience. After pleasantries, brigade Chap. (Lt. Col.) Clark Rabe, gave the invocation. The room fell silent and heads bowed as Rabe prayed.
The menu consisted of a buffet of mixed salad, steamed vegetables, potatoes, pork, roast beef and dinner rolls. A separate table carried several types of cheesecake for guests to choose from.
During the meal, the event proceeded with the reading of a scripture from the Bible. Pvt. Antonio V. Toliver III, a chaplain's assistant in 75th FA read Psalm 100. Toliver said he was excited to take part in the day's event because he wanted to support his unit and he appreciated the opportunity the luncheon had given the community to focus on spiritual matters.
"This luncheon allows people to reflect on their experiences and how they view faith," Toliver said.
The Scripture reading was followed by several prayers from chaplains. Prayers for the nation, the Armed Forces, deployed forces and the Fort Sill community were heard over the clinking of forks and glasses.
People continued to eat as Staff Sgt. Amber Stanley, the 75th FA BDE noncommissioned officer in charge and chaplain's assistant sang a song during the event while also playing the keyboard.
After her song, guest speaker and current head wrestling coach for the University of Minnesota, J. Robinson rose to speak about his faith and relationship with God. He spoke for 10 minutes and during his speech the audience chuckled and smiled.
"We underestimate the courage we give to each other," Robinson said. "I chose to share my faith to help others become more committed in theirs."
Robinson said his goal was to get people to reflect on their lives and their relationship with God.
"Instead of always asking for things, thank God for the many things he has already given," he said.
After Robinson's speech, Cook closed out the event with a few final words, and Chap. (Col.) John Morris, Fort Sill installation chaplain, gave the benediction. After the playing of the song 'God Bless America', guests departed.
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