FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Nearly 400 early risers were rewarded with food for the spirit as well as the body at the post National Prayer Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at The Landing Feb. 10.
Fort Rucker and Wiregrass area leaders, Soldiers and Family members took part in the annual event dedicated to praying for servicemembers and the nation which is hosted annually by the Fort Rucker Chaplain Office.
Attendees were greeted with prelude music by the 98th Army Band's piano-sax duo and took turns at the breakfast buffet that featured all the fixings of a traditional country breakfast, right down to the biscuits, grits and gravy.
"After 30 years in the Army, I believe this is the best breakfast I've ever had at an official event like this one," said Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Dennis Newton.
With breakfast as the appetizer, the Abundant Life Praise Band livened up the room with music for the soul, followed by guest speaker Donny D. Thrasher, a retired Army chaplain, who served up the featured entrAfAe.
Currently the senior pastor of The Grace Place Church in Enterprise, Thrasher reminded Christians that "pride is a dangerous thing, except when it is pride in Jesus."
"If you're a Christian, be proud of what God has done for you ... wear your faith and give God credit," he said.
Thrasher served as a platoon leader and maintenance officer in the 415th Army Security Agency Company in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, and as a company Executive Officer and Battalion Operations Officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
From 1980 to 1987 he served in the Army Reserve while attending and graduating from seminary and serving as a pastor in Texas and Arkansas. He reentered active duty as a chaplain in 1987 and served in Texas, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Bosnia, Italy, Missouri and Alabama. Thrasher retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel in January 2006.
Before concluding his remarks, Thrasher encouraged the assembly to become "recruiters for Jesus," 24 hours a day, seven days a week, practicing their pride in faith at all times, not just on Sundays.
In closing, Newton acknowledged the dedication and efforts of Frances Turner, Chaplain Office administrator, who contributed untold hours coordinating the event; and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Vance Freeman, event project manager.
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