Regional Command-South troops participate in National Day of Prayer event

By Sgt. Ashley BellFebruary 3, 2013

Regional Command-South troops participate in National Day of Prayer event
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Regional Command-South troops participate in National Day of Prayer event
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Regional Command-South troops participate in National Day of Prayer event
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Regional Command-South troops participate in National Day of Prayer event
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. John Grauer, RC-S division chaplain (left) presents Dr. Stu Weber with and award in appreciation of his visit to Kandahar Airfield, Feb. 3, 2013.Weber visited Regional Command South in support of the National Prayer Event (U.S. Army photo by Sgt... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - ISAF troops deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan participated in the National Day of prayer event here at Fraise Chapel on Feb. 3.

The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Stu Weber, a U.S. Army Veteran, who is also an author, public speaker and pastor. Weber was awarded three bronze stars as a Green Beret in Vietnam. During that war was when he committed himself to the ministry. Weber's goal is to maintain professional development for service members in order to train a competent resilient fighting force.

"Those four plus years, almost five, that I was in (the service) marked my soul forever, changed my life," said Weber. I've always loved soldiers and I will do anything for soldiers anywhere, anytime."

Weber's message today centered on "The warrior soul" and the spiritual war a person will face constantly.

"War believe it or not is a spiritual exercise," said Weber. "The secret to doing well in war or in life is in your soul; it's what you believe that makes the difference whether you're a soldier or a coal miner"

The national day of prayer has a long history in the United States, but is not a well known event to many. According to National Day of Prayer.org, every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

For many soldiers, this event is something that is significant in their lives and may even be the thing they need to give them that extra boost to their morale.

"It was outstanding and really spoke to my heart," said Maj. Chris J. Bennett, a U.S. Air force pilot. "A lot of it (Weber's message) is applicable to what we are doing here and who we are and how we do our jobs."

Bennett had the opportunity to read one of Weber's books that was sent to him by his father when he first arrived in theatre. Now only his final day in country he had the pleasure of seeing Weber speak in person.

"Pretty funny that the last day that I'm here, he is actually preaching this service, it was really kind of neat," said Bennett. "My family was pretty excited that I was able to have this opportunity on my last day here."

Weber offered several words of encouragement for troops during his message, "You have got to stay optimistic and remember who you are in spiritual warfare," said Weber.

"Read his books, they really speak to the heart and keep the faith," said Bennett.