"America, Return To God"
The 47th Annual National Day of Prayer

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Story by CPT John Ludiker

The founders of this great nation were, in most cases, men and women of faith who incorporated the principle of Scripture in the Constitution and in the government that it authorized.   In their foundational documents they referred to "the God of Nature and Nature's God."  That early influence prevails in our  culture to this day.   Religious roots run deep in our nations military, and our Chaplaincy is ever present in our work - in peace and in war.  But sadly, many of us have forgotten the God of our Fathers.  It is time to return once again to the Words of Him who said...

..."even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.      - Joel 2:12-13

This years service was held at Alston Hall on Camp Murray from 0800-0900 on May 7th, 1998.  The Adjutant General, Major General Gregory P. Barlow spoke to the assembly of about 30 people, and prayer was lead by the following Chaplains:   LTC Pryor, MAJ Lensch, MAJ Lummis and MAJ Bollinger, representing several different denominations.  Also in attendance was the Commander of the Washington Air National Guard, Major General Frank Scoggins.

CPT John Ludiker, the events organizer, wishes to express his gratitude to the following individuals who made this years service possible:

  • LTC Pryor and SFC Henri Tate of the State Chaplain’s Office
  • MSG Cathy Senn who provided a tremendous amount of information and many positive suggestions
  • SFC Marie Moynaham who in addition to providing a tremendous amount of information and many positive suggestions, assisted with shopping for the post-service refreshments
  • SFC George Smith and SGT Linton Weems from the 133d Army Band
  • Ms. Pam Taylor, Western Air Defense Sector and PFC James Mooney, HHC, 1st Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA our vocalists
  • MSG Robert Sweeney, SFC Marc Jolicoeur and SPC Charles Ames who assisted with set-up and break-down
  • 1SG Jerrold Lambert and SFC Rudy Carrol, our hosts at the 205th facility
  • SSG Jeff Clayton our Webmaster, who assisted with the programs
  • And last but not least, CPT Connie Kindle, who assisted before her maternity leave, left a good historical working file as a reference and made herself accessible by phone to answer questions as they arose