Camp Eggers personnel celebrate Easter in Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | Army Capt.Theodore Knach, chaplain for Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan, leads a closing song at the end of an Easter sunrise service at Camp Eggers in Kabul. Singing with Chaplain Knach is Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the commanding general for CSTC-A.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.25.2008

Courtesy Story

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Tim Newborn
Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan — Music and prayer filled the air early this morning as nearly 150 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians gathered to worship at an Easter service at Camp Eggers.

As the sun rose above the Afghan mountains, Chaplain (Army Capt.) Theodore Knach, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan garrison chaplain, began the service with a traditional call to worship.

"Today is a day of hope, a day of joy and a day of blessing," said Knach.

Chaplain (Cmdr.) Patrick McCormick, CSTC-A command chaplain, gave the invocation.

"I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all who have come out on this very beautiful day to bask in the awe of the resurrection (of Jesus Christ)," said McCormick.

Camp Eggers Gospel Choir then sang "That's Love," a song about the resurrection, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Edmond P. Garrett, CSTC-A chaplain assistant, read a biblical account of the resurrection from Matthew 28:1 – 10.

During a short sermon, Knach exhorted the audience to be joyful and to include God in everyday life.

"This ceremony, I hope, will make others realize that we are all just people regardless of religion," said Army Maj. Craig McNamara, operations personal recovery officer. "The important thing to remember is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"The service was great," said Air Force Col. Dan Miller, Combined Air Power Transition Force chief of staff. "I also enjoyed the diversity in the service. It was a nice mix to see civilians and military alike worship together."

At the conclusion of the service, participants visited with each other and enjoyed refreshments. Some talked of family and some discussed celebrating a religious holiday far from home.

"I've always found it to be especially rewarding to be able to worship while in a deployed location," said Marine Col. Brian Palmer, political military affairs director, "It is truly a blessing to celebrate this joyous occasion with fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines."

• Date Taken: 03.25.2008
• Date Posted: 03.25.2008 15:04
• Story ID: 17729
• Location: KABUL, AF