Spiritual readiness, chapel community sponsor a prayer luncheon

Photo By Staff Sgt. Katherine Ramos Muniz | FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico—Soide Rodriguez, Chaplain Ltc.Wanda Acevedo, 1st Mission Support Command deputy command chaplain and the command's chaplains joyfully blessed the luncheon with songs during the meal service. "We created a music band to be part of the religious services we offer," said Acevedo.  

FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO, UNITED STATES

11.17.2021

Story by Sgt. Katherine Ramos Muniz 

1st Mission Support Command

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico- With the intent of increasing spiritual readiness, the 1st Mission Support Command and chapel community on post sponsored a prayer luncheon at the Fort Buchanan Community Club, Nov 17.

Leaders play an active role in creating and fostering a climate that encourages individual spiritual readiness. Among the leaders joining the luncheon were Maj. Gen. Jose Reyes, Puerto Rico Army National Guard adjutant general, Col. Carlos Caceres, 1st MSC commanding officer, and Col. Tomika Seaberry, United States Army Garrison Fort Buchanan commander.

"We want to inspire unity among our soldiers," said Chaplain Ltc. Wanda Acevedo, 1st Mission Support Command deputy command chaplain. "We partnered with chaplains from different organizations to work towards the same effort, taking care of our community."

Next to Acevedo leading in prayers was Chaplain Maj. David Keller, from United States Army Garrison-Fort Buchanan and Chaplain Ltc. Julio Vera, from Puerto Rico Army National Guard. Joseph Bender represented the retirees, veterans, and civilian community.

Soide Rodriguez and the command's chaplains joyfully blessed the luncheon with songs during the meal service.

"We created a music band to be part of the religious services we offer," said Acevedo. "Prays and worship are essential to strengthen the spirit."

Acevedo said anybody who has access to the installation could join the music band. "If you know how to play the guitar, percussion, or if you love to sing, please get in touch with me to join!"

Chaplain Ltc. Jorge Torres, First Cavalry Division command chaplain, served as a guest speaker and shared with the audience the story of Chaplain Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, medal of honor from the Korean War.

"To all the soldiers here on the island, please continue to be as passionate as you are and live up to the Army values in a way that positively impacts the community," said Torres. "Be the great leader that God wants you to be in this spectrum of the military."

According to the Army field manual 7-22, the spiritual readiness domain is inclusive and universally vital to all personnel, no matter their background, philosophy, or religion. It applies to both religious and non-religious persons and concepts.

People develop spiritual readiness by studying, connecting with, and understanding the value systems that mold their personal qualities. As their spiritual enthusiasm grows, they become a leader of character and build the resilience necessary to navigate crises.

• Date Taken: 11.17.2021
• Date Posted: 11.19.2021 09:14
• Story ID: 409669
• Location: FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO, US