Photo By Samantha Harms | Everyone who attended was able to enjoy plenty of food during the Iftar dinner. The...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas — The evening of April 14 was marked by laughter, plenty of food, reflection and celebration as the Fort Hood Muslim community enjoyed the second annual Fort Hood Iftar dinner at the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel.
The dinner marked a break in fasting during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
After evening prayer and sunset, Muslims break their fast with Iftar. Traditionally, those observing Ramadan break their fast by eating three dates, to emulate the way the prophet Mohammed broke his fast. Then, Iftar begins.
“We are excited and honored to share an important aspect of the holiest month in Islam with friends, family (and) leaders from the Army and the installation,” 1st Lt. Mahamat Hibrahim, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, stated during his opening remarks. “Most of them have been proudly serving the community and this country in all realms of the armed forces already and (in) positions from combat to support roles.
“With the growth of the Muslim community within the United States, the growth in the number of Muslim military service members has fallen,” Hibrahim continued. “We all come together tonight, not only as people of faith, but also those who have taken on the responsibility of service to our nation and our fellow citizens. Our services include defending the fundamental principle of our country, their ability to freely practice their chosen religion.”
The evening was primarily meant to bring together the Muslim community and guests, commanders, supervisors and Fort Hood leaders, including Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis, 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. James A. LaFratta, 13th ACSC command sergeant major. However, it also provided a moment to highlight Soldiers and their efforts within the Muslim community, along with allowing them an opportunity to speak up about their faith.
“I’ve been in the Army for almost 12 years and being able to exercise my faith in the beginning, it wasn’t as easy to be quite frank,” shared Sgt. 1st Class Quavail Dailey, Fort Hood Installation Reception Center, after receiving his coin. “There were some struggles there, because we were at war with the Islamic State. And fortunately for me, I just hung onto my faith. I stuck it out. And I started to see change across the military.
“So, just from one of your own as a senior noncommissioned officer, I will tell you that I’ve watched the Army change more and more,” continued Dailey. “And it’s improved, because (of the) people, those, to my left and right. I think they stuck it out and they keep fighting and they make all this possible.”
Challenge coins were presented by their leaders to Hibrahim, Dailey, Spc. Abibou-Laye Salami, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, and Warrant Officer 1 Mamadou Diallo, 1st Cavalry Division.
Following the coin presentations, the evening’s distinguished guest, Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Andrew Harewood, the deputy chief of chaplains for the Army Reserve, gave his remarks.
“What you are doing here matters,” Harewood expressed. “It matters not only to families, but it matters to every single Soldier, not just every Muslim Soldier but every Soldier that wears the uniform of the United States Army. Being a part of the team matters. … It’s truly an honor to be with you this evening.
“To break fast, to say to you that what you’re doing matters,” Harewood continued. “What you’re doing matters, it’s making a difference and its saying to our allies that we’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk. We treat our citizens the same way we treat our enemies. And what you’re doing, you’re leading in that fight. So, this is not a small thing that you’re doing and so I salute you. I salute your leadership. I thank you for your fidelity. As-salamu alaykum.”
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2023 16:21 |
| Story ID: | 457843 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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