Moody welcomes deputy chief of chaplains

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Howard D. Stendahl, Headquarters U. S. Air Force deputy chief of chaplains, visited Moody Air Force Base Feb. 8 to 9, 2012 to celebrate Moody's National Prayer Luncheon.

The National Prayer Luncheon is celebrated in conjunction with the National Prayer Breakfast, which has been celebrated by every U.S. president since 1953.

"I think it's valuable to observe the free exercise of religion," said Stendahl. "The national prayer events I have attended in the past have always been inclusive of a variety of points of view. I think that really showcases the first amendment."

Before Stendahl became the deputy chief of chaplains in March 2011, he was the command chaplain of Air Combat Command. This is his second visit to Moody in two years.

"One thing I like about Moody is perception I have of the community support for the wing, Air Force and its mission," he said. "I see civilians who solidly support the Moody mission. That civil-military alliance is the key to making life pleasant for Airmen and their families."

The military chaplaincy was established by the Continental congress in 1775. Then in 1949, a Transfer Order from General Carl Spaatz created a separate chaplaincy for the Air Force.

"The Chaplain Corps exists so we can ensure that all Airman and their families have the opportunity to celebrate their right to freedom of religion," said Stendahl. "We are here to serve Airmen, whether they are religious or not, and help them be spiritually fit without imposing our beliefs upon them."

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Stephen Voyt, 23d Wing chaplain, also stressed the importance of spiritual fitness, mentioning Moody's high deployment rate.

"Many Service members are leaving for their fourth and fifth deployment, and that takes a toll," he said. "Everyone has their own way to deal with it and that's our primary concern. All of us need that spiritual element that makes us push through the hard times and complete the mission."

During the visit, Stendahl met with Moody's leaders and had breakfast with the Moody Chapel staff.

"It's always great when one of the top two chaplains visit," said Voyt. "We got to speak with him about what challenges we face and what to expect in the future. It gives us a sense of connection to other bases and the chaplain command."

During Moody's National Prayer Luncheon, Stendahl shared a few stories about his experiences in the Air Force and working in the Pentagon. He also expressed his pride in ACC and the Air Force.