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Prayer breakfast mixes faith with food Spc. Eugena Roaché 444th MPAD/ Fort Dix PAO
“I have spent 32 years fighting so that every American can believe whatever they please.” Maj. Gen. William G. Boykin, commander of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School delivered a powerful message on the importance of faith at the Installation Prayer Breakfast Feb. 6 at Club Dix. “What I tell you this morning represents my faith,” he clarified, so as not to reject the beliefs of others. Boykin began his career in special operations and - in his 32 years of service - has held positions of leadership during many of the nation’s military engagements. Though wounded serially and seriously through the years, he continues to serve his nation in body and mind. He attributes his survival and his successes to his faith. Boykin portrayed his intense message in words and posture, leaning slightly toward the audience to capture his listeners. He spoke of the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism and the attacks that prompted it. “These buildings were assembled of American might and American power,” Boykin said of the World Trade Center. “We all watched in horror as they began to crumble. We watched in disbelief as we saw people around the world rejoicing in our agony and misery.” Reflecting on the current condition of the world, Boykin proclaimed, “The enemy is not the terrorists.” He spoke of the Bible’s reference to Principalities of Darkness. “The enemy has come against us in a spiritual realm.” Boykin compared the radical Islamic fundamentalists to the radical “hooded Christians” of the United States. “There are Muslims who worship here and support the United States,” he said, pointing out that those who act violently in the name of their religion do not reflect the principles of Islam. Nor do they reflect the principles of the Judeo-Chrisitan roots of the United States, he said. “We will never walk away from Israel,” Boykin declared. He quoted Ben Franklin’s conclusion: Rebellion to tyrants, is obedience to God. “Many of us are worried about heaven,” he speculated. “Heaven is your reward. You are here as soldiers to take on the enemy.” He went on to quote Isaiah 40:31, words which hang on a wall in his office. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” In summation, and in reference to the current situation, Boykin said, “If there is no God, there is no hope. Don’t let the media, the liberals, sway you in your faith. Pray for America, and we will be victorious. He’ll (Lord) never give more than you can take.” “No matter how strong we are, it all depends on God. Despite our strength and our might, it is God who will make the final decisions,” affirmed Chap. (Lt. Col.) Ira Kronenberg, of the Installation Support Battalion. Installation Chap. (Col.) Tom Vann said that with the condition of the nation today, it is important that we gather and think about spiritual things. He led the audience as it stood to sing “America The Beautiful.” The audience applauded warmly to the selections sung by Staff Sgt. Alvy Powell, of the U.S. Army Chorus. Powell certified “You Gave Me Love’’ — a song introduced to him by Vann in 1983— as his testimony. Col. David Lowry, installation commander, presented Boykin and Powell with renditions of the Fort Dix Main Chapel. The program concluded with a prayer led by Charlie Dreyer, President of the Catholic Congregation. Many remained close to meet Boykin and shake his hand. The strength of his faith and the spirituality of his message touched the entire audience. |
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