Chaplain brings message of courage, faith to Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "Courage in Trouble" was the theme for the 2011 National Prayer Luncheon held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here Feb. 9.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, Air Force Chief of Chaplains, led the luncheon as the key speaker for this annual event.

Chaplain Richardson began his message with what seemed to be a joke.

"Did you hear the one about the rabbi, the priest and the two Protestant ministers who went out for a cruise late one night?" he said.

Following the audience laughter in expectation for the rest of the joke, a story they were least expecting followed.

"I hope you did, because it's one of the most inspiring and powerful true stories in the history of our nation," he said.

Suddenly, the audience seemed devoured by his words. Waiting to hear the rest of the story, the room grew quiet in suspense.

The chaplain continued to tell the story, bringing everyone in the room to February of 1943.

"It was World War ll and 907 souls were aboard the U.S.S. Dorchester," he continued. "Night had come, and before bed they were commanded to leave their life vests on because of German submarines in the area."

With the ship crowded and hot, several of the soldiers took off their life vests to use as pillows. Around 1:45 a.m., a German torpedo hit the Dorchester and the ship began sinking. Although the captain gave orders to abandon ship, many men were stuck aboard the sinking ship without life vests.

"It was then and there the four chaplains grabbed axes and began chopping down the ships storehouse and throwing out life vests, saying 'Jump! Jump! Save your lives!'

Eventually running out of life vests, the chaplains took off their own vests and handed them to the soldiers," he continued.

The ship then went from being horizontal on the ocean front, to a 90 degree angle -- sticking upwards.

What happened next left the soldiers in awe for the rest of their lives, he said.

"Before the soldiers bobbing in the water, the ship began sinking rapidly. The four chaplains locked arms and began making their way up to the bough of the ship. Once to the top of the ship, they began yelling 'Trust in God! Rescue will come -- don't lose your hope!'"

The soldiers then watched the ship and the chaplains submerge into the water, leaving nothing behind.

"Where do you find the courage to put another's life before your own?" said Chaplain Richardson. "Where do you find the courage to actually live out the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do?"

Chaplain Richardson mentioned the importance of one's faith to remain resilient in today's military.

"Regardless of what belief system you have -- remain faithful," said the Chaplain. "Never lose faith, no matter how difficult the situation."

Just as the four chaplains remained faithful during the distress, Chaplain Richardson suggested looking to one's faith during hardship, he said.

"It is such an honor to have Chaplain Richardson speak here at Ramstein," said Chaplain (Capt.) Michael D. Bram from the 86th Airlift Wing. "Events like this prayer luncheon are essential to mission success because they remind Airmen of the mission of the Chaplain Corps and the services we can provide for them," said Chaplain Bram. "National prayer events across the military bring Airmen together to recognize our diversity and celebrate our first amendment right to freedom of religion."

The concept of the National Prayer Luncheon began in 1942 as prayer breakfast groups held by the U.S. Government in the Senate and the House of Representatives. By 1970, the prayer breakfast groups led to The National Prayer Breakfast to emphasize the purpose of gathering rather than the individuals involved.
 
To this day, the annual breakfast still occurs every year after Congress convenes.