The White Falcon - 23.11.2001, Page 11

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praise dance. She said that after 15 years of
prophetic dance, prayer still remains an
important element for inspiration.
The celebration continued with Chaplain
John Hoke blessing the meal and reminding
guests of their purpose in the Keflavik com-
munity.
“A year ago we would not have thought
that our nation would be at war. We find it
hard to believe all that has happened on our
domestic shore. Yet, we realize that what is
sustaining our nation is not just our military
might, but the ideal and spirit of America,”
said Hoke. “Bless us that we might continue
to bring out the best of America with a spirit
that brings comfort, support, hope, healing
and forgiveness.”
He added a prayer of gratitude for chap-
lains and religious specialist along with a
blessing of the meal.
After dinner, traditional toasts were made
to the Chaplain Corps and other community
members. The chaplains thanked their assis-
tants and noted the importance of the reli-
gious program specialists who faithfully help
them with administrative and budgetary jobs
involving religious documents, chapel funds
and volunteer programs and activities.
RP1 Clinton Tinker said the work of a reli-
gious program specialist is challenging but
rewarding. “We’re known for doing whatever
it takes to assist and care for people of faith,”
said Tinker. “The job is demanding at times
but seeing the smiles on people’s faces
makes it all worthwhile.”
He added that sometimes ships and small-
er commands do not always have chaplains
and religious program specialists are the
ones who project ministry to the fleet. “We
act as ethnical advisors and care for the spir-
itual lives of all personnel. I’ve learned to
develop patience because our job exposes us
to people with different religions, beliefs and
cultures.”
In addition to clergy and religious person-
nel contributing to the ceremony, HM2 Jeff
Rogers gave a special music presentation by
singing Amazing Grace.’ He said that reli-
gion touches lives in many ways, especially
during troubled times.
“While I was stationed aboard USS
Okinawa in 1992,1 met a friend who led me
to the Lord,” said Rogers. “Since I was lost
spiritually and didn’t know which direction
to turn, I began reading the Holy Scriptures.
I realized if I had died that day, I would have
perished both physically and spiritually.” He
added that he began attending Bible studies
that were held by religious specialists. They
provided answers to my questions said
Rogers. “I made a decision to follow Christ
after realizing that God sent his son to die for
my sins. He does have a purpose for me and
that has revolutionized my life.”
Guest speaker and U.S. Joint Forces
Atlantic Fleet Chaplain, Capt. James B.
Magness, spoke about how the clergy has
entered into a crucial periods in the history
of the Chaplain Corps.
“We are seeing an emerging emphasis, for
the first time in my life, a focus upon religion
in the public square. There are people who
are saying that it’s OK to have religious faiths
and convictions,” said Magness. “Chaplains
have a significant contribution to make
because we stand between the public spear
and that privately-held religious belief that so
many posses.”
The captain added that when chaplains
bring the best of what they have to offer
while providing religious ministry support
for military personnel, their contributions
become needed and respected.
“From one side of this globe to the other,
chaplains and religious program specialists
have been engaged heavily in doing what
they do best - caring for the spiritual needs
of the men and women in the sea services,”
said Magness.
No smoking at our school...
Lt.j.g. Jaye Bayles, from NAS Keflavik Naval
Hospital education and training department,
distributes information packets to students at
the A.T. Mahan Elementary School during
the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15.
The purpose was to teach them about the dan-
gers of using tobacco. According to A.T.
Malian Elementary School Principal Richard
Alix it is crucial to reach children early in life.
“It’s important to work with children at this
age because they are impressionable and it’s
vital for them to build a knowledge base about
the implications of smoking on personnel
health and well-being. As a result, should peer
pressure push them toward smoking, each
child has the defenses to resist,” said Alix.
(Photo by Art Frith)
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November 23, 2001
The White Falcon
Page 15