Depot staff members congregate for National Prayer Breakfast

[thedrifter]

Depot staff members congregate for National Prayer Breakfast
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2004227171237
Story by Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(February 27, 2004) -- Approximately 170 Depot staff members congregated at Duncan Hall here Feb. 12 for the observance of the National Prayer Breakfast.

The reserved left side of the messhall quickly filled up around 6:30 a.m. and others continued to flow into the other half of the building.

In 1942, prayer breakfast groups were organized in the Senate and House of Representatives. They met weekly to share and pray for their individual spiritual needs, according to Depot organizers.

President Eisenhower joined with the groups to make the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in 1953. It later became the National Prayer Breakfast in 1970 to identify why they were gathering.

"The breakfast is traditionally held the first week of February," said Navy Cmdr. Mark J. Logid, deputy Depot chaplain. "In observance, we try to coincide within the month of February."

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ken Counts, 1st Recruit Training Battalion chaplain, headed the organization of the event, and Brig. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., Depot commanding general, was the key speaker.

"The attitude and support from the Depot was outstanding -- from every chain of command," Logid said. "The comments of the commanding general were right on target in taking care of spiritual lives as well as physical and mental."

Paxton talked about Marine Corps history and referred to great battles such as Iwo Jima which happened that same day in Corps history. He highlighted the need for Marines to take care of themselves spiritually as well as mentally and physically.

Showing their commitment to this statement, the commanding officers of Headquarters and Service Battalion and Recruit Training Regiment were on hand as guest readers.

"The passages read were about showing there is more to life than just training," said Lance Cpl. Jared M. Padula, photographer, Combat Visual Information Center.

Participants came from all over the Depot to show their support for spirituality in military life.

"We appreciate the overwhelming support of those who came out to participate," said Logid.

The collection of people sang 'God Bless America', to bring the breakfast to its conclusion.



Sgt. Maj. Joseph V. Morgan, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Maj. Charles E. Fuller, Headquarters Company commanding officer, bow their heads in silent prayer at the beginning of the Commanding General's Observation of the National Prayer Breakfast. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.


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Sempers,

Roger