Moment of Prayer

Tinker Chaplain, Capt. Mike Curtis, joins more than 200 people for a moment of prayer at the March 13 National Prayer Luncheon in the Tinker Club. Scripture readings, a special speaker and singing by the 100-member Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma were Tinker’s highlights of the annual national observance started in 1942 by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

National Prayer Luncheon

During his talk at Tinker’s National Prayer Luncheon, retired Army Lt. Col. Steven Russell details lethal combat experiences in Iraq. The Legion of Merit and Bronze Star veteran told of battles in the Bible and addressed how Christians can practice their faith while serving their country. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

Tinker learns to use faith as a guidance tool

Published March 20, 2008
By Danielle Gregory
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- A sellout crowd attended the 2008 annual National Prayer Luncheon -- formally recognized by most as the National Prayer Breakfast -- March 13 at the Tinker Club.
As the luncheon got under way, several men began to fill the outer portions of the room. One hundred men from the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma lined the ballroom walls to sing the national anthem.
   This year's guest speaker was retired Lt. Col. Steve Russell, a highly decorated Army officer. During his career, he received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantry Man's Badge and the Valorous Unit Award.
   "I want you all to know what an honor and privilege it is to be here today close to my hometown of Del City," he said. "I grew up watching planes take off from Tinker as a boy, hoping to fly one someday. But, having terrible eye sight, I couldn't."
Colonel Russell told stories of combat and how Soldiers can relate the job they take on everyday and use the faith as a guidance tool.
   "I always thought that if God intended for me to die in battle then there was nothing I could do to change things," Colonel Russell said. "If he intended for me to live, then there was nothing the enemy could do."
   Colonel Russell commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry "Regulars" during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was involved in combat in Tikrit, Iraq, from spring of 2003 to the spring of 2004. The unit he commanded played a vital role in the search and capture of Saddam Hussein.
   Colonel Russell said, "Christian soldiers have the greatest capacity for courage and hope because their strength not only lies in their own abilities but in God's. Should a Christian face a situation in which duty requires him to take lives, he can live with it afterwards knowing his conscience is clear and God has forgiven him."
   Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander said Colonel Russell gave attendees a lot to think about as to how spirituality mixes in with what is done everyday.
   "The reality that we have is the business we do is a very sober and serious business," Colonel Correll said. "We all have to be able to resolve what it is that we do everyday with the spiritual foundation that we have, whatever that may be."