WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Celebrated on the first Thursday of every February, the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., began in 1953 by presidential mandate from Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The event aims to bring U.S. leadership together to recognize the moral and spiritual values the nation holds dear.

Nearly every military and civilian community across America, as well as other countries has established their own annual prayer breakfast.

On March 11, 2016, the Chapel Corps of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, held this year's celebration at the Mission's End club. The theme, "Your life matters and could change the course of history," celebrated the accomplishments our Airmen achieve every day. 

Guest speaker, U.S. Army Col. Douglas Mastriano, an instructor at the U.S. Army War College, Department of Military Strategy, Planning and Operations, shared a story about U.S. Army Sgt. Alvin York, a World War I Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient who changed the course of history.

As a teenager, York drank heavily and was told he would never amount to anything. After finding his faith in 1914, he changed his life for the better. In 1917, he received his draft notice for the U.S. Army. In October 1918, York assumed command after his platoon was fighting in Argonne Forest, France, and the platoon leader was lost to enemy fire. By his heroic actions, York and his platoon took control of the machine-gun nest, and the German forces surrendered.

Mastriano spoke of how York was the perfect example of how to turn your life around for the better and change history.

"You do matter," said Mastriano. "You may have been told lies when you were young, such as 'you'll never amount to anything' - maybe from your parents, your teachers or your peers. People may have beat you down and told you lies; don't let it defeat you."

Mastriano stressed the importance of holding on to a strong moral character and how character can shape your future and potentially your military career.

"Work on your character muscle," said Mastriano. "Our core values in the Air Force and Army are all about developing that character muscle in our Airmen and Soldiers. When you have that muscle built, who knows, you might change the course of history."

Mastriano said he believes that the National Prayer Breakfast is an important tradition to continue because it refocuses people back to their roots and could inspire someone to alter the course of history.

"America is worth fighting for," said Mastriano. "I've served 30 years for the sake of this country and its forefathers. We need to continue to do the right thing and keep America great."

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