National Prayer Breakfast feeds mind, body and spirit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Robert Wicks, professor at Loyola University Maryland, is the guest speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast scheduled 7:30 a.m., Feb. 22 at the Mission's End. All Team Whiteman members are invited.

The purpose of the occasion is to bring the community together in recognition of the moral and spiritual values on which the Nation is founded, according to Staff Sgt. Lukas Bartels, 509th Bomb Wing NCO in charge of chapel readiness, and Air Force Global Strike Command member.

"The National Prayer Breakfast is a wonderful time to be grateful for all that we have in this country," Dr. Wicks said. "It's easy to take things for granted. This day remembers how servicemembers offer their lives and energy to defend all that is important to us and our way of life in the United States."

The theme is "The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart." Dr. Wicks said he will emphasize the importance of the spirit and practice of self-care, and how it lends to servicemembers' and family's readiness in facing challenges.

Dr. Wicks is a former Marine Corps officer and has a doctorate in psychology. He is the author of more than 40 books and is the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the
American Counseling Association's Division on Ethics and Values.

"I'm looking forward to my visit to Whiteman," he said. "I am honored to be able to contribute to Whiteman's important mission in some way. Being an officer in the military in the past, I understand the stress and responsibility that comes with the mission, so I look forward to coming to try and help relieve some of that pressure in some way."

The breakfast menu includes scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, turkey and pork bacon, sensational sweets, biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice. Cost is $5 dollars per person, cash only, and donations are welcome. Pay is accepted at the door the morning of the event or through unit first shirts. Those interested need to RSVP by Feb. 18.

To RSVP, or for more information about the National Prayer Breakfast, call Sergeant Bartels at (660) 687-3652.