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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Retired Col. Richard Toliver speaks to the audience at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event also included a ceremony by the Keesler Honor Guard to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

A ceremonial table to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action stands alone following a tribute by the Keesler Honor Guard at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event also included guest speaker, retired Col. Richard Toliver. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Airmen 1st Class Madison Rossi and Brayden Van Bever, Keesler Honor Guard members, help themselves to the buffet line at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event included a ceremony by the Keesler Honor Guard to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action and a guest speaker, retired Col. Richard Toliver. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Michael Raff, 338th Training Squadron, reads a Hebrew scripture at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event included a ceremony by the Keesler Honor Guard to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action and guest speaker, retired Col. Richard Toliver. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Master Sgt. Tanya Boyd, 81st Training Wing, reads a Christian scripture at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event included a ceremony by the Keesler Honor Guard to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action and guest speaker, retired Col. Richard Toliver. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Senior Airman Nicole Rambert, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron, leads the audience in the singing of “America The Beautiful” at the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 20, 2013, at the Bay Breeze Event Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event included a ceremony by the Keesler Honor Guard to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action and guest speaker, retired Col. Richard Toliver. The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year’s theme was “Pray for America.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler hosts National Prayer Luncheon

Published Feb. 21, 2013
By 1st Lt. Victoria Porto
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nearly 350 members of Team Keesler gathered at the Bay Breeze Event Center Feb. 20 for the 2013 National Prayer Luncheon.

The annual event, a tradition that stems back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, allows individuals of different faiths and backgrounds to join together to reflect and develop their spiritual fitness. This year's theme was "Pray for America."

"When you think of the United States, we are a melting pot," said Chaplain (Col.) Wilfred Bristol, 81st Training Wing chaplain. "People come here from all across the world and we blend our cultures together. That is what makes us the greatest nation in the world."

This year's event included Hebrew and Christian readings and featured retired Col. Richard Toliver, a 26-year Air Force veteran and distinguished fighter pilot mentored by the Tuskegee Airmen.

In his speech, Toliver commented on the changes he's witnessed during his lifetime, civil rights developments and the leadership and service of the men and women in the armed forces.

"I love America, and when I see what you're doing I am so thankful for you," he said. "Change and freedom are not free, but you continue to serve."

He reminded the audience that when times are hard and challenges arise, it is important to reflect and stay true to your values.

"Sometimes we want to fix things; we want to fix them right now," he said. "But we have to prepare first. We have to be ready, and you can achieve that through hard work and prayer."

For many in the audience, the luncheon was an opportunity to take a pause from the daily grind to focus on their morale and wellness.

"It was a very inspiring speech; it lifted me up," said Airman 1st Class Candace Fields, 81st Comptroller Squadron.

Closing the event, Toliver reached out and said even in retirement he thinks about service members every day.

"I believe in America," he proclaimed. "I can't jump in an F-15 anymore to join you, but I am cheering for you on the sidelines. I stand by you, side by side in faith."