RAF Chief of Chaplains addresses Team Croughton

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom --  The 21st Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast here Feb. 16.

The Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) Ray Pentland was invited to speak to the 422nd Air Base Group during the annual breakfast, which was started by Congress in 1953, and allows all members regardless of faith, to reflect on service.

Padre Pentland's message concerned the grace of humility, a subject seen in the men and women of the armed forces of both the U.K. and the U.S.A.

"To value others above all, above yourself is humility," Padre Pentland said. "I hear day in and day out about examples of humility in Afghanistan. As opposed to our celebrity culture, where we get to hear their thoughts all day - It's a look-at-me culture."

ThepPadre believes the selflessness and humility shown by those serving in uniform is what makes them stand out from the noise in the world.

"Humility has that effect, there is no need for accolade or praise for them," he said. "Instead they respond 'I didn't do anything - I was just doing my job'."

The chaplains of the 501st Combat Support Wing believed he would deliver a strong message.

"Service before self is the moral and spiritual conscience of what it means to be an Airman," said Chaplain (Maj.) Earnest Beeman, 422nd Air Base Group head chaplain. "(He) captured this idea of service in his message."

Padre Pentland explained whether on the ground, air, or sea - the men and women who fight against terrorism to protect our families and those who have died doing so - it's in their daily actions that we see the very grace of God.

"Padre Pentland brought an early springtime to the 422nd with his good humored yet powerful message on what it means to serve in uniform," said Chaplain (Maj.) Richard Fitzgerald, 501st CSW head chaplain. "His recent return from Afghanistan and many travels amidst our joint forces have garnished him wisdom not often experienced."