EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The chief of the Air Force Chaplain's Corps visited Team Edwards for the 2009 National Prayer Breakfast April 14 at Club Muroc.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson was the key note speaker for the Prayer Breakfast, themed "God Shed His Grace on Thee."

"The National Prayer Breakfast is an important tradition in the United States," said Chaplain (Capt.) Hank Thomas, Edwards chaplain and event emcee. "As fellow citizens, we come together to offer thanksgiving for our country that has historically proclaimed that it is 'one Nation under God.' This year, we focus our attention on the theme 'God Shed His Grace on Thee,' not for ourselves but for our beautiful country we call the United States of America."

Chaplain Richardson began his speech by briefly recalling some of the unique and memorable things he's encountered and endured in his career, which dates back to 1966, when he was an enlisted Airman.

"I've walked on our nation's battlefields, I've stood in bombed buildings with my uniform saturated with blood, I carried human remains in my hat," he said. "I've held the hands of brave young Americans who were breathing their last (breath) and going to be with God. I sat by the hospital beds of some of the greatest heroes our nation has ever known. Far too many times, I've stood at Arlington National Cemetery and said a final good bye to those who've given their all in service to our nation."

During the breakfast, Chaplain Richardson told the story of David and Goliath, which he said addresses heart, faith and the grace of God.

"David and Goliath is more than a children's story, it's a story about deployment, battlefield stress and having the heart to stand up for what's right no matter what," said Chaplain Richardson. "Most of all, it's a story that reminds us if we keep our faith, our faith will keep us."

He compared Goliath to the problems people come across in their lives.

"No matter how big the 'Goliaths' are in your life, if you keep your faith, you will have the strength and grace to see all your problems through," he said.

Master Sgt. Todd Smith, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron unmanned aerial vehicle superintendent, attended the prayer breakfast and relayed how much he enjoyed the event and how he was genuinely impressed by Chaplain Richardson's speech.

"He was an amazing speaker, and had some great insight to share," said Sergeant Smith. "He spoke from his heart. He shared what his experiences have been and he shared how God empowered him to conquer the giants in his life." 

Chaplain Thomas said that as the event coordinator, he was happy with the outcome of the event.

"It was extremely well attended and well completed event," he said. "Chaplain Richardson, as always, did a great job bringing an inspirational message to the Airmen."

After the event, Chaplain Richardson talked about the renaming of the Air Force Chaplain's Corps, saying that its role remains the same regardless of the name.

The Air Force changed the name from Air Force Chaplain Service to Air Force Chaplain Corps to mirror the Army and Navy, who are both "Corps," he said.

A chaplain can play many roles in an Airman's life, but according to chaplain Richardson, they have two primary responsibilities.

"A chaplain has two primary duties, to provide opportunities for worship," said Chaplain Richardson. "We also ensure everyone, even those not of the same faith, can practice."

Finally, he spoke about prayer, what he believes it is and the benefits it has on our lives.

"Prayer is communicating with God," he said. "In prayer, God changes our lives and God changes the things around us."