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Tech. Sgt. Ernest Foster Jr. plays the National Anthem on saxophone during the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an event to strengthen alliances, build community partnerships and care for the spirit of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

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The Honorable Tim Short, Mayor, City of Wichita Falls, Texas delivers a prayer during the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an event to strengthen alliances, build community partnerships and care for the spirit of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

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Chaplain Maj. Kimberly Hall, 82d Training Wing Chaplain, delivers a prayer during the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an event to strengthen alliances, build community partnerships and care for the spirit of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

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Chaplain Maj. Gen. Trent C. Davis, Chief of Chaplains, Headquarters Air Force, speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an event to strengthen alliances, build community partnerships and care for the spirit of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

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Members of Sheppard Air Force Base and Wichita Falls local community leaders listen to an invocation during the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event that has taken place since first attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

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Members of Sheppard Air Force Base and Wichita Falls local community leaders gather for the National Prayer Breakfast, February 19, 2025 at The Landing Zone on Sheppard Air Force Base. The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event that has taken place since first attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel O'Brien/Released)

Sheppard Hosts Annual National Prayer Breakfast

Published March 6, 2025
By 2d Lt. Rainy Ellis
82d Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB) hosted its annual National Prayer Breakfast, bringing Airmen, leaders, and community members together for a morning of reflection and spiritual growth.

The event featured key speaker Maj. Gen. Trent C. Davis, Chaplain and Chief of Chaplains for Headquarters Air Force, who underscored the importance of spiritual resilience and the power of community in achieving mission success.

Maj. Gen. Davis spoke about the strength found in leaning on one another and building resilience together. “We need to realize how much we need one another,” Davis said. “Even the most spiritually mature among us grows tired and burdened over a long period of time.”

His message emphasized that mission success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about the collective strength built through faith and mutual support. In challenging times, it is the community that lifts individuals up, helping them remain spiritually and mentally strong.

Col. Kellie S. Courtland, deputy commander of the 82nd Training Wing, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the sense of family within Sheppard is essential to the base’s success. “Coming together to be with each other for an important event like this helps resolidify what a community we truly have,” Courtland said. She emphasized that this unity and mutual support are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving mission success. The bonds created at Sheppard help Airmen stay connected, motivated, and resilient.

This message of interconnectedness was further emphasized by Col. Holmquist, Officer in charge of the Chaplain Corps at Sheppard AFB, who remarked, “The United States is founded on principles of freedom. One of those freedoms is the Free Exercise of Religion. The National Prayer Breakfast exercises this truth, bringing people together to celebrate the democracy of our Nation.” Highlighting how the National Prayer Breakfast serves as a reminder of the importance of these connections in fostering a strong, supportive environment.

Maj. Gen. Davis also recognized Sheppard’s leadership in developing programs like Airmanship 200 and HOPE, which focus on building resilience, leadership, and a sense of purpose. “Sheppard is truly leading the way with these initiatives because of the outstanding leadership here,” Davis said. These programs are designed to strengthen not only individuals but the community as a whole, helping everyone meet mission needs.

The National Prayer Breakfast was more than just a time for reflection—it was a reaffirmation that spiritual wellness, a supportive community, and strong leadership are key to success in both military and personal life. At Sheppard AFB, these elements come together to create a resilient, unified force ready to tackle any challenge.