SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
Members of Joint Task Force-Bravo shared a Prayer Breakfast with U.S. Army Col. Michael Lembke, command chaplain, U.S. Southern Command, sponsored by the Joint Task Force-Bravo Chapel, Jul. 17, 2014 at Soto Cano Air Base.
During the Prayer Breakfast, Lembke emphasized the importance of having a strong "root system in order to achieve a high reach" as he spoke in front of more than 40 Joint Task Force-Bravo Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and civilian personnel.
Throughout his visit, he also shared his insights with Honduran Army Col. Luis Romero, command chaplain, Honduras Armed Forces; Sister of Charity; Franciscan Friars of the Renewal; civic and military leaders in Puerto Lempira; Honduran Army Col. Fredy Diaz, Chief of Staffs of the Armed Forces; and Honduran Air Force cadets.
"I've been inspired this week," said Lembke. "I've seen the commitment between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Honduran Armed Forces. I also see a great environment here (at Soto Cano); I'm impressed by the work Chaplain Scott and Sgt. Lampkin have done."
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeffery Scott, JTF-B command chaplain and Sgt. Lonnie Lampkin, JTF-B chaplain's assistant were very glad to share with Chap. Lembke the partnering development with host nation piece of JTF-B's mission. Lembke's visit also allowed him to learn more about JTF-B's outreach programs such as chapel hikes and orphanage visits among others.
"Chaplain Lembke's visit inspired many of the servicemembers in both motivational and spiritual way," said Scott.
Lembke is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pastor. He was born in California and raised in Indiana. As the U.S. Southern Command chaplain, he is the primary advisor to the commanding general on religion, ethics and morals. The command chaplain is responsible for coordinating chaplain support to ensure the free exercise of religion for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard service members, their family members and other U.S. personnel within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Lembke also serves as liaison with civilian and military religious organizations and leaders in the area of responsibility.