Laughlin's chaplains open new prayer room

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Chapel staff provides for all faith backgrounds to practice their religion, and their most recent offering is the Multi-Faith Prayer Room.

"The prayer room was an idea cast to us by members of the 47th Student Squadron who wanted a slightly more private place to pray," said Chaplain (Maj.) Andrew McIntosh, 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain. "After brainstorming and talking to a few people, the best place for the room seemed to be the chapel building."

The Multi-Faith Prayer Room was opened for the first time on March 25, 2014. After the room was set up, the chapel staff decided to give it a slightly newer, cleaner look.

"After we had cleaned the room for use it looked like a closet," said McIntosh. "We had the walls painted to give the room a more professional look."

Last week, after the room was touched up and the paint had finished drying, the room was reopened for use.

"As chaplains, we provide what we can to promote the free exercise of religion," said Chaplain (Capt.) Shane Marley, 47th FTW chaplain. "We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to practice what they believe. The Multi-Faith Prayer Room is one of the many things we can offer for that."

Laughlin members have been using the Multi-Faith Prayer Room and agree with the message it sends.

"For me and the multiple faith groups here at Laughlin, this room gives us the opportunity to practice our faith in an easy convenient manner," said Lt. Col. Mohammad Alyamani, 87th Flying Training Squadron T-38 Talon instructor pilot. "Opening this room shows the true values of America and the United States Air Force. It demonstrates tolerance, values of freedom, and sends an important message."

For more information about the Multi-Faith Prayer Room, contact the Laughlin Chapel at 298-5111.