[Dan]

RELEASE NUMBER: 060426-04
DATE POSTED: APRIL 26, 2006

JFK Memorial Chapel Dedication Commemorated
Mr. Paul Prince
USASOC Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, April 26, 2006) – Members of the Special Operations community gathered here to commemorate the John F. Kennedy Center for Special Warfare Memorial Chapel’s four decades at a ceremony, April 19.

The JFK Memorial Chapel was dedicated on December 2, 1965. It is named after former President John F. Kennedy, a noted supporter of special operations.

Martha McCulloch attended the anniversary ceremony on behalf of her husband, the late retired Col. Joseph McCulloch. He was the project officer for construction of the JFK Memorial Chapel. Ms. McCulloch and two other members of the audience stood as the narrator acknowledged those who were present at the initial dedication of the JFK Memorial Chapel approximately 40 years earlier.

Sgt. Gary Beikirch, a veteran of Vietnam and Medal of Honor recipient, provided the Soldier’s Tribute.

He held back tears as he explained three events that brought about a change in his life, all of them taking place at the JFK Memorial Chapel. These events include the donning of his green beret for the first time, going to pray before deploying to Vietnam and attending a funeral service of a friend killed in Vietnam. “It is not for my honor, but for His honor,” said Beikirch as he gestured upward.

“For some, this is where life begins. For some, this is where life ends, but for all of us, it is where God meets us and our greatest needs,” said Chaplin Maj. Gen. David Hicks, guest speaker. He explained that the JFK Memorial Chapel represents a place where one can worship and connect with God, as should a Soldier preparing for war or a family preparing to see a loved one deploy away from home.

Noteworthy, is the history displayed in the JFK Memorial Chapel’s seven, stained glass windows. Milcho Silianoff, a former soldier and artist, designed the pictures for the windows, linking divine principles to some practices and strategies used in today’s Army Special Operations. One window is dedicated to widows and children of fallen soldiers.

Another commemorates the penning of the “Special Forces Prayer.”

“…Write a prayer that will remind our troops of the spiritual nature for what we are doing”, said the late Lt. Gen. William P. Yarborough to retired Chaplin Col. John E. Stevey.

Other stained-glass windows also pay homage to Merrill’s Marauders and the 5th U.S. Ranger Battalion, both noted for courageous performances during several World War II campaigns, and psychological operations through the ages.
Approximately 125 people were in attendance to join in the celebration.

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