Community participates in National Prayer Breakfast Published April 28, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst servicemembers and local civic leaders attended the JB MDL National Prayer Breakfast here Tuesday. More than 100 attendees were treated to a full breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and French toast after the national anthem was performed and invocation was recited. Scriptures from Hindu, Jewish and Christian religions were read by JB MDL chaplains followed by the Responsive Prayer for the Nation. This event focuses on multiple issues and addresses some challenges servicemembers and their families face. "The National Prayer Breakfast is a time to pray for our national leaders and all the men and women who serve our country at home and abroad," said Chaplain (Col.) Timothy Wagoner, JB MDL head chaplain. "We prayed today for our deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and their families. It's also a time to pray for our country and the role it plays in international affairs and the opportunity to not only serve our country, but those around the world." Maj. Gen. William Waff, 99th Regional Support Command commanding general, was the guest speaker at the breakfast. Gearing much of his message to the many installation leaders in attendance, the general stressed the importance of balancing the wants and needs of those they lead. He spoke about slowing the pace of life down and focusing on what is really important. Waff is not only the commanding general for the 99th RSC, but the director of Pastoral Care, Ethics and Interpreter Services for Vista Health in Waukegan, Ill. Waff also received a Master of Divinity degree from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., in 1983, and a doctorate in medical ethics through a joint venture of the Graduate Theological Foundation and Georgetown University in 1997. Having a strong spiritual foundation is a part of both the Soldier and Airmen Comprehensive Fitness Plans. "One of the most important aspects of life is our relationship to our creator," said Wagoner. "All the prayers, music and remarks at the breakfast focused on the role we believe God plays in our country and individual lives. I hope all in attendance left with a renewed commitment to our faith and community." The hosts and coordinators gathered together to create one last sense of fellowship for the joint base community before guests departed.