Chaplain (Major) Thomas E. Fussell, USAF
Patrick Air Force Base
Cape Canaveral, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Posey, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 05/23/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize today's guest chaplain, Chaplain Thomas E. Fussell, Jr., and welcome him to the
United States House of Representatives.
Chaplain Fussell, a major in the United States Air Force, is
currently assigned to the 45th Space Wing, stationed at Patrick Air
Force Base in Brevard County, Florida. The duties of the 45th Space
Wing––including supporting the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and commercial manned and unmanned space programs at Patrick Air Force Base––are critical to the success of space programs operating out of Cape Canaveral.
As Deputy Wing Chaplain to the 45th Space Wing, Chaplain Fussell advises commanders and first sergeants, ensures the free exercise of
religion, and provides spiritual care, moral and ethical advice, and
pastoral care and counseling to all military personnel and their families. Along with other chaplains serving in the Space Command, he is part of the spiritual backbone of American operations in space.
Chaplain Fussell received his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2000. In 2004, he was ordained as an elder in the South Georgia Conference and, in 2005, he commissioned as a chaplain.
In light of his many years of service, I am thankful that Chaplain
Fussell could be with us today and offer a prayer in anticipation of
Memorial Day. May the Lord bless all the brave men and women in uniform
who have given their lives to protect our great nation, the United
States of America.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Good morning, Lord.
In a few days, our hearts will turn toward our Armed Forces as we observe Memorial Day. Many of America's sons and daughters have fought and died valiantly for the freedoms we now enjoy. We are grateful for the ultimate sacrifice they have made for us. May Your peace rest on their loved ones who continue to grieve.
Lord, as the many debates of great importance echo through this historic Chamber, I pray that You would give to these leaders a softness of heart and speech, that they may work to solve the problems at hand, together. Grant our Congressional leaders wisdom and new ideas to solve the complex problems before them.
Bless the House of Representatives, O Lord. Imbue its leaders with Your righteousness. Remind them that to whom much is given, much is required.
Lord our creator, lover of our souls, hear my prayer. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory