The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Chaplain Kenneth J. Leinwand

U.S. Army, Fort Meade
Fort Meade, MD

Sponsor: Rep. Benjamin Cardin, (D-MD)
Date of Prayer: 02/16/2006

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. CARDIN. Madam Speaker, I want to join the United States House of Representatives today in welcoming Colonel Kenneth J. Leinwand , the installation chaplain for Ft. Meade. Colonel Leinwand is the highest–ranking active duty Jewish chaplain in the United States military.

The Colonel has been an active duty Army chaplain since 1977. He has served in Iraq, Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo. From 2002 to 2004 he also served as the command chaplain for all U.S. Army ground forces in Europe. Colonel Leinwand has a deep respect and understanding of the religious plurality that exists in today's military. Throughout his almost 30–year military career, he has provided spiritual comfort and solace to soldiers of all faiths.

Colonel Leinwand has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

As installation chaplain for Ft. Meade, Colonel Leinwand has direct authority over four other chaplains and is responsible for all religious programs.

Madam Speaker, Colonel Leinwand has accomplished many firsts in the military as a rabbi and as a chaplain, and it is a great honor to have him with us today. I join the House of Representatives in welcoming him.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty and Sovereign God,

In reverent humility, we turn heart and mind to You as we begin today's deliberations on behalf of the American people.

We are eternally grateful for the priceless privilege of living in this great land. May we be worthy guardians of our precious heritage of freedom and democracy which inspires millions worldwide who long to be free from the yoke of tyranny and despair.

We pray that Your spirit of justice and compassion will guide us as we wrestle with the enormous challenges facing our country. Grant us clear, prophetic vision, forthrightness, steadfast strength, and courage to legislate and secure the American dream for all our people. Let not impatience and expediency cloud our judgment and diminish the trust bestowed upon us by the citizens we represent.

Lastly, Lord, we pray Your protection for all Americans – especially those who serve in uniform in distant lands. Guard and protect these, Your faithful servants, under the shadows of your wings. Grant them mission success and return them home in safety and peace.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory