The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Chaplain Paul L. Sherouse

Andrews Air Force Base, Air Force District of Washington
Washington, DC

Sponsor: Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, (D-TX)
Date of Prayer: 04/24/2008

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez) is recognized for 1 minute.

There was no objection.

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Paul L. Sherouse this morning as he opened the United States House of Representatives with a prayer as our guest chaplain. Lieutenant Colonel Sherouse is a decorated member of the United States Air Force and has been honored with the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

He is the Wing Chaplain at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and is endorsed by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Previously, Lieutenant Colonel Sherouse was on assignment in Baghdad, Iraq, in July 2003. As he prepares for his latest deployment to Kuwait on May 3, 2008, we wish him the best and are honored to have him here with us this morning. On behalf of my constituents in San Antonio and the U.S. House of Representatives, we thank him and his family, including his wife, Pamela, and their children, Arynne and Oliver, for his honorable service to our country.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, we pause before the business of our nation to remember that You have granted us a unique role at this moment in history. Blessed with government committed to preserving individual freedoms; an abundance of natural resources that inspire our industry; and educational opportunities that have resulted in scientific and technological achievements, we are the most powerful and wealthiest nation on earth. Grant us wisdom to use these gifts in service to our country and our world. We give You special thanks for the Library of Congress, established 208 years ago today. May its example of research and scholarship continue to be an example for all. Send Your holy angels to watch over our military. Inspire their courage, protect them from danger, grant success to their missions and keep their families safe and secure in their absence; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior. Amen.

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