The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Tony Incashola

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Pablo, MT

Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Denny Rehberg, (R-AL)
Date of Prayer: 10/30/2001

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce the guest chaplain, Tony Incashola , Director of the Salish–Pend d'Orielle Culture Committee, of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

The Flathead Indian Reservation is home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, consisting of the Salish, Pend d'Orielle, and Kootenai peoples.

Today, Tony is a highly respected tribal and community leader. For over 25 years, Tony , a fluent Salish language speaker, has served on the Culture Committee.

As young men, both Tony and his brother, Baptiste, left home to serve their country in Vietnam. Tony accompanied his brother's body home after he was killed in action.

Tony and his wife, Denise, have four children and have raised several foster children.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Tribal Chairman Fred Matt for requesting that Tony be today's guest chaplain.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

God, Creator, I come before You today to ask that You look upon the Members of the House of Representatives and gift them with Your knowledge and wisdom. Creator, I pray for those who have gone before us, our ancestors and forefathers, who with their mighty words, deeds and sacrifices made this the great Nation it is. I especially ask You, Creator, to wrap Your loving arms around those whose lives have been forever altered by the tragic events of September 11. We truly are one Nation under God, and seek Your guidance in all decisions, small and large, that affect the diverse peoples of America.

We have reached a point in our history, Creator, where Your guidance and wisdom are of great importance. I ask Members of the House of Representatives to look to You for the path to follow so that justice and righteousness will be served. I implore You to listen to the prayers and needs of these men and women who have been chosen to lead this Nation. Give them the strength to make decisions, popular or not, to lead the United States of America into the 21st century. Now is the time for people of all races, colors, origins, and religions to come together to stand and show our strength as one. We must remember, as we move forward, that united we stand, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I ask this in Your name, God, Creator, and thank You for the many blessings You have already bestowed upon us. Thank you. Amen.


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