The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Brian Bohlman

The Harvest Church
Lexington, SC

Sponsor: Rep. Joe Wilson, (R-SC)
Date of Prayer: 07/23/2015

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize a constituent, Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bohlman , as our guest chaplain today.

Chaplain Bohlman , a native of Bel Air, Maryland, now resides in West Columbia, South Carolina. Lieutenant Colonel Bohlman is a dedicated member of the South Carolina Air National Guard.

After enlisting in the Air Force in 1992, he faithfully served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves before joining the South Carolina Air National Guard. On Active Duty, Chaplain Bohlman provided ministry at home and abroad during Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

He is the author of ‘‘So Help Me God,'' which is a historical review of the oath of the military office, and ‘‘For God and Country,'' which discusses the call for military chaplaincy.

In recognition of his service and pastoral care, Chaplain Bohlman was awarded the Samuel Stone Award as the Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year in 2013, a well–deserved honor.

Chaplain Bohlman is also the founder and director of Operation Thank You, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring our servicemembers and military families.

As a 28–year veteran of the National Guard and grateful parent of three members currently serving in the Guard, I know firsthand of Chaplain Bohlman's dedicated service.

I am grateful to welcome Chaplain Brian Bohlman , his wife, Shelley, and his daughter, Mary Ellen, to the Capitol today.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

O God, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, we assemble today with humility in our hearts as we ask for Your blessing upon the affairs of this House.

We also remember the words of President Lincoln, when he said: "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

So, Lord, we thank You, that when we lack wisdom and strength, that You give generously to all who ask without finding fault.

May our elected officials and leaders work together towards the common interests of the American people. May they act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.

Lord, we also ask for Your protection over our service members and families, both abroad and at home. Strengthen them when they are weary, increase their power when weak.

Continue to bless our Nation and the work of this House. For your honor and glory, O Lord, we pray.

Amen.

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