ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Last week, Congressman Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas) introduced Lt. Col.
(Ch.) Paul Sherouse, 316th Wing chaplain, during the congressional proceeding at the United States House of Representatives. Chaplain Sherouse was invited to deliver the day's invocation as guest chaplain.
"Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to welcome Lt. Col. Paul Sherouse this morning to open the United States House of Representatives with a prayer as guest chaplain," said Congressman Gonzalez as he introduced Chaplain Sherouse.
Congressman Gonzalez continued his introduction by highlighting Chaplain Sherouse's military service. "Lt. Col. 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."
In his invocation, Chaplain Sherouse acknowledged the nation's role in the history and the blessings bestowed on our country including individual freedoms, natural resources, educational opportunities, and scientific and technological advancements and prayed specifically for wisdom to use these gifts as a service for the country and world.
Chaplain Sherouse also prayed special blessings for those currently serving in our Armed Forces. "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," prayed Chaplain Sherouse -- an especially pertinent petition as he deployed to Kuwait later.
"It was one of the highlights of my career as a chaplain and an honor to represent my faith and the Air Force," Colonel Sherouse said of the event. To serve as a guest chaplain at the House of Representatives, chaplains must be recommended by members of Congress.
"As he prepares for his latest deployment to Kuwait, we wish him the best," said Congressman Gonzalez. "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."
The tradition of the Senate Chaplaincy goes back to April 6, 1789 when one of the first orders of business was to appoint a committee to recommend a chaplain. Since that time, according to the United States Senate Web site, the Senate has been served by chaplains of various religious denominations and appoints guest chaplains representative of all the world's major religious faiths.