Soldiers and civilians at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan, dedicated a new chapel in late September.

“We have gathered here today to dedicate this chapel to God,” said Maj. Xuan Tran, chaplain, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, originally from Vietnam.

“This chapel will be a center and important place where people can come together to worship and offer sacrifices of praise.”

Chaplain (Capt) David Montgomery said the previous chapel had been too small for the size of the congregations that had been attending the services.

The new facility even caused a “new level of excitement” among those who had already been attending.  The Chaplain noted the importance of having a place to worship, even in combat:

“This place is more than just a tent or a building,” he added. “It’s a sanctuary where people can come and be closer to their God.”