FOB LOYALTY, Iraq, April 21, 2006 - The chapel at Forward Operating Base Loyalty was re-dedicated March 29, one week following the re-dedication of the chapel at Rustamiyah, by Multi-National Division - Baghdad's 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

The process of naming the chapels was similar. Suggestions were taken from the congregations who attend the services. At FOB Loyalty, COL Thomas Vail, brigade commander, had an insightful soldier choose between two tied nominations.

The brigade commander and brigade sergeant major named it the "Soldiers Chapel" during the ceremony.

"The Army has always believed in the importance of taking care of soldiers, not only physically, mentally and emotionally, but spiritually as well," said CPT Dowon Suh, Chaplain, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

"The intent of refurbishing and refocusing on the two chapels is to provide an oasis of spiritual peace available to all of our soldiers," added MAJ James Choi, Brigade Chaplain. "Many soldiers come to Bible studies, Sunday School and to practice for the various choirs of the gospel, Protestant and Catholic services," he said.

A survey was conducted in Rustamiyah and was distributed out to the soldiers, who decided to name their chapel Freedom Chapel, said SFC Darryl Motley, Brigade Chaplains' Assistant.

The guest speaker for both events was LTC Thomas Preston, chaplain, 4th Infantry Division. In his sermon, he focused on the spiritual gains of soldiers and the importance of the chapels in this process.

The ceremonies included a variety of talented choirs performing uplifting musical pieces and dedications to fallen soldiers.

"Tonight we honor our fallen comrades, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom," said Preston.

A candle glowed for each fallen soldier. Six candles shone as the soldiers remembered those lost in battle.

"My job is to bring God to soldiers and bring soldiers to God," said Preston.

"There are times in the life of a soldier where he or she needs a place to come and feel the touch of God - a place apart from the soldiering, the demands of battle and grief of loss - place where they can shut out the war in this world, where they can open up their hearts to Gods' peace that he intended for the soul," said Preston.

"My prayers are that this chapel will be the place where you and other soldiers can come and establish or reaffirm your relationship with a God who loves you, who desires communion with you and a place where you can awaken within yourself the faith of your mothers and fathers," said Preston.

US Army photos by SGT Tanasha Stachelczyk (506th RCT PAO)

COL Thomas D. Vail [HHC, 506th RCT (RCT CO)] and CSM Mark L. Atchley [HHC, 506th RCT (RCT CSM)] unveil the Soldier's Chapel sign during the chapel dedication ceremony

SSG Kenneth Weddle lights candles in remembrance for each of the fallen soldiers from the 506th RCT battalions and their areas of operations in west Baghdad and Ramadi.

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(L-R): SPC Allison McClean, SPC Latrice Walker and SPC Daneilia Francis, members of the 506th RCT Gospel Choir, sing at the dedication ceremony.