Sandians and others from Kirtland Air Force Base gathered on May 4 at Hardin Field and via Zoom to observe the 2023 National Day of Prayer. The event was sponsored by the Christians in the Workplace Networking Group and co-hosted by the Kirtland Chaplain Corps.

Randy Schunk, senior scientist who works in material, physical and chemical sciences, read the official prayer with other leaders focusing on specific topics.

Deputy Labs Director David Gibson prayed for the peace of those who work at the Labs as they navigate challenges and for their success as they perform critical missions. He prayed for Labs Director James Peery and the senior leadership team to effectively set strategic direction.

Senior scientist and electrical engineer Stan Atcitty prayed in Navajo for tribes from the Native American community who live in the Four Corners region and for Natives working at the Labs.

Kirtland chaplains Stephen Odgen and Jason Knudson prayed over the nation and the military; Randy Edwards from electrical maintenance prayed for the leaders in New Mexico and California; Brandon Lund, who works in information technology, offered a prayer for the strength of families across the country; and Tim Draelos, a Sandia retiree, closed the event.

“I felt it was important to lift the many needs of Albuquerque. We have been through and are continuing to go through so much as a city,” said Sandian attendee Connie Schneider, who said a prayer at the event.

The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by former President Harry S. Truman.

About 90 people attended in person with another 30 from California attending via Zoom. Systems analyst Jeff Gruda helped organize the event this year.

“We encountered a few technical difficulties holding the event on the field, but they were easily resolved,” he said. “Overall, we had beautiful weather and great attendance.”