MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The 15th Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Chaplains for the Navy, Rear Adm. Robert F. Burt, visited the Station March 12.
A prayer luncheon, open to Marines, Sailors and civilians, was held to recognize the event.
Burt, who Cmdr. Donald Troast, Station command chaplain, called, "A passionate leader who makes hard decisions," shared significant pieces of his history, and spoke of his two love affairs; one with the Navy, and one with the Marine Corps.
"I love Marines," Burt said during the luncheon. "The privilege is mine to be here with so many great Marines who are serving our country."
Regarding his accomplishments, Burt said, "My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' It reminds me that the Lord gives us the grace and the strength that we need, when we need it."
During the luncheon, the attendees who gathered were admonished, "Never give up, and never give in." Burt quoted Matthew 19:26, "With God, all things are possible."
Col. David T. Darrah, Station commanding officer, presented Burt with a Station baseball cap, a Station coin, and a framed picture of the air Station.
Burt, in turn, presented Darrah a framed certificate of appreciation from the Station chapel staff.
"Thank you for having me here," Burt said.
According to www.hqmc.usmc.mil, Burt has completed six deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, North Arabian Gulf and served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, since receiving his commission as a lieutenant, junior grade in the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1981.
Burt reported to Headquarters Marine Corps as the 15th Chaplain of the Marine Corps on Sept. 29, 2003.