Academy dedicates Falcon Circle

  • Published
  • By Leslie Finstein
  • Public Affairs
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Co. --  A new chapel officially joined the Air Force Academy's offerings of worship space this week when the Academy dedicated it's new outdoor chapel, Cadet Chapel Falcon Circle.
Located on the hilltop between the Academy Visitors Center and the Cadet Chapel, the circle's original purpose was to accommodate the religious needs of the Earth-Centered Spirituality community. While priority is given to those groups and individuals, the space is available to all faith groups and individuals seeking an outdoor worship space.

Tuesday's ceremony included remarks by Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent, Academy Chief Chaplain (Col.) Robert Bruno, President of the Cadet Interfaith Council Cadet 2nd Class Philicia Fahrenbruch, and Rev. (Dr.) David L. Oringderff, executive agent of the Sacred Well Congregation. Dr. Oringderff is a subject matter expert consultant to the Department of Defense Armed Forces Chaplains Board on alternative religions, sects and cults.

The Falcon Circle came into existence through the efforts of a former cadet wing chaplain, Chap. William Ziegler and former Earth-Centered Spirituality Faith Group leader, Tech Sgt. Brandon Longcrier, who is currently deployed.

"Through Sergeant Longcrier's dedication and commitment and the help and support of the U.S. Air Force, cadets of our faith group and kindred souls have a place to worship and commune with the divine in this beautiful, natural setting, "said Dr. Oringderff.

"This is incredible," explained Dr. Oringderff. "This is the first facility like this in the Air Force.

"As I look around this group assembled here today, I stand in awe," Dr. Oringderff continued. "We are all Americans and we come from different faith groups, different religions, and different backgrounds. Yet we have assembled here today not in conflict or strife but we have assembled in respect and reverence to dedicate this sacred ground."

Chaplain (Capt.) Steven Cuneio, an Academy chaplain, introduced the event and worked to set up the ceremony.

"I was very pleased with the event," said Chaplain Cuneio. "It was consistent with my goal of keeping the ceremony simple, solid, satisfying and honoring a military members' constitutional liberty to practice his or her faith, or no faith.

"The Cadet Chapel Falcon Circle represents the religious freedoms that all of us as military members, and as Americans, enjoy," he continued. "It was a great day for USAFA because we are committed to religious accommodation and a culture of respect."

Those who wish to make use of the site should coordinate with the Cadet Chapel staff, at 333-2636.