Soldiers and Department of Defense civilians balance their duty to United States Division – Center with faith and use gifts to inspire the Multi-Cultural Gospel Service congregants at the Camp Liberty Division Chapel every Sunday.

Despite being in a combat environment, the gospel choir still strives to help those gathered to overcome hardships common in wartime.

“It’s a more intimate setting while in combat because you do not know what tomorrow will bring,” said Capt. Kimberly Allen, Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division commander. “There are trials being faced, and those in Iraq are dealing with these particular issues everyday; and most are comforted through song.”

Acting choir director Staff Sgt. Keyona Davis, STB intelligence section noncommissioned officer in charge, sang in choirs at her last duty station and during two previous deployments.

“I have a passion for singing and I prefer to use my gift to minister to others and enhance the worship experience as a whole,” said Davis, Company B, STB, 1st AD.
While passion motivates one, an understanding of the miracle of song encourages another.

“Songs of all types do things to people, good or bad,” said Allen. “Even the most ill-stricken or depressed people can have a huge turn around just by hearing songs from our hearts.”

Although the challenges of duty are many, members of the choir make personal sacrifices because they realize the importance of their ministry.

“When I’m tired or (have) had a bad day, I’m able to put issues behind me once I (start) singing,” said Allen, who balances responsibilities as a company commander to participate in the choir.

“I dedicate my free time to develop this ministry along with the (other) choir members and musicians,” said Davis. “They all sacrifice their time and give the ministry their all; they are a vital part of the ministry and the service as a whole.”

Published July 22, 2010