Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben, chief of Navy chaplains, visited the U.S. Naval Academy, Aug. 28, to speak at the Laboon Leadership Series.

Kibben spoke to the midshipmen, staff and faculty about how her faith has helped her through her Naval career.

"I found that throughout my life I was holding onto one particular scripture," said Kibben. "'And we know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us' (Philippians 4:13). That was always a life verse for me. That was one I used when I was in high school and in the beginning of my college years."

New experiences brought forth new verses for life that helped Kibben remain steadfast in her faith.

"'Test everything, hold fast to that which is good' (Thessalonians 5:21). That scripture reflected my beliefs during my college experiences," said Kibben. "I was tested, and I tested things, too. There were some challenges and roadblocks in this period of my life, but when I was able to overcome them, this scripture became another one of my life verses."

Balancing one's faith with the demands of military service is not always easy. According to Kibben, one must understand that God has a plan for them.

"It goes hand and hand," said Kibben. "God has a clear call for you and what you are supposed to be doing. He wants you where you are so you can put all your energy into it and excel."

Kibben explained that even with God's help we still may be challenged with making choices between good and evil.

"The thing about being human is that God gave us volition," said Kibben. "You never lose your ability to choose good or evil, and there are so many things out there that are so enticing. All of us make bad decisions. The question is what you do with them. It is not just failures that teach us but our mistakes."

Kibben ended by stating that she hopes that everyone finds a verse for a period of time in their life, an anchor that will help support you in your time here at the Academy; like the people who are wearing the same uniform you are, people who have been there, done that, and people who are here who love you.

The Laboon Leadership Series is named after John "Jake" Laboon. Laboon entered the Naval Academy in 1940, where he excelled in both athletics and academics, according to the program bulletin. After accelerated graduation in 1943, he trained as a submarine officer then deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations onboard USS Peto (SS 267). During his tour, he was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions, swimming in mined waters under enemy fire to save a downed aviator.

After the war, Lt. Laboon resigned from Naval service, entered the ministry, and later became a Navy chaplain. Over the course of 22 years, Chaplain Laboon served in various duty stations around the world, including a combat tour in Vietnam where he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his fearless actions as battlefield chaplain with the 3rd Marine Division in April 1969. Late in his career, he was privileged to return here, to his alma mater, serving as a chaplain on staff.

"Chaplain Laboon's faith and leadership demonstrate the characteristics of those whose faith empowers them for the finest and highest qualities of leadership in our land," said Capt. Michael Gore, command chaplain at the Naval Academy.

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