KÖLN, Germany — “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

This quote served as the mantra during the 102d Strategic Signal Battalion’s Spiritual Resiliency event, May 10, 2023, in Köln, Germany.

The event’s theme was “Know Your Purpose,” and included discussions on the concept of finding a life purpose.

“What I hope participants gain from this event is the ability to ask themselves the deep questions necessary to discover their own reason for living, or solidify their sense of purpose,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Kyle Archibald, Battalion Chaplain, 102d SSB.

Participants braved the heavy downpour as they journeyed through Köln — Germany’s fourth largest city. The tour took them to Kölner Dom, the NS Dokumentationszentrum, and Groß Sankt Martin.

Each location was specifically chosen because of how each related to the event’s theme.

Participants were given at least 30 to 45 minutes of self-reflection time at each location.

“The cathedral, church and the documentation center provided applicable historical aspects and lessons for discussing the concept of finding a life purpose,” Archibald said. “For example, construction of Kölner Dom began in 1248 and wasn’t completed until 1880. That’s over 600 years — generation after generation — working to complete this project. They even stuck to the original medieval plan.”

So why continue working on a project for that long?

“Because the people had a purpose in building the cathedral — to house the reliquary of the Three Kings, and have a fitting place for the Holy Roman Emperor to worship,” Archibald explained to participants. “They never wavered in that purpose.”

Next, participants took a Spiritual Self-Assessment to help them identify their individual purpose, core values, beliefs, and life vision. The list of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions challenged participants to look deeper inside and answer if they regularly engage in practices that connect them to something bigger than self.

A Blue Zones Purpose Checkup was also provided. Blue Zones are areas of the world where people reportedly live longer than average. The Purpose Checkup is designed to quantify the power of purpose an individual is experiencing in his or her life at present.

For U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Wells, answering the questions proved challenging as he discovered his answers changed once he removed his military mindset from the equation.

“I noticed I don’t have the same support network in Germany as I had in the USA,” he told the group. “Life changes affect your self-awareness, and how you manage this fact.”

Wells added the self-assessment also confirmed his previous understanding of being task-oriented.

“I learned during this event the importance of communicating your personal growth needs and goals to those in your immediate circle,” he said. “Share your beliefs to attract those who will help you succeed and reach your goals.”

The self-assessment helped U.S. Army Spc. Lacey Kitchen uncover which personal readiness pillar she connects with and which ones she needs to improve.

“I am personally connected to my spiritual self, but as for the others, I need to work on finding more like-minded people,” she said.

U.S. Army Spc. Shania Lumar said participating in events like these brings teams together, which enables them to communicate and work better together.

“I am attending this event to expand my knowledge of Germany,” Lumar said. “I hope to gain a well-enjoyed new experience and create memories, not only with my husband, but also with my fellow team members.”

This event taught Specialist Kitchen the value of knowing your life purpose.

“If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything,” she said. “You cannot live your life unless you have a specific purpose, or else you will end up living someone else’s life and dreams.”

Part of the Unit Ministry Team’s mission is to perform and provide for the free exercise of religion for all DoD Service Members, Department of Army Civilians, and their Families.

Spiritual Resiliency events are just one way the team accomplishes its mission. Event locations are selected based on religious importance, moral/ethical significance, and ease of travel and logistics.

The next event’s topic is “Transition,” and is tentatively scheduled to visit Nuremberg.

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