Bringing Hope to Those Who Serve - Honoring Past and Present Heroes

Join us on Veterans Day, as we have the privilege of welcoming Chaplain Lorraine K. Potter, Major General (retired), as our guest of honor. As a young girl Lorraine was inspired by her mother, a lay minister in New England.  Lorraine followed her mother into ministry, becoming the first woman ordained by the American Baptist Churches, USA in Rhode Island (1971).  
* She was the first woman chaplain commissioned in the United States Air Force (1973); 
* the first woman to be a wing chaplain (1988); and, 
* the first woman to be a command chaplain (European Command and Training Command).  
* She was the first woman chaplain in any of the military services to be promoted to Colonel (1992), and then to General Officer (1999, 2001).  

   During her military career Lorraine visited and often preached in 39 countries and all 50 United States. She was not only the Chief of Air Force Chaplains, but also the senior chaplain in the Department of Defense at the time of her retirement.  She retired in the grade of major general in June 2004.  
   
   In retirement Lorraine has served her alma mater, Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY as a trustee and consultant.  She is a member of the Board of Directors (currently serving as President) for Fisher House, Inc., Lackland Air Force Base; and, a volunteer chaplain at local retirement communities and nursing homes.  She is often invited to be keynote speaker for military and civilian programs; officiates at religious services and rites; and, provides pastoral care to military families and neighbors.  
   
   Lorraine is married to Robert “Rocky” Saunders, Chaplain (Colonel), US Army Retired and resides in San Antonio, Texas.