Waxahachie, Texas – January 27, 2016 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) alumnus, and former Federal Bureau of Prisons Chaplain, Colonel Mack Praytor received his Colonel Wings at the Texas Military Force Museum, Hall of Honor in Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas .
Colonel is the most senior field grade military officer rank above the rank of lieutenant colonel and below the rank of brigadier general.
Chaplain (Col.) Praytor was miraculously born of an ectopic pregnancy in Fort Worth, Texas . At five years old, his family moved to Hope, Arkansas , where he was raised. He became a Christian at age 20 and was called into ministry at age 21.
From 1979 to 1983, he attended SAGU to pursue ministry. Chaplain (Col.) Praytor and his wife, Teresa, were dorm pastors for Savell Hall from 1981 to 1983. After graduation, they became youth and associate pastors at Victory Assembly in Universal City, Texas .
The church was located near Randolph Air Force Base , where he felt God directing him to chaplaincy. Chaplain (Col.) Praytor explained, “My degree in pastoral ministries from SAGU assisted in my chaplaincy formation.”
Chaplain (Col.) Praytor became the Command Chaplain for the Texas Military Forces at Camp Mabry, Texas . As a command chaplain, he advises the Texas Adjutant General and other senior leaders of the Texas Military Forces on matters affecting free exercise of religion, impact of religion and culture on operations, and spiritual care of personnel. He provides technical supervision to religious support personnel in the Texas Army National Guard , Texas Air National Guard and the Texas State Guard .
Chaplain (Col.) Praytor received his commission in the Air Force Reserves as a chaplain candidate while attending the Assemblies of God Theological Seminar (AGTS), Springfield Missouri . During this time, he was a chaplain candidate at Kelly Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, Travis AFB, California , and Whitman AFB , Missouri .
Upon completion of his studies, he was commissioned as a Chaplain, First Lieutenant, in the Air Force Reserve . During his tenure in the Air Force Reserve, he served as Chaplain at England AFB, Louisiana; Barksdale AFB, Louisiana ; and Randolph AFB, Texas .
In January of 2000, he joined the Texas National Guard at the 147th Fighter Wing. From January through May 2007, he was deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq as a Deputy Wing Chaplain. Between April 2008 and July 2014, he served as Wing Chaplain of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing . He was selected as the Texas Joint Force Headquarters Command Chaplain in August of 2014.
Colonel Praytor is extremely decorated for his years of service. He has received:
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The Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
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Air Force Commendation Medal, 2 devices
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Air Force Achievement Medal, 2 devices
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 3 devices
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National Defense Service Medal, 1 device
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Iraq Campaign Medal, 1 device
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Global War on Terrorism Services Medal
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Humanitarian Service Medal, 1 device
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Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour
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Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
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Air Force Longevity Service, 1 device
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Armed Forces Reserve Medal
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Texas Combat Service Medal
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Texas Governor’s Unit Citation, 1 device
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Texas Adjutant Generals Individual Award, 2 devices
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Texas Federal Service Medal
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Texas Faithful Service Medal
Chaplain (Col.) Praytor retired in 2013 after 20 years of service as a Supervisory Chaplain from the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Correctional Complex, in Beaumont, Texas . His previous assignment was at the Federal Detention Center, Oakdale, Louisiana . Chaplain (Col.) Praytor was also Federal Bureau of Prisons Chaplain of the Year in 1999.
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927 and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
