Continuing to Serve Beyond the Uniform
Veterans Group at Haven of Rest

I was incredibly grateful to be part of our Community Church Veterans in Christ group, a small band of brothers united by military service and a shared calling to follow Jesus. Our friend Harry Warner helped launch the group and provided our initial direction. Although health challenges eventually limited his attendance, his passion for veterans and Christ truly shaped our identity. Our motto was simple but held deep meaning for us: “Continuing to Serve.”

For many of us, particularly those who served during the Vietnam era, those words carried significant weight. We wore the uniform during a time when military service wasn’t always appreciated, and most of us never received a “Welcome home” upon returning. While that experience left a mark, it also birthed within us a special compassion for others. We understood exactly what it felt like to be overlooked. Because of that, we made it our mission to ensure every person we met felt seen, honored, and loved.

God opened doors for us to live out this mission in very practical ways. Every Monday morning, a team of four headed to Green Village Nursing Home to lead Bible lessons, pray, and offer encouragement. These visits became known as “Community Church coming to them.” We also extended our reach to the Haven of Rest, where we served meals and shared hope with those facing hard times. It was a joy to bring the light of Christ into these spaces and remind people they aren’t forgotten. Our service didn’t end when we hung up the uniform; it simply shifted focus toward a different kind of kingdom.

Ben Walker
Veterans Group Member