Military Ministry

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends John 15:13. That’s the love our veterans have shown and it’s that love that brings us together today as we honor them.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11th, 1918 — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Over time, it has become a day to honor all veterans — from every branch, every generation, and every conflict — those who stood watch, who deployed far from home, and who carried the weight of our freedom on their shoulders.

To me, Veterans Day is not just a date on the calendar — it is a promise. A promise to never forget the cost of freedom and to honor the men and women who make that freedom possible. It’s a day to reflect, to remember, and to carry forward their legacies with the same courage and devotion they showed us. It’s a day of gratitude, honoring those who gave up comfort, safety, and for too many, their tomorrows so that we could have ours — and reminding us to live each day worthy of their service, their sacrifice.

As someone who has the privilege of serving our veterans through community programs and remembrance efforts, I carry their stories close to my heart. Everything I do — whether advocating for veterans’ benefits, serving as a Guardian and Veteran Recruiter with Blue Ridge Honor Flight or helping bring The Wall That Heals to communities, is because of what they have done and continue to do for us.

Through my work with veteran organizations, I’ve seen the strength the unites every branch of service. The commitment that carried them through battlefields and deployments now drives them to serve again – in our classrooms, our churches, our communities.

They share an unbreakable bond – a steadfast faithfulness to one another and to the ideals they swore to defend. Their courage may have started in a uniform, but their service never ends.

Veterans, Words will never be enough to express the gratitude I hold in my heart for each and every one of you. You have given us the gifts of freedom, safety, and hope — gifts that can never truly be repaid.

On Veterans Day, we honor you.

Today and always, we honor you.

May we always live our lives worthy of your service, your sacrifice.

May we, as a community and a nation, never forget the cost of freedom, nor the hearts that bore it with courage.  May we be a nation that remembers those who serve and a community that always honors those who gave us this day.

Thank you for your service.

Lisa Marie Barrett, Military Ministry Director

September 11th reminds us of the brokenness of this world, but also of God’s presence in our darkest days.

We remember the lives lost, the heroes who rose up, and the faith that carried us through.

For decorated Marine veteran Michael Barrett, September 11th is not just a moment in history—it is a call that shaped his life of service. Awarded the Purple Heart and recognized for his extraordinary bravery, like his father, Sgt Major Don Barrett, Michael’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and unshakable determination.

On this solemn 24th anniversary of 9/11, Michael reflects in his own words:

Every September, when the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, I find myself remembering not only where I was on that day but what it came to mean for my life and for our nation. The images of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and everyday Americans running toward danger while others fled will never leave me. Their heroism in those moments set the standard for what it means to serve something greater than yourself.

For me, service has always been at the core of who I am. I earned the title of United States Marine at Parris Island in 1993, and for more than 20 years I had the honor of wearing the uniform. My journey took me from standing watch as a young Military Police patrolman, to shaping recruits as a Drill Instructor, to leading Marines in combat, and later to caring for wounded warriors and their families.

In 2004, during my first deployment to Iraq, I was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device in the Al Anbar Province. That single moment changed everything. What followed was 533 days of recovery—surgery after surgery, endless rehab sessions, and moments where I was forced to confront the very real possibility that my career as a Marine was over.

 

But giving up was never an option. My determination to return to my Marines carried me through the darkest days of recovery. In time, I was able to reenlist and return to Iraq for a second combat deployment. That return wasn’t just about finishing what I started—it was proof to myself, and to others, that resilience can overcome even the deepest scars of war.

The greatest lessons I learned in uniform weren’t about tactics or strategy. They were about resilience, about never leaving a fellow Marine behind, and about the unbreakable strength of brotherhood and community. Those lessons have guided me in every chapter of my life, from leading Marines on the battlefield to serving veterans and their families in my civilian career.

On this 24th anniversary of 9/11, I think of the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward the flames. I also think of the countless Americans who chose service—whether in the military, as first responders, or in their communities—inspired by that day.

For me, 9/11 is not only a day of remembrance, but a reminder of why I continue to serve, in and out of uniform. It is a reminder that resilience is possible, even in the face of tragedy. And it is a call for all of us to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.  I respectfully challenge you to recommit yourselves to that same resilience. Whether in uniform or in your communities, each of us has the capacity to serve, to lead, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us as Americans.

The legacy of 9/11’s heroes endures in every act of selfless service. My own journey as a combat-wounded Marine is but one reflection of that spirit. On this solemn anniversary, may we honor their sacrifice not just with remembrance, but with action—by lifting others up, serving with purpose, and never forgetting the strength that comes from unity.

Semper Fidelis.

Michael Barrett USMC Ret.

 

The Forest City Fire Department will host its annual Patriot Day Ceremony on Thursday, September 11th at Pavilion on Park Square (POPS). This solemn event honors the lives lost on September 11th, 2001 and recognizes the courage of first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who continue to protect our communities and our Nation.

This year’s guest speaker will be Sergeant Kris Benson. Benson, a decorated Marine and native of Ohio, answered the call to serve following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. He was an honor graduate from the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, CA. He served with distinction and was assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, serving two tours in Iraq. His courage and sacrifice were recognized with The Purple Heart, and he was awarded The Medal of Valor for extraordinary bravery in combat.

His story of resilience and dedication reflects the very spirit of service and sacrifice that Patriot Day represents. The community is invited to attend this moving tribute as we gather to remember, reflect, and renew our commitment to NEVER FORGET.

As inscribed at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,

These words remind us that the liberties we cherish have been secured through the sacrifice of others. On Patriot Day, we honor those sacrifices and recommit ourselves to living in a way that keeps their legacy alive.

Lisa Marie Barrett, Director

 

The purpose of this blog is to help raise awareness about something we don’t always see, PTSD, also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I’m not a doctor or a therapist — just someone who deeply cares about those who’ve worn our country’s uniform and the challenges many face long after they return home.

Many of you have probably heard the term PTSD, but I’m going to side with former Force Recon Marine, DOD Contractor and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation, Chad Robichaux, who says the D for disorder should be a lowercase “d” or left out altogether. Robichaux does not view PTS as a disorder, rather a natural response to extreme trauma. I agree.

PTS is a mental health condition, not a character flaw. For those of you who are not familiar with Mighty Oaks Foundation, it is a resiliency program to help veterans, active-duty service members and first responders overcome trauma and find healing through faith-based programs. They have one of the highest success rates among veteran recovery programs and have zero reported suicides.

While trauma is not exclusive to the battlefield, The War on Terror has brought PTS “d” into the national spotlight in the recent decades. Countless veterans return home with invisible wounds, the wounds we cannot see, wounds that don’t show up on X-rays or MRIs, but are just as real.

For many veterans, that trauma comes from combat — but it isn’t limited to the battlefield. It also affects first responders, survivors of abuse, accidents, and natural disasters. It can include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hyper-awareness. PTS is NOT a sign of weakness – it is a sign of survival.

On Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home, but as we remember the fallen, let’s also support the living — the ones still fighting battles in their minds and hearts every single day of their lives — the ones who carry the wounds we cannot see.

Healing begins with awareness, and it continues through community. We can all be part of that healing by showing compassion, listening without judgment, and reminding our veterans — they are not alone.

PTS does not define a person. It’s a part of their story, not the whole story – just a chapter, and healing is possible —especially when a community steps up and says, “We see you. We hear you. We’ve got your six.”

God bless our veterans, our fallen heroes, and the freedoms they fought for.

For a free download of Chad’s book, click here:  The Truth About PTSd

Lisa Marie Barrett, Director

 Help Raise PTSD Awareness – PTSD: National Center for PTSD

 

April 19, 2025, left an indelible mark on my heart as I accompanied US Army Vietnam veterans Jim Ayers and Bruce Lancaster to Washington, D.C. on the spring Honor Flight. Jim served as a Miliary Police Officer in Saigon while Bruce served in Mortuary Affairs, helping identify many of our fallen heroes, including those in the Battle of Ia Drang.

Standing beside these two extraordinary veterans as they were honored for their service and sacrifice was a moment of deep pride, gratitude, and reflection for me. Their courage and sacrifice are woven into the fabric of our freedom – and sharing that day with them is something I will carry with me forever.

Also representing Rutherford County was Vietnam veteran nurse, Mary Ann Smith and US Army veteran Neil Baker who served as a Captain with Military Intelligence.  Neil’s Guardian was Rutherford County VA nurse, Susan Harris. “Gunny” Bill Swope, United State Marine Corps, went to Vietnam on his 18th birthday. He served as a Door Gunner. Daughter, Vilma Lazo was his Guardian.

These local heroes visited some of the most sacred sites in our Nation’s capital, including the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial also known as, The Wall, and Arlington National Cemetery—where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a special wreath laying ceremony presented by the Army.

Upon our return to Asheville that evening, more than 350 community members plus friends and family gathered at the Signature Hangar to Welcome Home our plane full of heroes. Flags waved, signs were lifted high, and heartfelt cheers echoed throughout the hangar as the crowd expressed their deep appreciation for the veterans’ service and sacrifice – a long overdue, proper –

“Welcome Home.”

Blue Ridge Honor Flight, based in Western North Carolina, organizes two flights each year, spring and fall, providing veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor. Our April 19 flight served as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and thanking those who have served—while we still have the chance.

To learn more, apply online, or support future flights, visit www.blueridgehonorflight.com.

 

What Memorial Day Means To Me

When I think of Memorial Day, I’m drawn back to the stories my uncles once shared; stories forged in the crucibles of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. As a child, I couldn’t grasp the weight behind their words. Now, more than a half century later, I wished I had listened more closely, asked better questions and sought to truly understand what war was like through their eyes.

What once seemed like simple stories have become profound legacies, shaping my understanding of service, sacrifice, and the power of remembrance.

I can still see my Uncle Woody’s funeral like it happened yesterday. Etched into the memory of my heart, The American Flag draped with precision over his casket – union positioned at the head – over the left shoulder; as to pay her final respects – honoring my uncle for his service, his sacrifice. The weight of silence hung in the air, shattered only by the piercing cracks of the 21-gun salute. Each shot echoing through the cemetery – piercing my soul; each shot a final goodbye.

Since becoming a Guardian with BRHF and a volunteer with The Wall That Heals, Memorial Day has taken on a profoundly deeper meaning for me. I’ve walked alongside veterans as they’ve pivoted from The Three Servicemen bronze statue, to begin their slow, solemn descent down the path to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall, – each step, their reflections merge with the 58,281 names etched into the polished black granite – each name a life cut short, each one a silent testament to the true cost of war. As my veterans search for the names of their fallen brothers, I can feel the heavy presence of the war they once survived.

There’s a sacred stillness in those moments. You can see it in their eyes – the pain, the memories, the love for their fallen brothers and sisters in arms. Their posture shifts, their voices tremble, and time seems to pause as the weight of war settles once more onto their shoulders. It is in those moments that I’ve come to understand the true cost of service and sacrifice.

I’ve also stood beside families at the traveling Wall, The Wall That Heals, watching loved ones lay flowers, trace names with trembling hands and whisper messages to their loved ones who never returned home. These moments remind me that Memorial Day is not just a day of remembrance, it’s a solemn promise to never forget.

It is not about BBQs, and boat rides, nor is it about celebrating war; it’s about honoring the cost. It is a reminder that behind each life lost was a patriot, a hero, a legacy we inherit and are responsible for carrying forward as we remember. For me, it’s personal. It’s powerful. It’s a privilege and honor to carry their stories forward.

Lisa Marie Barrett, Director