Military Ministry

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

Our brave men and women serving overseas sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms. Far from home, they face challenges we can only imagine. But a simple gesture from you can make a world of difference.

A heartfelt letter can bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that they are not forgotten. Your words of support can lift their spirits and provide strength during difficult times. Whether you share a personal story, a message of gratitude, or simply offer well wishes, your letter will be a source of hope and connection for a local Soldier and his unit who are currently deployed.

Let’s stand together and show our appreciation for their sacrifices by taking a few moments to write a letter, reminding them they are valued and supported. Your kindness will have a lasting impact.

Because no one serving our country should ever feel alone.

Please address your letter as follows:

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lisa  Marie Barrett, Director

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who had a part in supporting Operation Christmas Cheer, 2024. Your support helped bring hope and cheer to our deployed troops. Despite the challenges of Helene, your support made a meaningful impact and together, we achieved much success!

My goal this year was to fill and ship 5 Packages of Hope to each of the 2 contacts we were given. Because of your faithfulness and generosity, that goal was well surpassed! We were able to send a total of 9 boxes to each point of contact and a bonus package filled with Fox River Soldier Socks.

In fact, the donations were so great, we were able to adopt a Soldier who had just deployed and there are still enough goodies to send additional packages later this month or early February.

Regarding the Packages of Hope from our Airmen: “You should have seen all of us around the table waiting on me to open the boxes to see what we got. Thank you so much! You have no idea what an impact it makes.” Regarding the Fox Socks: “These socks are what I never knew I was missing! Thank you! They’re the best!”

Below are a few photos of the boxes that went out. Socks were direct shipped by Fox River. Truly I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me – Matthew 25:40. Thank you for your continued faithfulness and allowing God to use you to bless our troops!

Lisa Marie Barrett, Director

 

This year, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are mindful of the challenges our community has faced in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Many of us are still rebuilding, but even in these difficult times, we are reminded of the strength that comes from unity, compassion, and faith.

Amid our own struggles, let us not forget those who are serving far from home this Christmas—our troops. These brave men and women sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms, and many will spend this holiday season separated from their loved ones.

Though our resources may be stretched, even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Here’s how you can help bring joy and encouragement to our troops this Christmas:

1. Donate Essentials: Even a single item—snacks, hygiene products, or holiday treats—can make a difference.

2. Write a Letter of Encouragement: A simple message of gratitude and hope can uplift a Soldier’s spirit.

3. Give Financially: Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us cover shipping costs and fill care packages with much-needed items.

4. Offer Your Prayers: Keep our service members and their families in your prayers, especially as they face the challenges of being apart during the holidays.

Hurricane Helene has reminded us of the power of coming together as a community. In that same spirit, let’s extend our love and support to those who serve us with unwavering dedication. Together, we can show our troops that they are not forgotten and that they are deeply appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off at 724 Oakland Road, Spindale by November 29th. If you would like to give a financial gift online, please be sure to say “yes” to designate gift and type Military Ministry Christmas Cheer in the memo and click here.

Packages of Hope Wish List:

• Carmex
• Christmas Candy
• Candy Canes
• Small tins Christmas cookies
• Individually packaged cookies
• Individually packaged crackers
• Individually packaged fruit snacks
• Individually packaged dried fruit
• Slim Jim’s
• Beef Jerky
• Tajin
• Hard Candies
• Chewing Gum
• Protein bars
• Flavored water packets
• Hot chocolate packets
• Oatmeal packets
• Handwarmers
• Travel sized lotion
• Letters of encouragement

I am proud to announce that the Honor Flight originally scheduled for September 28th, but postponed due to Hurricane Helene, has been rescheduled for April 26th, 2025. This meaningful journey is dedicated to honoring our veterans by providing them with the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C.

The Honor Flight program is a powerful way to express our gratitude to those who have served our country. Veterans will have the opportunity to connect with comrades, share stories and receive the recognition they so greatly deserve. They will also receive a long overdue “Welcome Home.”

I am so looking forward to joining the skies and DC with my Vietnam Veterans, Jim Ayers and Bruce Lancaster both from Rutherfordton, veteran and Guardian Mike Granato from Charleston, SC with his Vietnam Veteran, Neil Baker (Rutherfordton) and Guardian Vilma Lazo with her Vietnam Veteran, Gunny Bill Swope also of Rutherfordton.

It is a privilege and an honor to be part of such a wonderful organization, Blue Ridge Honor Flight.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/september-11.htm

 

Blue Ridge Honor Flight will take flight again on September 28th, 2024. I am excited to be flying with my Rutherford County veterans: Bruce Lancaster, US Army and Jim Ayers, US Army.  Also on my team from Rutherford County will be “Gunny” Bill Swope, USMC. His daughter, Vilma Lazo will be his Guardian. Neil Baker, US Army will also join us with his Guardian, Mike Granato, Retired USAF from Summerville, SC.

My veterans for the spring flight on April 27th, 2024, was USAF Veteran, Raymond Jones and US Army Veteran Steve McCurry; both are Vietnam Veterans. It was a privilege and honor being their Guardian and they will forever hold a special place in my heart!

Also on our team was combat Vietnam Veteran, Sgt Major Don Barrett, Ret USMC. Sgt Major was also my children’s former MCJROTC instructor at RS Central High School. His Guardian was his son, 1st Sgt Michael Barrett, Ret USMC. Both Michael and Sgt Major are recipients of The Purple Heart.

Micheal gave his dad a very special surprise while we were in DC. He worked in concert with Jimmy Ensley, one of Sgt Major’s first graduating cadets from the MCJROTC program at RS Central to meet us in DC. Jimmy, also a ret USMC Veteran resides near the DC area, so he was more than willing to meet us in DC to surprise Sgt Major.

The reunion was priceless, and I was honored to have been a part. Every Honor Flight is special and no two are even remotely alike, but this one pulled on my heartstrings as never before. Although I only had two assigned veterans, Raymond and Steve, the six of us spent the day together. I believe having Sgt Maj, Michael, and Jimmy in our group added to the wonderful experience Raymond and Steve had. Since I am not a veteran myself; I cannot ‘add’ to an Honor Flight veteran’s experience the way a veteran can. It was awe-inspiring to watch these five veterans interact and care for one another throughout the day, to listen to their stories; my life is forever changed, and I will be forever grateful to Blue Ridge Honor Flight for affording me the privilege to fly with these wonderful veterans!

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Our Nation owes a great debt to its fallen heroes. A debt that we can never repay. Today, I hope you take a moment to honor the fallen and remember the more than 80,000 that are still MIA (Missing in Action) and remember the families that were left behind, the families who never had a chance to say good-bye.

“Whether we observe [Memorial Day]  through public ceremony or through private prayer, this day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day, [both known and unknown], was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.” – George H W Bush, 1992

Let us never forget they gave their tomorrows for our todays. One way we can honor them today is to commit to step in their honor and wear blue to remember. Today, I have committed to walk/run 5 miles in honor of CPL Chris Ebert, who died in the Anbar Province of Iraq on September 17, 2004.

 

 

“We owe them more than can ever be repaid, but we must try. Tomorrow and all the days that follow, let us keep their sacrifice in our hearts as we strive to honor them by being good and true, hopeful and strong, and committing to  building a brighter future.” – Marc Molinaro, US House of Representatives, Duchess County, NY on Memorial Day 2019.

Remember. Honor.

Lisa Marie Barrett, Director

 

With another very successful Operation Christmas Cheer for our deployed troops behind us (more than 40 boxes of goodies, letters from children, prayer filled boxes and over 30lbs of hand warmers were sent) it’s time to move into 2024 and send Treats to the Troops.

Our troops  have answered the call to serve and in answering that call, they have left everything behind; their families, their communities, and their loved ones who are also paying the price for their sacrifice.

We will be taking up individually packaged cookie donations throughout February. Since many of these care package will be sent to very warm climates, please choose single serving packages of cookies that do not contain chocolate that will melt. Oreos, peanut-butter cookies, VanOLunch from Lance, lemon cookies, butter cookies and animal cookies are great sendables that won’t melt.

A simple act of kindness, sending cookies, will equip them with the hope that they are not forgotten and will hopefully bring light to their world.

If you would like to make a financial donation and have us purchase cookies for you or you would like to help cover the cost of postage, click here. Please be sure to enter military ministry in the memo field.