By Jessica Kenley

In a warm display of gratitude and remembrance, the Gospel Tabernacle held its fourth annual Veterans Brunch, bringing together veterans of all generations, their families, and community members for a morning of reflection, honor, and connection. The event, held in memory of Fred Forsythe and coinciding with Veterans Day, served as both a celebration and a heartfelt thank-you to those who have served in the United States military.

“We want to honor our people, everyone in the community that they serve, women, men… in peace time or in war, they all play a part,” said Darlene Forsythe, the dedicated organizer of the brunch. “They’re very humble, they’re very unassuming, but they just gave of themselves. We needed to give back,” she said.

Guests began arriving early, greeted by volunteers and the welcoming aroma of a catered breakfast. As plates filled and coffee was poured, the room buzzed with reunions and introductions. “It’s all in the details, you’re right,” remarked one attendee, reflecting the sentiment of gratitude toward the volunteers who decorated tables, arranged gift bags, and ensured every guest felt valued.

The highlight of the brunch was the keynote address by Colonel (Ret.) John L. Callerson, whose 34 years of service in the U.S. Army—including six combat tours and numerous chaplain assignments—brought a depth of perspective and reverence to the gathering. “As many people may know, chaplains do what most pastors do. They perform services at church and chapels. They do counseling, they preach, they teach,” Callerson shared. “But one important aspect of the army chaplaincy is what we called ministry of presence. Wherever the troops go, you go.”

Colonel Callerson’s stories, both humorous and poignant, painted a vivid picture of what military service—and spiritual care—means on and off the battlefield. He recounted organizing holiday deliveries for children in Kosovo, which required navigating dangerous roads under tight deadlines. “We went out, made the arrangements, we delivered to all 29 schools to over 10,000 children,” he recalled. “Tensions decrease[d] and they decrease[d] for quite a while there, because we took care of Serbs, Albanians, gypsies, we took care of everybody. It didn’t matter.”

Survival and camaraderie themed many of his reflections, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend,” he quoted from John 15:13, adding, “That’s what chaplains do when they go out…my wife reminded me, no matter what I wore, I always wore a cross on my uniform—even if someone once mistook me for a signal officer!”

The community’s spirit of mutual support continued as volunteers were recognized for their tireless work. “Everything you see here today is the result of my very giving team,” Forsythe emphasized. “Most helpers, they’ve spent countless hours placing posters, decorating, organizing the gift bags, setting up the tables, taking reservations, organizing the necessary media and pulling this all together.” 

A round of applause was given to those who worked behind the scenes, underscoring that, while one person may stand at the podium, it takes many to bring an event like this to life.

Acknowledgment was also paid to local businesses and organizations that supported the event and ongoing resources for veterans were promoted. “God’s Country Ministries, Military Food Share…we started out with a very small group of handing out food to the veterans that are in need of it. They are up to over 300 veterans that they prepare for each month,” Darlene noted, highlighting the community-driven outreach for those who have served.

As the morning drew to a close, music and a heartfelt prayer echoed through the hall, with the final words a reflection on unity, sacrifice, and moving forward together. “Love one another as I have loved you,” Colonel Callerson reminded. “You don’t have to wear a uniform to matter.”

In a historic building, in a small Pennsylvania town, old friends and new acquaintances left reminded that service takes many forms, and the bonds of gratitude and respect carry far beyond one morning’s gathering.