Military Insider: Spring 2026 Edition
Welcome to the Spring 2026 Semester
Welcome back for the Spring semester! We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas break. The Office of Military Affairs and the Veterans Center remain available for you when any needs arise. Reach out to us if we can support you!
Veterans Center Briefing
The Military Student Briefing for Spring will be held this week in the Veterans Center. Please join us on Wednesday, January 21, or Thursday, January 22, at 3:00 p.m. in the Veterans Center to hear the latest military education updates, get support with your Tuition Assistance or GI Bill®, and to seek support in any other area needed. Light refreshments will be served.
Chaplains Charge
Word of the Day: Personal Courage
Chaplain (MAJ) Brian Harvey
Throughout our lives, we will encounter situations and circumstances that challenge our convictions and test what we believe to be true. In such moments, the pressure to conform or remain silent can feel overwhelming. Sadly, many today are more influenced by cultural voices than by the unchanging truth of God’s Word. In this, we see a crisis, not merely of opinion, but of courage. It is here that 1 Samuel 14:1-23 gives us a vivid picture of godly personal courage.
Israel’s army was facing near defeat. Once numbering over 3,000, they had dwindled to 600, hiding in the hills, demoralized before the vast Philistine force. But in this moment of crisis, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, steps forward. Refusing to be ruled by fear or resignation, he clings to his confidence in the Lord. Together with his armor bearer, Jonathan demonstrates a courage rooted not in self-confidence but in steadfast faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
These two men were willing to face death because they knew that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (v. 6). Their courage wasn’t blind recklessness; it was faithful obedience rooted in trust. And because they acted in dependence on God, He granted them victory. Their faith stirred the hearts of the people, and soon the entire nation rallied. In this, we see that when even one or two stand boldly in truth and trust, God can work powerfully to awaken others.
Authentic leadership, biblical leadership, is courageous, humble, and inspiring. It begins with trust in God’s promises and results in bold, faithful action. Like Jonathan, we are called to resist fear and stand for what is right, even when we stand alone. And when challenges come, do not retreat, press into the Word of God. Let His promises strengthen your heart. Refuse to quit. Refuse to compromise. Refuse to be ruled by fear.
But always remember: this courage is not our own, it is a gift from God, empowered by His Spirit, grounded in His Word, and aimed at His glory. When we act in faith, we may inspire others, but more importantly, we reflect the One who is our true Deliverer.
Therefore, engage the fight with the heart of a warrior who knows his strength is in Christ. Focus on the mission God has given you. Stay rooted in His Word. Stand firm, knowing the Lord goes before you. Never accept defeat. Never quit. Never leave anyone behind.
I am praying for each of you; for strength, for steadfastness, and for the courage that comes from knowing and trusting the Lord.
Alumni Spotlight: Chaplain Maj. (P) Joe Dekreon
Photo caption: Army Reserve Chaplain Maj. (P) Joe Dekreon, pictured with his wife, Diana, and their daughter at Lynchburg City Church’s Easter service on April 20, 2025.
Educational Background and Calling
Liberty alumnus Maj. (P) Joe Dekreon earned his Master of Divinity in Military Chaplaincy from Liberty Theological Seminary with the graduating class of 2012. Today, he serves in ministry as an Army Reserve brigade chaplain in Virginia and as the lead pastor and founder of Lynchburg City Church in Lynchburg. In his Army Reserve role, he helps oversee battalion-level chaplains and their ministries to soldiers across multiple states on the East Coast. He’s especially passionate about mentoring his chaplain candidates and younger chaplains, preparing them to serve God and Country with faithfulness and competence. At Lynchburg City Church, he shepherds a congregation of about 100, including many Liberty students who value his expository preaching and the church’s focus on gospel-centered community.
Liberty’s Support as a Military Student
While at Liberty Theological Seminary (2009–2012), Dekreon served as an Army Reserve Chaplain Candidate. As he learned how to care for and minister to soldiers in the Army Reserve, he often had drill on long weekends that would pull him away from his classes. He remembers his professors as being exceptionally accommodating as he balanced military training with seminary coursework. He also points to the late Chaplain (Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force, Ret.) Dr. Charlie Davidson, former director of Liberty’s Center for Chaplaincy and recipient of the 2016 George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award, as a key mentor during his seminary years. He credits Davidson for strengthening God’s calling on him to serve God and Country as a Chaplain.
Prepared and Equipped by Liberty
Dekreon credits Liberty’s seminary Bible courses as the foundation that best prepared him to become both a pastor and a chaplain. He believes that whether a seminary student is training to become a pastor, chaplain, or to serve God’s kingdom in other roles, knowing the Bible thoroughly is the most important way to be an effective minister of God’s word. He’s especially grateful for Dr. Gary Yates, whom he describes as “a diamond in the rough” and “one of the best exegetical Bible teachers Liberty has ever had,” for shaping his love for studying the Bible. He is also grateful for Dr. Steven Keith, current director of Liberty’s Center for Chaplaincy and the ecclesiastical endorser for Liberty Baptist Fellowship, for ongoing support and mentorship — both as his chaplaincy endorser and in his ministry at Lynchburg City Church.
Pastoring and Chaplaincy in Tandem
Many Army Reserve chaplains work full-time jobs outside of ministry, but his day-to-day work is pastoral. He believes that serving in full-time ministry strengthens his ability to care for soldiers who often seek him out for counseling and biblical wisdom. He remains grateful for the education he received at Liberty, and he’s encouraged that, more than a decade after his graduation, Liberty continues preparing future generations of Champions for Christ.
Join the Student Veterans Association
We invite you to become a part of our Student Veterans Association (SVA), a chapter of Student Veterans of America. Connection with veterans throughout your academic career can provide support and encouragement to help you through your degree completion process and beyond. For more information, visit the SVA webpage, and email sva@liberty.edu to inquire about becoming a member. Optional Christian Service opportunities are also available. We hope to hear from you soon!
Military Appreciation Month 2025 Recap
Throughout November 2025, Liberty University celebrated Military Appreciation Month, honoring the service and sacrifices of U.S. military members and veterans. Inspired by the vision of Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, this annual observance has grown from a single-day event to a campus-wide, month-long tribute. Throughout November, Liberty University celebrated Military Appreciation Month, honoring the service and sacrifices of U.S. military members and veterans. Inspired by the vision of Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, this annual observance has grown from a single-day event to a campus-wide, month-long tribute. It was the biggest and most collaborative MAM yet, and we are thankful for everyone who participated. Thank you to our veterans within SFS who have given so much to serve our country.
Athletic Events: Military-themed appreciation games across multiple sports energized the campus. Fans cheered for the Flames during volleyball and football games, with patriotic tributes honoring service members, such as the George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award during halftime.
Community Engagement: The Mike Donahue Memorial 5-Miler brought the Liberty community together to honor a beloved veteran and showcase support for military families. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross Blood Drive united students and staff in giving back.
Veterans Celebrations: Refreshments were available in the Veterans Center on campus on Veteran’s Day. There was also a special Military Appreciation Convocation featuring a Veteran’s Day Panel with Chadd Wright, Graham Allen, Nick Freitas, and Liberty President Dondi E. Costin. These events highlighted the spiritual legacy of military service.
Signature Events: The Marine Corps’ 250th birthday was commemorated during the Military Appreciation Convocation, with a traditional cake-cutting. The LU Air Force ROTC 24-Hour Vigil honored America’s POW/MIA with a ceremony.
Veterans Appreciation Reception: The month concluded with a heartfelt reception featuring keynote remarks by Major General Bohm, emphasizing Liberty’s ongoing commitment to the veteran community. You can read more about this month’s festivities via the LU News article below!
Thank you to all service members and veterans who participated in the many events during this special month. We are grateful for your service and consider it a true privilege to honor you and your commitment to our country.
You can read more about the month’s festivities via this LU News article.
