DBU Honors Local Veterans During Annual Veterans Day Lunch

three men standing in Sadler Hall at the veterans day reception

Each year, Dallas Baptist University's Veteran and Military Services Center hosts an on-campus Veterans Day luncheon in honor of those who have served our country in years past. This small act of gratitude can only begin to express our thankfulness for these brave men and women who have demonstrated the ultimate act of selflessness: a willingness to lay down their life for their brothers, sisters, and country.

The 2022 luncheon welcomed 48 Veterans and their guests to campus to share a meal and enjoy this year's program. After eating, Jonathan Teat who serves as DBU's Vice President for Administration and Enrollment welcomed all those in attendance and opened the program with prayer. Following this, DBU Alumni Hayden Cawood led the singing of the National Anthem, and United States Air Force Veteran Samuel Jones, who serves as DBU's VA Certifying Official, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. picture of men and women standing in line with their military uniform

Prior to welcoming the event's main speaker, Chris Deckard recognized each Veteran, thanking them for the sacrifices they had made. Chris Deckard is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and now serves as DBU's Director of Military and Veteran Services Center. Our university is abundantly grateful not only for Chris Deckard's service to our country, but the service he does here on our campus for our Military and Veteran students.

DBU welcomed Charles Crouch as this year's Veterans Day Lunch speaker. Crouch is a former Navy Seal who strives to "live with intention, passion, and purpose." He is the author of "A Leader After God's Own Heart," which looks at leadership from a military perspective, a marketplace standpoint, and a biblical application. In addition to speaking to Veterans, Charles is passionate about godly marriage and fatherhood. He is the creator and leader of Truth at Work Executives Roundtables in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, SEAL Your Marriage retreats, and Malachi Men Father/ Child retreats.

Following Crouch's message, Jason Williams, who serves as DBU's Vice President for Enrollment, brought the luncheon to a close with final remarks and prayer.

"This year's Veterans Day luncheon was amazing," shares Chris Deckard. "Charles Crouch gave a great message and was able to connect with each Veteran in attendance. We are already looking forward to our next year's luncheon!"

Written by Emmalie Ellis

Emmalie Ellis works for the University Communications department at Dallas Baptist University.