Military Insider: Spring 2025 Edition

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. We are glad to have you back on campus! We are excited to welcome you back to campus! Continue to let the Office of Military Affairs and the Veterans Center know how we can support you this semester. You will find news, benefit updates, and resources below to help you stay connected in the months ahead.

Veterans Center Update from Caleb Berkland:

Dear Students,

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to inform you of a change in the leadership of the Liberty University Veterans Center. After serving as the Veterans Center Supervisor, I will be stepping away from my role. It has been an honor to work with you and support your academic journey as military-affiliated students. I’m pleased to introduce Donna Kerelejza as the new Veterans Center Supervisor. Donna is a United States Air Force veteran and is deeply committed to supporting our military student community. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for ensuring the Veterans Center remains a valuable resource for you. Donna has stepped into her new role soon and is eager to meet each of you this semester. She will continue to provide the same support and resources that you’ve come to rely on, and I am confident that the Veterans Center is in excellent hands under her leadership.

If you have any questions or would like to connect with Donna, please feel free to stop by the Veterans Center or reach out via email at militarypoc@liberty.edu.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Veterans Center Supervisor. I wish you all continued success in your academic and professional endeavors.

Warm regards,
Caleb Berkland
Veterans Center Supervisor
Liberty University

Chaplains Charge: Words of Encouragement From the Center for Chaplaincy

Liberty University’s Center for Chaplaincy is honored to continue its long-standing tradition of training and supporting chaplain candidates. The Office of Military Affairs is delighted to include a special message from the Center for Chaplaincy in each newsletter, offering encouragement as you pursue the calling the Lord has placed on your life.

Word of the Day: Selfless Service
By Chaplain (MAJ) Brian Harvey

I am often asked the question, “How do you continually give so selflessly and not go crazy?” Selfless Service is something we all can relate to. We continually give of ourselves for the betterment of others and the larger organization. However, Selfless Service does not mean we disregard self-care. It is here that I turn to scripture to reveal the source of my strength in Selfless Service.

Isaiah 40:31 states: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV). So, what does it mean here to wait? Possibly, it is to sit still and do nothing until told to move. All of you should be very familiar with this since we all know the unwritten policy of “hurry up and wait.” This is NOT what the Lord had intended when He chose to use this word. To “wait” for the Lord entails a confident expectation and an active hope in the Lord; it is never a passive resignation. In other words, God desires for us to actively wait on Him, to continue pushing forward knowing it is easier to steer something that is moving rather than one sitting still.

When God renews your strength, this is not a replenishment of your personal strength. This is a direct exchange. God takes your weariness and exhaustion and gives you His strength in exchange. God’s strength is depicted as that of an eagle. His strength will give us wings like an eagle to carry us through. Furthermore, the wings of eagles do more than depict the strength that comes from the Lord…it changes our perspective. The imagery that is conjured up of an eagle soaring high above does a lot more than just symbolize strength, it symbolizes a new perspective. Many of you may be stuck in a rut; you may be at a place right now where you cannot see the forest for the tree in front of you. The struggles that you are facing right now, your depleted strength and stamina make your problems seem insurmountable. Some of you may be experiencing pain both physical and emotional, your troubles have become the focus of your world, and nothing appears to be able to pull you out of it. However, when God renews your strength you will rise above those issues on eagle’s wings, taking on God’s perspective of your world. God is ready and able to show you His power to minimize the troubles in your life if you would let Him. The hope and promise are that through the continued renewal of our strength as we actively wait on the Lord we will endure cheerfully and constantly persevere through the trials and tribulations of this life to His glory.

Selfless Service is a vital aspect of our fighting force; it truly is a force multiplier. I encourage each of you, no matter where you are, or what you are going through, to continue your selfless service knowing your efforts and sacrifice are noticed. I challenge each of you to continue serving, find your source of strength, take on God’s perspective, and always be willing to share with others what motivates you in your acts of selfless service.

Liberty in the News

Military Appreciation Month

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. Here’s a look back at some highlights from Military Appreciation Month 2024:

The 2024 George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award Winner: During the halftime show of its annual Military Appreciation football game on Saturday, Liberty University presented the George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award to local veteran retired Army Maj. Gen. Bob Dees, who started the National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) at Valor Farm. The annual award is a high honor recognizing individuals who went beyond the call of duty and continue to display dedication to their community. Read more of Major Gen Dees’s story.
Military-themed appreciation sports events across multiple sports energized the campus. Fans cheered for the Flames during volleyball, soccer, hockey, and football games, with patriotic tributes honoring service members
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.
A special Veterans Day Convocation featured Brigadier General Jack Stumme, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, followed by chaplain panels and tours of the Chaplains Museum. These events highlighted the spiritual legacy of military service.
The Marine Corps’ 249th birthday was commemorated during the Military Appreciation Convocation, with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony led by Major General Jason Bohm, USMC (Ret.).
Air Force ROTC POW/MIA Vigil: Kicking off the Air Force ROTC 24-hour vigil honoring U.S. service members lost, missing, or killed in action, Air Force Col. (Ret.) Daryl Jones encouraged ROTC students to remain firm in their Christian faith and follow the call that God has given them for their lives. The ceremony also included a brief invocation by Jones’ wife, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Martha Stevenson-Jones, and a time of remembrance for those who never made it home. A table was set up on stage adorned with various items to signify the ultimate sacrifice given by American service members. Read more about the ROTC POW/MIA Vigil.
Veterans Appreciation Reception: This year’s reception featured keynote remarks by Major General Bohm, emphasizing Liberty’s ongoing commitment to the veteran community.

Thank you to all who were able to participate in this year’s events. We appreciate the service of each and every one of you and all that you and your families sacrifice in defense of our nation. Your sacrifices are remembered and honored not just during Military Appreciation Month but every day.

Fort Liberty Military Graduation

It takes dedication and perseverance to complete a college degree while serving our country. Last November, Liberty University graduates at Fort Liberty, a U.S. Army military installation in North Carolina, were honored at a special graduation ceremony that recognized the academic achievements of veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses from multiple colleges and universities. The event not only recognized individual accomplishments but also underscored the support and strength within the military community. Read more about our recent graduates.

Student Highlight: James Teachenor

Today we’re highlighting LU military Alumni, James Teachenor. James is the composer of the official United States Space Force anthem, “Semper Supra.” A seasoned musician and former lead vocalist with the U.S. Air Force Band, James brought his passion for music and service together to create a historic piece. His anthem, performed at the Pentagon’s unveiling ceremony, embodies the values and mission of the Space Force.

Reflecting on the creative process, James shared how he drew inspiration from the bravery and dedication of Space Force personnel, blending these themes into the anthem’s powerful lyrics and melody. Collaborating with military leaders and musicians, he ensured the anthem would resonate as a proud and timeless representation of this newest branch of the armed forces.

James credits his faith, family, and education at Liberty University for inspiring his work. As a graduate of Liberty’s online program, he valued the flexibility to pursue both his studies and his musical career. Writing the anthem, he says, was a humbling opportunity to serve his country in a unique way.

James’ dedication to excellence and service exemplifies the mission of Liberty University to train Champions for Christ. We are proud to celebrate his incredible achievement and the lasting impact of his work on our nation’s history. Read more about James’s accomplishment.

Military Tuition Assistance Update

The U.S. Army released an update to Tuition Assistance policy in December, with the changes effective as of Dec. 11, 2024 outlining changes to the voluntary education policy:

“The Fiscal Year (FY) annual cap has increased from $4,000 to $4,500. This is still a shared cap between Tuition and Credentialing Assistance programs.
The semester hour cap has increased from 16 to 18 hours.
First-time TA users must complete ArmyIgnitED 101 training provided by their Army Education Center AND must use the Career Path Decide decision support tool prior to requesting TA.
Additional updates to policy will follow with the publication of AR 621-5 later this FY.
For assistance, Soldiers should contact their local Army Education Center.”

Department of Veterans Affairs Update

In April 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of veterans who qualify for both the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bil, and previously were unable to use both benefits, overturning the VA’s previous restrictions. This decision could allow some veterans to pursue additional education after exhausting one benefit. The ruling stems from a case brought by Army veteran Jim Rudisill, who was denied his remaining Montgomery GI Bill benefits after using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend Yale Divinity School. The decision ensures more flexibility for veterans in maximizing their earned education benefits. Read the Military Times article that details the court case, and provides some more detail on how this ruling could impact veterans and their education benefits.

If you invested in the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), and transferred benefits to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) without compensation for the 12 months paid under Ch. 30, this update could impact you
For details on your GI Bill eligibility, visit the VA’s webpage.
For more information on Montgomery GI Bill refunds, visit www.va.gov/resources/montgomery-gi-bill-refunds/.

Resource Highlight: 50strong

We’re excited to connect our military community to exciting career and employment opportunities through 50Strong! 50strong supports our service members, veterans, and military spouses by connecting them with companies and organizations that are looking to hire from within the military community. We’re one of their official education partners, and they frequently hold digital networking events, and job fairs that large companies and organizations participate in that could help you take the next step in your career. Sign up for upcoming events on the 50Strong website, and connect with them on their LinkedIn, or other social media accounts for new opportunities.

Stay Connected

Make sure you’re following the Office of Military Affairs on our Facebook, and Instagram accounts to get helpful reminders, and stay connected with everything going on in the LU military community. It’s a joy to be able to serve our students!

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Liberty University is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any military branch of service.