Remembering the lost: Air Force ROTC hosts 24-hour POW/MIA vigil

Kicking off the Liberty University 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, hosted by Liberty’s Air Force ROTC in the Towns Auditorium at the School of Business on Thursday, 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.

Liberty has a longstanding tradition of honoring the brave service of our nation’s military members and veterans each November during Military Appreciation Month. Thursday’s event was just one of many events honoring those who have served this country both domestically and abroad.

Jones opened by sharing that he and his wife now work as the global directors of Cru’s miliary ministry, serving close to 40 nations around the world by sharing the Gospel.

“As missionaries to the global community and veterans ourselves, Veterans Day is near and dear to our hearts,” he said. “To be able to come and celebrate and recognize the selfless service of those that have worn the uniform — men and women who have given their all for this nation — is special for us. Especially for us who are Christ followers, we readily see in our veterans’ service and sacrifice today the heroic reflection of Christ’s sacrifice and service for all of us.”

Recalling his time flying F-15 aircrafts in the military, Jones shared one instance where a bad fuel pump almost cost him his life on a return flight from South Korea. He was saved, however, by the aircraft’s emergency fuel open switch, which was engineered to remedy this specific situation. Using this story as an example, Bones encouraged those in attendance to appreciate aspects of their lives they may take for granted.

“Our biggest successes are often dependent on the small, hidden things,” he said. “The great and important often hinge on the small and often overlooked.”

Emphasizing that America only exists today in its current form because of the bravery of veterans, Jones said the most important action a soldier can take is to simply be present. In answering the call and standing with other likeminded individuals, service members can effectively meet any threat that arises and defend their homeland. Jones likened this to how Christians must first answer God’s calling and then follow through with whatever is asked of them.

“Like the military, God’s calling to each and every one of us comes with a divine expectation of presence, but the good news is when we answer God’s call there is a divine expectation of His presence in our lives,” he said.

In following this calling, Jones said Christians must be enthusiastic and bold instead of reluctant, viewing the mission field as an opportunity instead of a chore.

“When it comes to sharing the Gospel and the Good News of Jesus Christ to servicemen and servicewomen in the entire global military community, it’s not something we have to do to, but something we get to do,” he said. “We get the best ‘Here I am,’ to share the Good News of Christ to those who wear the uniform. I know when we say, ‘Here I am,’ to Christ and our expectation meets our performance, Heaven comes to its feet for every soul that’s committed, no matter what the challenge or obstacle, whatever condition— be it advantageous or adverse, be it life-enriching or life-threatening, be it recognized and acknowledged by all or dismissed with no fanfare — that’s service when we do it for Christ.”

Following the ceremony, Liberty’s Air Force ROTC conducted the 24-hour vigil on the steps of Montview Student Union.

>> The Office of Military Affairs offers various opportunities for the Liberty community to support and honor its military students, veterans, and their families. For more information on military benefits and resources for military students, visit Liberty.edu/Military.