Community members and veterans gathered at Concordia University Wisconsin for a moving celebration of faith, service and the bonds that unite those who have served.
Concordia welcomed veterans, community members and local leaders to campus Nov. 11 for the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon. The event honored the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans while highlighting the lasting impact of serving others.
Among those recognized was Bernard “Bernie” Alberg, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. His presence offered a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those who served during World War II.
CUW President Dr. Erik Ankerberg opened the celebration by recognizing veterans’ deep commitment to faith, service and learning. He thanked them for their sacrifices and for the example they set for others.
A bond built on honor
Rev. Dr. Kurt S. Taylor, CUW professor of theology and director of the Church Ministries program, delivered a heartfelt welcome address reflecting on his more than 24 years of service as a U.S. Air Force chaplain.
Taylor explained why veterans often wear hats, shirts or other items identifying their branch of service. It’s not about seeking recognition, he said, but about finding others who share a unique connection.
“We’re looking for each other because we have a bond,” he said. “And this bond has to do with honor.”
He said when he is asked why he became a military chaplain, his answer is simple: “I want to serve God and my country.”
But he admitted to another, more personal motivation. “I want to hang out with heroes.”
One of the morning’s most powerful moments came as Taylor tearfully recalled honoring fallen service members whose caskets passed through his military base on their journey home.
Typically, hundreds of military personnel would line the route to salute their fallen comrades. On one occasion, a delayed flight arrived in the early morning hours. Taylor expected few people to gather at such an inconvenient time. Instead, hundreds turned out in the darkness to pay their respects.
The story underscored the extraordinary bond among service members and the profound importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Reflecting on Wednesday’s luncheon, Taylor emphasized how much that recognition and support mean to veterans.
“It’s an honor to have served in the military, and it is also an honor to see all the people who support what we did and are doing. Being at an event like the one on Wednesday reminds all of us who served that there is not only appreciation, but partnership, patriotism, and support.”
Finding purpose through service
Keynote speaker Deb Paschke, director of outreach and camp programming for Camp Hometown Heroes, continued the theme of service by sharing stories of hope, healing and volunteerism.
The Wisconsin-based organization operates a national summer camp for children ages 7 to 17 who have lost a parent or sibling in the military.
Paschke shared a particularly moving note from a mother grieving the loss of her husband. Before her son attended camp, the mother struggled so deeply with grief that she would get out of bed only to see him off to school, then return to bed until he came home.
After attending Camp Hometown Heroes, her son began to heal and, in turn, helped his mother learn how to grieve.
Through stories like this, Paschke reminded attendees that sharing their time, talents and compassion can make a life-changing difference for others.
She closed with a message of hope and encouragement: “We’re built for lives of purpose.”
The luncheon, offered free to veterans thanks to a generous sponsor, served as a reminder that honoring military service extends beyond a single day. It is reflected in gratitude, remembrance and a willingness to serve others.
At Concordia, where faith and service are central to the university’s mission, the morning offered a meaningful opportunity to celebrate those who have served and the enduring example they provide.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.