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Sheppard Presented Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit Award

From staff reports


Rev. John Sheppard and his wife Lura accept
the Virginia National Guard's Legion of Merit
citation at Saturday's Annual Guard Christmas
Dinner from Virginia Adjutant General Robert
B. Newman, Jr.

When Isaiah was called, he responded, "Here I am Lord. Send me." As for Community Fellowship Baptist Church and its pastor, John Sheppard, their calling came when the 1030th was activated for service in Iraq.

During that time, the Church committed themselves to send packages to the service men and women and to provide comfort and counseling to the families left behind.

At its annual Christmas dinner held last Saturday, Virginia's Adjutant General,  Robert B. Newman, Jr. and Guard chaplain, James D. Moore, were on hand at  the evening's event to present Community Fellowship pastor, Rev. John Sheppard with one of the highest honors given by the Virginia National Guard, the Legion of Merit. The citation read in-part, "You are hereby cited for your exceptional dedication, diligence and patriotism in serving as a volunteer...and a true friend to the Commonwealth, the Virginia National Guard and to all the soldiers and their families who came under your shepherd care and expertise." further stating, "Your exemplary contributions and devotion to soldier care reflect great credit upon you, your congregation and your community."

During the presentation, Newman said, "He (Sheppard) has  been there through deployment and redeployment and continues to be there even today."

Sheppard and members of his church asked themselves, "What can we do to help." The answer came when Sheppard approached the Guard with  just that question. And after talking with Col. Sparks about conducting church services for the guard once a month, Rev. Sheppard began conducting those services and since January 2002 has been ministering to the Guardsmen on drill weekend.

Upon receiving the citation, Sheppard stepped to the podium and began to speak in a kind and deliberate voice, not as the recipient of an award, but as their friend and pastor. 

"It has been an honor and a joy to support the guard in this respect." he said. "I have fallen in love with the guards people. And I thank you for your service."

Through support groups for families and for spouses left behind during deployment to assisting in the difficult decisions that face a military family during war, Sheppard and his church have been there each and every time caring, ministering.

Sheppard and his church continue to serve by sending packages and hope to those serving their nation. Today, they are continuing by supporting a Guard Unit from North Carolina that is currently serving in Iraq.

And while the surprise presentation for Sheppard was evident, he and his wife Lura and Community Fellowship Baptist Church continue to respond to the calling , "Here I am Lord. Send me.".

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