MOUNT VERNON, Ga. – Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPCU) welcomed students, faculty, staff, veterans, and community members to its Historic Village on November 10 for History Under the Stars, an evening dedicated to honoring military service and preserving the personal experiences of American veterans.
Held in observance of Veterans Day, the event focused on military service from the Vietnam era through the Gulf War. The program featured a panel of veterans who shared firsthand accounts of their experiences, offering attendees a personal perspective on military history, sacrifice, and the lasting bonds formed through service.
Dr. Matthew Lempke, Assistant Professor of History at BPCU, organized the event after reflecting on a formative experience from his own college years. In 2011, he attended a panel featuring survivors of the USS Indianapolis, whose firsthand accounts of World War II left a lasting impression and strengthened his appreciation for preserving veterans’ stories.
Inspired by that experience, Lempke sought to create a similar opportunity for BPCU students and the surrounding community to engage directly with those who served.
The evening’s panel featured four veterans representing three branches of the U.S. military: Mr. Russia Little, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1965; Mr. Ric Robin, a Gulf War veteran with 21 years of service in the U.S. Air Force; Mr. Karl Emmanuelson, a Gulf War veteran with 23 years of service in the U.S. Army; and Mr. Norman Munthe, a Gulf War veteran with 17 years of service in the U.S. Navy.
The veterans recounted experiences ranging from military training and deployments to combat operations in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. Their accounts highlighted the challenges of military life, the importance of camaraderie, and the personal sacrifices associated with serving one’s country.
Several veterans also reflected on the difficulties of returning to civilian life, including the treatment of Vietnam veterans and the ongoing challenges many former service members face in obtaining adequate care and support. Despite these hardships, the speakers expressed a shared appreciation for their military experiences and the relationships developed throughout their years of service.
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded that military history extends beyond the events recorded in textbooks. Each veteran’s testimony offered a personal account of the individuals behind significant moments in American history.
“Throughout American history, citizens have answered the call to service,” Lempke remarked. “Americans have fought, sacrificed, and stood for the national interest above self.”
The event reflected BPCU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with meaningful community engagement. By providing a forum for veterans to share their experiences, the university encouraged students and community members to learn from previous generations, deepen their understanding of American history, and recognize the importance of service, sacrifice, and gratitude. These opportunities reinforce BPCU’s biblically-centered mission of developing individuals who demonstrate servant leadership and compassion in service to others.
Brewton-Parker Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Brewton-Parker Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
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Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102.
As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.
Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker Christian University as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.
Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.
"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou
Greetings, Baron Nation!
It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker Christian University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.
Dusty Arnold is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health.
Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.
Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker Christian University in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.
As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.
Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.