A Cornerstone Veterans Day Tribute

At Cornerstone Prep, we believe that true greatness is found in service, the kind that reflects the heart of Christ, puts others before self, and perseveres even in the hardest moments. This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have bravely answered the call to serve our country. Their courage, humility, and faith remind us that freedom is not given; it is protected through sacrifice.

We are blessed to highlight three members of our Cornerstone family: Cornerstone dad Rob Lowrance, who served as an Army Aviation Officer in the Georgia Army National Guard. Alumni Jake Wall (‘20) and Caleb Walker (‘24), both serving in the United States Air Force. Though their experiences span generations, branches, and roles, each reflects a shared commitment to service, faith, and the greater good. 

A Legacy of Service and Faith

Rob Lowrance devoted nearly 25 years to serving his country, flying helicopters and airplanes across the United States and around the world. “I initially joined for the school money but continued serving because of the friendships I made over the years in service,” Rob shares. “I also continued serving because I was having too much fun! When someone gives you the keys to a helicopter and tells you to go have fun, who would turn that down?”

Over the years, his responsibilities expanded far beyond flying. Rob served as a company commander, training officer, personnel manager, and finally as the State-level plans officer. In this last role, he developed emergency response plans for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, chemical and nuclear disasters, and even orchestrated the Georgia National Guard’s response following Former President Jimmy Carter’s passing. He reflects, “The most rewarding experience in this role was helping a remote farming village in another country refine their emergency response plan that was put into action following a mudslide. Their plan saved the lives of numerous people, and I like to think we played a small part in their success.”

Rob notes that the most significant challenges he faced were stepping outside his comfort zone. “Whether it was flying a new aircraft or working for someone new in a different role, getting away from what I was comfortable with helped me grow both personally and professionally. The hardest part was taking that first step.” Traveling to more than 30 states and 17 countries, he gained perspective on how others live and what they value, inspiring him to cherish home and instill gratitude and purpose in his family. Today, Rob enjoys retirement as a flight instructor, continuing to mentor others while reflecting on a lifetime of service.

“Veterans Day is a time to reflect on my time in the Army and think of the people I served with,” Rob says. “There are so many heroes whose stories will never be turned into a movie. That’s not why we served. We served for each other, but more importantly, we served for those who are back home. I hope people will sit and talk with a veteran and listen to their stories…The biggest honor we can show our veterans is to say ‘Welcome Home’ and remember their sacrifices.”

Faith in Action

 

Jake Wall, another Cornerstone alumnus, echoes these sentiments with a heart for selfless service. “I felt led to do so, and it seemed like an opportune time to join and try something different in life! I’ve learned that I am no longer serving myself. I’m potentially putting myself in harm’s way to guard and protect this great country from those who wish us ill. Learning to serve and be selfless is something that will benefit me my whole life.” To students considering their own paths, Jake offers a simple but profound reminder: “Whatever you do, trust Christ. Rely on Him to take you where He wants, whether that is through a school, a trade, or the military.”

Though their stories differ, Rob, Caleb, and Jake exemplify the values we hold dear at Cornerstone: faith, courage, humility, and perseverance. They remind us of Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

From Cornerstone to Courage

Alumnus Caleb Walker began his Air Force career in 2024 and speaks of his service with both humility and awe. “I am beyond honored that I get the privilege to wear this uniform. To wake up each day knowing I’m part of something greater than myself and that I have a purpose grounded in strength, honor, and service.” Though just over a year into his career, Caleb has already experienced moments that will stay with him forever.

This past summer, Caleb traveled with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines to Normandy for the 81st anniversary of D-Day, accompanying 23 World War II veterans back to the very places where they fought for freedom. He recalls, “I had the privilege of standing alongside real heroes. Freedom is not just some history lesson…It’s personal. The graves we encountered were not just blocks of marble with names on them; they represent lives. They represent ordinary people who faced extraordinary moments, and despite every circumstance, they chose courage.” That experience shaped Caleb’s understanding of service and sacrifice, reminding him that serving something greater than oneself is at the heart of faith, honor, and perseverance.

Caleb reflects deeply on the lessons his military experience has taught him. “Faith, courage, and perseverance are not about being perfect; they are about being steadfast. Faith means trusting that there is purpose in the hard moments. In the military and in life, there are days when things do not make sense and the path ahead feels uncertain. But 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, ‘we walk by faith, not by sight.’ Faith has been my anchor, grounding me and giving me peace when challenges felt overwhelming.”

Courage, Caleb continues, is not about feeling fearless. “Sometimes courage is loud, but often it is quiet. It looks like doing the right thing when no one is watching. It looks like standing on your values even when it would be easier not to. Joshua 1:9 tells us, ‘Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ The veterans we honor today lived that truth. They faced danger, uncertainty, and the unthinkable, yet they moved forward.”

And perseverance, he says, is the decision to keep going even when the path is long and difficult. “Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that ‘suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ Perseverance is choosing to rise each time you fall. It is continuing the mission, not because it is easy, but because the purpose is worth it. Leading with love, staying true to your values, being there for others, and choosing to rise each time you fall, that is service. That is honor.”
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This Veterans Day, may we honor all who have served by listening to their stories, reflecting on their sacrifices, and striving to live lives of purpose, courage, and faith. Whether through military service, our jobs, or daily acts of love, we can each carry forward the legacy of these heroes by walking with gratitude, perseverance, and a steadfast heart.

From all of us at Cornerstone Prep, thank you to our veterans and their families. We honor your courage, your faith, and your unwavering commitment to freedom. Click here to view a slideshow highlighting some of the veterans in our Cornerstone community. This presentation includes those whose information was shared with us as part of our Veterans Day recognition.

As you reflect on what freedom and service truly mean, take time to consider how you can live with faith, courage, and perseverance in your own life today. These are traits every believer needs, not just those who serve in the military. Each of us is called to stand firm in a daily battle against the enemy, and these same virtues equip us to do so. Let the example of our veterans remind us that strength, sacrifice, and steadfast faith matter in every fight we face.