Brave men and women who have served their country took centerstage at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on the Sunday before the national Veterans Day observance.

The Bessemer parish, led by Father Paul Asih, M.S.P., honored its military veterans. The fourth annual Veterans Day tribute at St. Francis was organized by Army veteran Shawna Lockart and her husband Jerome Lockhart, also a veteran.

At the conclusion of Mass, Shawna Lockhart, who served on active duty as well as in the Army Reserves for a total of more than 22 years before retiring with the rank of major, recited a poem recognizing all branches of the military, and she read the names of veterans from the parish.

Jewaune Baldwin Morris and Carla Fluker, veterans who have passed away, were also remembered.

Active-duty service members recognized by fellow parishioners included SFC Chantell Bullard, who is currently stationed in Louisiana where she serves as a brigade logistical supervisor. She has completed multiple deployments. Senior Airman Carlos Wilson, a refueling wing expert currently stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, plans to make the military a career. Private Caliph Desmond, stationed at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, will complete basic training and begin infantry training in November.

Lockhart handed out gift bags and presented brief narratives about the veterans in attendance.

Lee Morris served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. Johnny Swain served four years and four months in the U.S. Navy as a hydraulic mechanic. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and San Diego, California. Derek Ward served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and six months and held the rank of gunnery sergeant. He supervised 10 fellow Marines, was charged with ordering the equipment that others needed for training prior to their deployment, and identified future equipment needs. Jerome Lockhart served in the U.S. Marine Corps four years as a combat engineer. He served in the Republic of Vietnam as a corporal. Carolyn Ray Dotson served in the U.S. Marine Corps eight years. Willie Moore served in the U.S. Army for eight years with tours overseas. Kelvin Wilson was a corporal in the U.S. Army, where he served two tours in Alaska. He was a supply and POL specialist. In addition, he provided rear support during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He served for 14 years. James Belcher served in the U.S. Army as a 105mm howitzer gunner. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and in Germany. Lionel Moore served in the U.S. Army both on active duty as well as in the Army Reserves for more than 20 years.

Donald Williams, who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, was unable to attend Mass, but his wife, Wanda, accepted the gift on his behalf. Williams’ first tour of duty was in Galena, Alaska, followed by Grissom AFB, Indiana; Hahn Air Base, Germany; and Gunter AFB, Montgomery. After Gunter, Williams entered the Air National Guard.

“No one can serve in the military without their family’s support,” Lockhart told the gathering. “Whether it was the care packages, letters, or sometimes just a phone call. When they say, ‘The military family,’ it is exactly what it means - family. Family members were called forward to provide support for their loved ones.”

Father Asih offered a prayer and blessings for the veterans and their families.