2025 Honorees

Corporal Larry Draughn

With your support we purchased a 4×4 Vehicle and trailer for Larry and his family to enjoy the out doors with.

In December of 2006, Marine Corporal Larry Draughn enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, With 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine 3rd Marine Division.

In 2008 Corporal Draughn deployed to Iraq in support of (OIF). While Corporal Draughn was on his second deployment with Golf Company, when an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, caused the traumatic amputations of both of his legs, as well as the amputation of two fingers on his right hand.

Cpl Larry Draughn was 1st Team Leader and pointman for his squad. While setting up an ambush Draughn had (IED) exploded under his feet. While cautiously stepping into the footprints of his radio operator his weight transferred resulting in detonating an IED that was buried underneath the fields he was patrolling through. Thrown through the air by the force of the blast, life-saving measures were administered as tourniquets were applied to both of his legs.

Hand-carried by stretcher for more than 45 minutes to a Medi Vac Vehicle, Cpl Draughn was transported to a waiting Blackhawk helicopter that flew him to Bagram. It was there, over the next few days, that he learned of his amputations and his journey home began. Airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany, Cpl Draughn was next sent to Bethesda Naval Hospital before arriving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he received daily therapy sessions. On his return home Draughn was awarded The Purple Heart and The Navy And Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a "V" for Valor for his actions in afghanistan. After 5 years of service Corporal Draughn Retired in October 2011 and moved back home to Fairborn, Ohio.

A native of Dayton, Ohio Corporal Draughn is a Husband of 18 years to his Loving wife Kaytlin and their 2 kids Garon and Addison. Corporal Draughn is an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish with his family and other Veterans. Corporal Draughn's favorite things to do is watch my kids play their sports and play sled Hockey.

Lance Cpl. John Patterson

With your support we purchased a beautiful RV Vacation home for John and his family to enjoy outdoor vacations.

Born on December 25, 1990, John Patterson grew up in Columbia, MD. He graduated from Massanutten Military Academy in 2009.

Shortly after high school, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps through the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), beginning his military journey. He completed boot camp at Parris Island in Beaufort, SC, before attending the School of Infantry in New River, NC.

John was then assigned to the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines (3/9) at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, where he trained alongside his unit in preparation for deployment. In 2010, John deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, operating in Marja. During a foot patrol, he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in a left leg below-knee amputation, a tibial plateau fracture, and permanent nerve damage to his right leg.

John spent almost two years recovering from the injuries he sustained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. After extensive rehabilitation and learning to use a prosthetic device, he fully regained his mobility and independence.

Now an enthusiastic outdoorsman, off-road adventurer, firearm collector, and mountain biker, John remains active in his hobbies. He and his family currently reside in Maryland. John continues his service to the Marine Corps by supporting Marine Corps ground vehicle programs at Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA.

CPL Johnathon Mullen

With your support we invested $40,000.00 ($10,000.00 for each of his children) in college funds for their future.

While his father was serving in Iraq, Johnathon Mullen enlisted in the U. S. Army in 2009 at the age of 17. He graduated from the Army’s Airborne and Air Assault school before serving in Afghanistan as an infantry gunner with the 10th Mountain Division.

During his deployment, John and his father were both serving in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. On June 10, 2011, after an enemy engagement, John stepped on an I.E.D., losing both of his legs and losing partial function of his dominant hand and arm at the age of 19. John is alive today due to the swift action and service of his fellow soldiers, the Blackhawk crewmembers, the doctors, the nurses, and through God sustaining John despite the severity of the injuries and the many surgeries.

When John stepped on the I.E.D., his squad leader called out: “Medic! Double amputee!” At that moment the fear of death raced through John’s head; especially the fear of experiencing God’s wrath in hell for his sins. God began to use this negative, near-death experience, to draw John to his need of forgiveness and the urgency of trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Not knowing when we will die and give an account to God should foster our urgency to trust in Jesus Christ for our forgiveness before it is too late. In John’s case, it was almost too late.

While at Walter Reed, John performed as the drummer and singer of the wounded warrior band, MusiCorps. He had the opportunity to perform with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, sing at the Grand Ole Opry, and appear on the 300th episode of NCIS. Through these experiences, John began to realize that something in his life was missing. He felt that he needed to begin a new and meaningful path of service.

John also met his wife Sarah at Walter Reed. When Sarah invited John to church, he had the opportunity to hear the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After hearing God’s word, John came to faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. This chain of events: (1) experiencing near-death in Afghanistan, (2) meeting Sarah at Walter Reed, (3) Sarah inviting John to church, (4) hearing the gospel of Christ preached, (5) believing the gospel through the hearing of God’s word and the work of the Holy Spirit, and (6) John’s music experiences leaving him feeling dissatisfied, led John to begin the path of pastoral ministry. This path of service will allow John to love people, care for people, serve people, and serve God through the ministry of God’s word and the sacraments.

After the arrival of John’s first son (James) in 2016, John completed a B.S. in biblical and theological studies. In 2024, John completed his Master of Education from the University of Maryland to become better equipped at teaching children. He served as a first-grade student- teacher, 5th grade teacher, and is currently serving as a second-grade Sunday school teacher.

John and his sweet wife Sarah will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in May of 2025. Together, they homeschool four beautiful children: James, Abigail, Oliver, and Theodore. John is now a Master of Divinity student at Reformed Theological Seminary and is preparing to serve God, God’s church, and the Maryland community as a pastor.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).