"We need to remember that there are two wars going on—the war thousands of miles away—and the war for our souls," Mackowski said.

Mackowski sees a parallel between serving in the military and serving God. "It's a battle both ways. Just like the military gives you the right training going in, and puts you in the right place to accomplish your mission, so does our Lord, but His rewards are far greater than you can ever imagine. His lifelong blessings are those that carry on with you to eternity. Maybe up to this point, a veteran's service has been the most memorable part of life. Many veterans look for places to serve that parallel military service–a place of significance. The Lord's work is that place. He can take the battles that you're going through, and show you peace, fulfillment, and a camaraderie that far exceeds anything you've ever experienced," Mackowski said.

As an outreach to honor area veterans and current service members in the military, The Men's Ministry of First Baptist Church Centerville (FBCC) is hosting a special tribute on Saturday, May 16, Armed Forces Day, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Veterans and current service members from all branches of the service are invited to attend the event, which kicks off at 10 a.m. on the church grounds, where WW11 and current military vehicles will be displayed. Inside the church's gym, tables will be set up to highlight different eras in U. S. military history. Veterans are invited to come in uniform and to bring in shadow boxes and memorabilia from their service career. All military family members and area residents who would like to come and honor veterans and service members are also invited to attend.

Mackowski, project leader for the Armed Forces Day Veteran's Tribute, and his team of Russ Pierce and Ernie Bennett are excited to welcome Dennis Puleo, a Christian motivational speaker from the Man in the Mirror organization and a former Marine, as the keynote speaker on Saturday and again during the church's regular service on Sunday morning.

According to his website, Puleo joined the Marines to fight in Vietnam. During his last engagement as a machine gunner, he took a direct hit by a hand grenade, was shot twice, and then torn apart by a mortar. After being awarded three Purple Hearts, Puleo spent a year recuperating in a VA hospital. He left the hospital determined that hard work and a positive attitude would make him rich.

An aggressive entrepreneur, he turned a home-based business into a multimillion dollar franchise. Yet all his success couldn't remove the emptiness that plagued him deep inside. Today, Puleo shares how he discovered success that really matters through Jesus Christ. Puleo draws from his experiences in the foxholes of war and business to encourage others toward a life of hope and purpose.

Last year, FBCC hosted the first annual tribute, and 150 people participated in the event. "Viet Nam veterans showed up dressed in uniform. We even had a WW11 veteran who came in his sailor uniform. We're going to have service members there from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflicts. The service members will get a chance to talk with other folks, relive some old memories, and bond with other veterans. The highlight of my day last year was watching my fatherin- law, Bill Reed, reminisce about his days as a WW11 Infantrymen of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge," said Mackowski.

The Houston County High School Junior ROTC Saber Team will form an archway to welcome veterans into the sanctuary to hear Puleo's talk. Posting of the Colors and the singing of the national anthem, accompanied by a song from a professional bagpiper will kick off the ceremony. Nationally known Gospel singer Jim Worthing will sing "The Soul of Liberty" just before Dennis Puleo's program. Following Puleo's talk, a light lunch will be served on the church grounds.

"The Men's Ministry at FBCC is praying for veterans to come to know the Lord better. We're praying that this event will show veterans that they can be part of something that is bigger than them and that goes beyond their valuable service to our country. We're all searching for meaning in life, and I don't believe you can find ‘real peace' until you find the Lord," Mackowski said.

For more information on the Armed Forces Day Veteran's Tribute, call the FBCC office at 478- 953- 3387. For more information on Dennis Puleo, go to www.dennispuleo.com.