Honoring Our Own: National First Responders Day & Veterans Day

As sirens echo through our streets and the glow of emergency lights pierces the night, we are reminded of the quiet courage that safeguards our community.

For National First Responders Day (October 28), and Veterans Day (November 11), Bethel Baptist Church pauses to honor the men and women who run toward danger when others flee. At Bethel, this dual observance strikes a powerful chord, for among our congregation are brave First Responders and Veterans—brothers and sisters in Christ whose service spans the home front and the front lines abroad.

The Heart of Service: Faith and Duty Intertwined

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:44, NIV). This truth pulses through every Bethel member who serves. Whether racing to a cardiac arrest at 3 a.m., standing post in a war zone, or training the next generation of caregivers, they live their faith in the furnace of duty. Their badges, helmets, stethoscopes, dog tags, and dress blues are all extensions of the cross they bear daily—reminders that true heroism is forged in humility and selflessness.

At Bethel Baptist Church, we are blessed to have several members who serve—or have served—on the front lines, both here and overseas...

Reverend Russell White Jr.

Our beloved pastor of 32 years, visionary founder of Eagle Flight Squadron, and a faithful warrior who served his God, his country, and his community with unwavering faith and purpose.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1929, Rev. White answered the call to duty as a young man during the final years of World War II, serving honorably in the New Jersey National Guard at a time when the world was locked in a fight for freedom. Though America's direct involvement was winding down by the time he came of age, his early Guard service instilled in him the iron discipline, leadership, and sense of mission that would define his life.

After the war, he continued his military commitment by enlisting in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant and deploying to postwar Germany in the early 1950s. There, amid the rubble of a shattered Europe and the tense early days of the Cold War—when Soviet forces loomed just beyond the Iron Curtain—he stood watch as part of the occupation and rebuilding forces, helping maintain peace, secure Allied gains, and support the rebirth of democracy in a divided land. Those years in uniform shaped the Reverend's trademark blend of tough love, precision marching, and unbreakable resolve that he would later pour into troubled youth.

In 1975, while working as a truant officer for the East Orange School System, Rev. White spotted a group of teenagers cutting class on a street corner. Instead of punishment, he offered them vision. When a plane roared overhead, he pointed to the sky and said, “You can even become a pilot.” That single moment sparked a revolution. With the Board of Education’s blessing, he started an after-school aviation program in the basement of Bethel Baptist Church. Those same corner teens became the first cadets—and every one of them went on to successful careers in aviation.

From our church basement grew Eagle Flight Squadron, Inc., a groundbreaking nonprofit that Rev. White built into one of the nation’s most successful youth aviation programs, especially for inner-city and minority youth in an era when doors to the cockpit were too often closed to them. Housed today in a former firehouse in East Orange, the program provides rigorous ground school, actual flight training at Essex County Airport using its own fleet of Cessna aircraft, FAA exam preparation, aviation field trips, and the renowned week-long ACE Academy camp. Cadets—ages 13-18—must maintain B averages or better and live lives of discipline (modeled directly after Rev. White’s military bearing) to earn their wings, often soloing and earning private pilot licenses by age 17 under certified instructors.

To date, more than 3,000 young people have soared through Eagle Flight. Graduates include commercial airline pilots (some flying for major carriers like US Airways and Continental), Air Force and Naval Academy appointees, aviation engineers, military officers, and countless professionals who credit Rev. White with showing them their potential is limitless. He was inducted into the Teterboro Aviation Hall of Fame, received countless awards, and touched lives across the nation—proving that with faith, discipline, and opportunity, any child can “look up and be looked up to,” the squadron’s enduring motto.

Rev. White pastored Bethel Baptist Church with the same bold love for 32 years, leading us through growth, full renovation in the 1990s, and paying off the mortgage debt-free so the ministry could keep reaching higher. He went home to glory on August 10, 2016, at age 87, but his legacy still flies—every time one of his eagles takes the sky.

Thank you, Rev. Russell White, for standing watch in uniform when America needed you, for pastoring Bethel with power and grace, and for giving generations of young people wings they never dreamed possible.

Bro. Daniel F. McGriff

is a pillar of the Bethel Baptist Church and although his dreams of becoming a Tuskegee Airman were grounded by duty, Staff Sergeant Daniel F. McGriff proudly served stateside in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant with honor and dedication. His military service not only shaped his character but also opened doors—through the GI Bill, he achieved the milestone of homeownership in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1952.

That beloved family home, affectionately known as “278,” still stands as a testament to his hard work, vision, and love—a legacy passed down through generations.

In a heartfelt tribute, his son Jon McGriff writes: “God blessed you, Dad, and you blessed all of us!”

Brother Dan lived a life rooted in service—to his country, his family, and his faith. We salute his courage, celebrate his achievements, and give thanks for the enduring foundation he built.

Bro. John "Sonny" McGriff

The beloved uncle, older brother to Daniel F. McGriff, and a proud member of history’s legendary Greatest Generation. Born December 11, 1923, at 218 Wallace Street in Orange, New Jersey, Sonny came of age during the shadow of the Great Depression—a time that forged resilience in the hearts of young men and women across America.

As part of the G.I. Generation (born between 1901 and 1927), he belonged to a cohort defined not by privilege, but by purpose. Shaped by hardship and stirred by duty, they became the backbone of the Allied forces in World War II.

For a young man like Sonny, enlisting wasn’t just obligation—it was opportunity, patriotism, and a chance to see the world beyond Wallace Street. With courage in his step and hope in his heart, Uncle Sonny joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to France, standing watch on foreign soil during one of humanity’s darkest hours. Though details of his service remain humbly guarded, his commitment spoke volumes: he served so that freedom might endure.

Sonny carried the weight of his generation’s sacrifices with quiet dignity. He returned home not seeking applause, but living out the values he defended—faith, family, and faithfulness. As a devoted brother, uncle, and member of the McGriff lineage, his life became a living testament to integrity and love.

Now resting in the arms of the Savior he served in life, Sonny leaves behind a legacy that echoes through the streets of Orange, the halls of Bethel Baptist Church, and the hearts of all who were blessed to call him family.

Bro. Amos G. Jones

Indeed a distinguished veteran, diplomat, and another cherished pillar of Bethel Baptist Church. For 15 years, Technical Staff Sergeant Amos Gary Jones served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer, traveling the globe with discipline and courage. His military career was just the beginning.

After the Army, Amos forged an ultra-distinguished path with the U.S. State Department, becoming only the 4th Black Mail Pouch Courier—a trusted guardian of America’s most sensitive diplomatic secrets.

Handcuffed to his secure pouch, he carried confidential documents between embassies worldwide. His leadership rose to Chief of Courier Pouch Operations, stationed in Paris and Manila, and before retirement, he served as President of the Diplomatic Courier Association.

At home, Amos carried forward a sacred legacy; his parents, Deacon Maliki and Ethel Jones, were founding members of Bethel Baptist Church, planting seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit.

Amos G. Jones lived a life of quiet valor, global service, and unwavering integrity. His journey—from soldier to statesman, from protector to pioneer—inspires us all.

Bro. Charles “Teeny” McGriff

The eldest nephew in the McGriff clan, cherished brother to Sis. Monica Williams, and uncle to the late Nicole Williams-James. A cornerstone of family love and loyalty, Teeny’s life has been a quiet beacon of strength and humility for all who know him.

In February 1970, at the height of the Vietnam Conflict, Teeny answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Over the next three intense years, he distinguished himself through exceptional service, earning 3 meritorious promotions and rising to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer (E-4). His leadership, discipline, and determination set him apart even in the demanding world of the Marines.

Beyond the battlefield of duty, Teeny brought his competitive spirit to the football field, proudly representing the Corps as a player on the Quantico Marine Corps Football Team in Virginia during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. Earlier, in 1970, he suited up for the San Diego Marine Corps Base Recruit Depot team—having received direct orders to play while stationed amid the tensions of wartime service. These moments of camaraderie and athletic achievement offered brief respites in a life shaped by sacrifice and mission.

Honorably discharged on January 5, 1973, Teeny carried the values of the Corps—courage, commitment, and integrity—into every chapter of his civilian life. He built a home filled with love, faith, and family in Texas, where he continues to reside with his loved ones. Though quiet in demeanor, his presence speaks volumes. He remains a quiet hero within the McGriff legacy and a treasured member of the Bethel Baptist Church family, where his roots run deep and his influence endures.

Sis. Benita Roan

For 10 years, Sis. Benita proudly served in the Women’s Army Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves, and Virginia National Guard, rising through skill and steadfastness to the rank of Sergeant. Her journey took her to West Germany during a critical era of Cold War vigilance, where she stood as a vital link in America’s defense.

Her roles were foundational to mission success. As a Data Analyst, she transformed complex information into clear, actionable insights for commanders. As a Computer Operator, she kept early military computing systems running smoothly under pressure. As a Computer Programmer, she wrote code that automated essential functions, improving accuracy and speed. And as a Systems Analyst, she designed, maintained, and optimized entire networks—ensuring communication and coordination across units in real time. In a time when women in tech and the military were rare, Sis. Benita didn’t just participate—she excelled. Her exceptional service earned her the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 1980, a distinguished honor recognizing sustained excellence that strengthened her unit and advanced the mission.

Honorably discharged after a decade of outstanding duty, Sis. Benita went on to earn an MBA from Averett University and retired from federal service with grace and accomplishment. Now a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), she pours her passion for health and empowerment into helping others build stronger bodies and bolder lives.

Though she now lives a few hours away, Sis. Benita remains a faithful online viewer of Bethel’s services, staying deeply connected to her spiritual home. She travels back occasionally, bringing her warm smile, sharp wisdom, and unshakable faith to worship, fellowship, and family reunions. Her presence—whether in person or through the screen—continues to uplift and encourage the Bethel Baptist Church family. Sis. Benita Roan reminds us that true service never retires. It evolves. It inspires. It endures.

Brother Robert Johnson

answered the call to serve with 5 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, honorably discharged as a Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Petty Officer (MS3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield (1994–1999).

Beyond nourishing the crew, he stood watch in critical collateral roles: Rescue Response, Advanced First Aid, Firefighting, and Damage Control. He completed two six-month deployments across the Asian Pacific and Middle East, crossing the Equator four times and docking in Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, and Dubai. “They were paying me to go on vacation,” he’d say with a grin—coping with grueling hours and long separations from family through faith and humor.

A founding member of the ship’s gospel choir, *Voices of Praise*, Brother Johnson lifted spirits in international worship concerts from Hong Kong to Dubai, and in churches across San Diego and Oakland. From coast to coast and sea to shining sea, he declares, “Our Father God has truly kept me—TGBTG! GO Navy! Full Speed ahead!”

Bethel celebrates Brother Johnson’s faithful service, steadfast spirit, and song that still echoes God’s praise throughout the music ministry.

Brother Willie Brant Jr.

A steadfast Vietnam-era warrior and distinguished United States Army veteran who served his nation with skill and honor. Born in Allendale, South Carolina, Bro. Willie enlisted as a young man and rose to the rank of Corporal (Specialist E-4), trained as a construction engineer (12B Combat Engineer) in one of the Army’s most demanding and vital MOS fields.

These were the soldiers who built and repaired forward airfields, roads, bridges, and bunkers under pressure; cleared minefields; demolished obstacles; and often did it all while under fire or in harsh conditions.

In Germany during the height of the Cold War, he helped maintain the critical infrastructure that kept NATO forces ready against possible Soviet advance.

Later in Korea, along the tense DMZ in the early 1970s, his unit worked in freezing winters (often 20–30 degrees below zero) and humid, monsoon-soaked summers, constructing fortifications, repairing barbed-wire barriers, and keeping the “tripwire” defenses strong at a time when North Korean incursions were still a very real threat. While serving in those two very different theaters, Bro. Willie became fluent enough in both German and Korean to communicate effectively on and off post—a rare and impressive accomplishment that speaks to his sharp mind and deep respect for the people in the lands where he was stationed.

After his honorable discharge, he brought that same builder’s spirit to New Jersey, working in both private construction and as a carpenter with the U.S. Postal Service, and finally giving more than 30 faithful years to the Plainfield Housing Authority—literally helping build and maintain homes for families who needed them most.

He is the devoted husband of Trustee Stephanie Brant and proud father of Sarah Brant-Rajahn, carrying himself to this day with the quiet strength of a man who once stood watch on freedom’s frontier.

Brother Marvin Royster

A faithful member, devoted brother in the Mighty Men of Bethel Men's Ministry, and a proud United States Navy veteran who served honorably from May 1971 to May 1974 during the final, intense years of the Vietnam War era.

Bro. Royster began his service stationed on remote Midway Island, working aboard a harbor tugboat in support of naval operations at that vital Pacific outpost. He then transferred to the legendary aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), homeported in Alameda, California.

As a Fireman in the steam heat department, he toiled deep in the boiler rooms, keeping the massive steam catapults roaring so fighter jets could launch into combat skies over the Gulf of Tonkin—especially critical during the fierce fighting of the 1972 Easter Offensive.

Those were hard days—long deployments, tough conditions, and the weight of an unpopular war resting on young shoulders. Yet Bro. Royster stood watch with faithfulness, skill, and quiet courage, doing his part to bring his shipmates safely home.

Since returning to civilian life, he has poured that same steadfast spirit into Bethel Baptist Church. Whether he’s praying with the men at Mighty Men of Bethel gatherings, serving behind the scenes, or simply showing up with a smile and a strong hand to help, Bro. Marvin remains fully committed to his church family and to building up his brothers in Christ, and supporting his BBC family.

Trustee Kerry Coley

carries a legacy of valor and vigilance, with over 29 years of combined service protecting both nation and neighborhood. He honorably served 4 years in the U.S. Army with the elite 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC, rising to the rank of Sergeant in just two years. Always combat-ready, he made numerous jumps and stood prepared to deploy anywhere in the world on 18 hours’ notice.

Trustee Coley dedicated 25 years to the Orange Police Department, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He faithfully served across every division in the Department, forging strong ties through the Community Service Division—building trust, ensuring safety, and embodying the protector’s call.

His life reflects the courage of David and the faithfulness of a watchman on the wall. Bethel honors Trustee Coley’s unwavering commitment to duty, community, and Christ.

Bro. Lamar Towns

Lamar Towns has poured 24 years of distinguished service into the Orange Police Department, ascending to the rank of Detective Sergeant and becoming an indispensable pillar of community safety and technological innovation.

In his multifaceted roles as I.T. Coordinator, Supervisor of Records Division, and Terminal Agency Coordinator (T.A.C.), Lamar masterfully connects local officers with State Police and FBI computer systems, enabling rapid information sharing that turns investigations into swift justice.

As a key member of the elite Special Response Team (S.R.T.), he stands ready for high-stakes operations, while his work as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and teacher at various police academies ensures inclusive training and communication—breaking down barriers so every voice in our community is heard and protected.

From coordinating critical data flows to mentoring future public servants, Bethel Baptist Church is profoundly grateful for Lamar’s enduring dedication, which strengthens our neighborhoods and inspires our congregation to serve with the same excellence and empathy.

Rev. Nyia Lee

is a blazing force of purpose and empathy with combined 10 years of training and service in law enforcement, pouring every ounce of passion into protecting the vulnerable and lifting the broken-while shepherding souls as a Minister in which we are proud to have at Bethel Baptist Church. She served fearlessly with 2 years on patrol at the Maplewood Police Department, partnering with the State Police Auto Squad Task Force to hunt down thieves and return stolen vehicles to their owners.

As a member of the Orange Police Department, Rev. Nyia has worked in several capacities and embodies what it means to be a servant-leader. As Auto Squad Unit Manager, Administrative Division, and the Intelligence Unit, she's tasked with guarding, property, personnel and critical intel.

F.E.M.A./O.E.M.-certified, she stands tall when storms rage, ready to guide her community at a moments notice.

As an A.S.L. Coordinator and Assistant Teacher, she trains officers and prosecutors with hands that speak love—ensuring the deaf hear justice loud and clear. “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16)—Rev. Nyia doesn’t just carry the torch, she ignites it.

From the streets to the sanctuary, from squad cars to the pulpit, Rev. Nyia Lee doesn’t just serve—she uplifts, and inspires with a faith that roars and a heart that never quits. Married to Sgt. Tim Lee, another faithful Bethel member and police officer, this power couple stands back-to-back in duty and devotion, raising the bar for love, leadership, and law enforcement.

Brother Timothy Lee

24 Years of Ironclad Integrity and Unyielding Brotherhood – Still Leading the Charge

Sgt. Timothy Lee is a tower of strength and steadfast faith with 24 powerhouse years at the Montclair Police Department, where every shift is a sermon in courage and every case a calling to justice. He cut his teeth with 10 relentless years on patrol, answering the midnight cries of a community that learned to trust his calm voice and quick hands and for the last 14 years, as a Detective in the I.D. Bureau.

Beyond the badge, Sgt. Tim pours his heart into the Sentinels 16 as Vice President and the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) as Treasurer—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brothers and sisters in blue, fighting for their welfare, their families, and their future. “As iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17)—he lives it, forging unbreakable bonds and unbreakable resolve. Married to Rev. Nyia Lee, Tim serves back-to-back by supporting his wife in the pulpit and his community on the pavement!

Sis. Chantel Barbarise

brings over 18 years of dedicated service to the frontline of healthcare, embodying the quiet strength, boundless mercy, and joyful praise of a true Bethel first responder. She holds 14 years of service as a Telemetry Nurse at Mountainside Hospital, monitoring fragile heartbeats and holding trembling hands through the night.

She also steps into classrooms occasionally as a Nursing Professor at Passaic County College, shaping the next generation of caregivers with wisdom and grace, and served as a School Nurse, safeguarding young lives with gentle vigilance.

Today, by day, she shines full-time as Network Manager for Clinical Documentation Specialists in Education and Training at Hackensack Meridian Health, equipping nurses, physicians, and providers across 10 hospitals with the tools to document patient severity of illness and mortality risk with precision, care, and clinical truth. Part-time, she steps into homes as a Nurse Practitioner with Optum Insurance, delivering physicals, closing care gaps, and removing barriers so members receive the proactive, personal health support they deserve—because to Sis. Chantel, no one gets left behind.

And on Sundays, she lifts her voice in Bethel’s choir, blending healing hands with heavenly harmony—ministering in melody as powerfully as she does in medicine. Her dual calling reflects the servant’s heart Jesus modeled—meeting needs before they’re spoken and ensuring no one falls through the cracks. Bethel is grateful for Sis. Chantel’s steadfast faith in action.

A Community Rooted in Gratitude and Service

For 108 joyful years, Bethel Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope, and through every season, our first responders and veterans have filled our pews with inspiring stories of courage and care—slipping in straight from a shift, uniforms tucked under robes, ready to pray, worship, and serve again the moment “Amen” rings out. On National First Responders Day, we celebrate the heroes who race toward danger today; on Veterans Day, we cheer the guardians who secured our freedom...You are cherished and covered in prayer!

THANK YOU!