The Fort McCoy community celebrated Veterans Day with a prayer luncheon Nov. 9 at McCoy's Community Center.

The guest speaker was Elder Darren Price, a co-founder of the Tomah Pentecostal Assembly Church and retired major with the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Price spoke about some of the qualities needed in those who serve, whether in military, law enforcement, or government positions: commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, selflessness, and focus.

"It's not easy, but it's in you to serve," Price said. "I believe that every human being, God has put something in you that other people don't possess. That's why you feel the way you feel.

"That's why you put the time in. That's why you work with people. That's why you get up in the middle of the night. That's why you pack your bags and get on a plane, and you go over to the hinterland on our behalf," he said. "That's why you do it. Because there's something in you that is very special."

Prayers were conducted by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ike Eweama, Fort McCoy Garrison; Chaplain (Maj.) Amy Noble, 88th Regional Support Command; Chaplain (Maj.) Erik Spicer, 181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade; Pastor Scott Mann, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah, Wis.; Father Peter Augustine, St. John's Lutheran Church in Sparta, Wis.; and Pastor Jef Skinner, chaplain for Sparta Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and Wisconsin State Patrol.

Karen Birkeness provided the music for the event and led the community in singing "Amazing Grace," "My Country 'tis of Thee," and "It is Well." MaryKristy Eweama sang the national anthem.

The prayer luncheon was coordinated by the Religious Support Office, which also provided lunch for attendees.