At Sleep in Heavenly Peace, we believe that service takes many forms. Some serve in uniform, protecting our freedoms abroad. Others serve in their communities, ensuring no child goes without basic necessities like a bed to sleep in. On May 3rd in Macon, Georgia, we witnessed both of these forms of service unite in an extraordinary way.
A Partnership Rooted in Service
We’re honored that our Macon chapter has been featured in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) new “Still Serving” video series. As the VFW celebrates 125 years of service, they’re highlighting how veterans continue their mission long after their military careers end. Our partnership perfectly embodies this spirit.
The numbers tell an incredible story: 125 beds built in a single day. But behind those numbers are the hands that built them – veterans from 11 middle Georgia VFW posts who showed up ready to serve their community in a new way.
Leadership That Inspires
Sterling Layton, our Build Manager for this event, exemplifies the veteran spirit that drives our mission forward. At 74, this Air Force Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran could easily rest on his laurels. Instead, he’s actively leading efforts to ensure children in his community have safe, comfortable sleep spaces. As a retired Chief Master Sergeant who remains active in VFW Post 658 leadership and serves as Ways and Means Lead for the Robins AFB Chiefs Group, Sterling proves that true service never retires.
Our Macon Chapter Co-Presidents, Brian Cornett and Tom Kirkendall, bring distinguished military careers (and a combined 60 years of service) to our mission. As a retired Chief Master Sergeant with nearly three decades of service, Brian understands the importance of logistics, teamwork, and getting the job done – skills that translate perfectly to coordinating bed builds and deliveries. Tom, a retired Colonel Air Force Reserve, paves the way forward with vision, strategy and compassion.
A Team United by Purpose
The veteran leadership throughout our Macon chapter runs deep. Theotis Taylor, Delivery Manager and Marine veteran, ensures beds reach the families who need them most. Bobby Spells, an Army veteran and VFW Post 658 member, has become one of our most faithful volunteers, participating in numerous builds and personally delivering beds to families. Lamar Pounds, Commander of Post 658 and the 9th District, was instrumental in guiding the organizations through this meaningful partnership, while focused on the community impact.
These leaders understand something fundamental: the mission of service doesn’t end when you hang up the uniform – it transforms, finding new expressions in community involvement and caring for those who need support most.
Community Partnership at Its Best
This collaboration succeeded because of incredible community support. The National FFA organization and Georgia students prepared lumber the week before the build, demonstrating how different generations can work together toward a common goal.
The VFW Auxiliary provided crucial support throughout the process, proving that military families understand the importance of community service extends beyond active duty personnel.
The Impact We’re Making Together
Child bedlessness is a hidden crisis affecting thousands of children nationwide. When a child doesn’t have a bed, it impacts everything – their sleep quality, health, academic performance, and sense of security. By building 125 beds in one day, this partnership directly addressed this need in the Macon community.
The impact goes beyond the immediate families served. Events like this inspire others to get involved, whether through volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, supporting veteran organizations, or simply being more aware of needs in their own communities.
Still Serving, Always Serving
The VFW’s “Still Serving” theme resonates deeply with our mission. At Sleep in Heavenly Peace, we see firsthand how veterans bring their values of service, dedication, and teamwork to civilian life. They understand that protecting and serving takes many forms – sometimes it’s defending freedom overseas, and sometimes it’s building beds so children can sleep safely at home.
To Sterling, Brian, Tom, Theotis, Bobby, and all the veterans who make our mission possible: thank you. Thank you for your military service, and thank you for continuing to serve in our communities. Your example inspires all of us to find ways to make a difference.
To all veterans reading this: Sleep in Heavenly Peace salutes you and thanks you for your service – abroad, in the United States, and at home in our communities. If you’re looking for a way to continue your service mission, we’d love to have you join our efforts. Together, we can ensure that NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!.
Ready to get involved? Find your local Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter at shpbeds.org/chapters or visit volunteer.shpbeds.org to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities in your area.