Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Steed.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up part of a minister and missionary family. My parents ministered all over the United States and in Russia during my childhood. I was the eldest of six siblings. I went to Harding University for a BS in Nursing, graduating and marrying Adrian Steed in 2001. We had our first of three sons in 2004. As I was beginning my family, one of my brothers joined the Army Reserves then, in 2005 joined active duty for the U.S. Army. In 2006, my brother, CPL Dustin L. Kendall was killed in action in Qatar, Iraq. Over the years, we have felt his loss profoundly as our family has continued to grow, to include spouses, children, grandchildren. In 2024, I met Tom Seals, and became familiar with God’s Word for Warriors. As a Gold Star Sister, I have a tender spot for those who survived their deployments, appreciating that had my brother lived through his time in the field, he would have likely suffered as so many veterans do with their experiences. I began working for God’s Word for Warriors in 2025 as their Communications Director and have been blessed to join their mission to meet the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who have suffered various injuries during their deployment. I feel it has been a way to honor him and others who did not make it home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing a brother has been a difficult journey for sure. We have also lost our dad in 2019, making my brother’s loss feel more at times. But, our family, including our mother has learned to embrace the memories and the sense of loss that comes after loving someone well and so we are grateful. God has been present in all our losses, and we look back on both their lives with joy and hope to get to see them again.
We’ve been impressed with God’s Word For Warriors, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
God’s Word for Warriors (GWFW) offers several types of resources that help support veterans and their families after deployment, as they name and strive to heal from their emotional, mental, and spiritual injuries. The team strives to provide faith-based support to avoid negative outcomes, such as mental illness, broken relationships, and suicide, and to support family members when these outcomes happen. Some GWFW resources include veteran-facilitated support groups, classes, courses, and books written for veterans by veterans. We have a monthly podcast and upload videos monthly on relevant topics for veterans and their families. We also provide training for churches and others interested in learning how to support veterans in their communities, through classes and video lessons. When appropriate, GWFW helps veterans and their families find counseling services, often at no cost.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The GWFW organization was founded by Dr. Tom L. Seals, who draws on his Marine Corps experience to inform decades of work with veterans to create materials and build relationships with veterans and others in the community. Other members of the team include Laurel Bowmen, RN who has extensive experience working with veterans suffering with chronic pain and families who have suffered losses related to veteran suicide; Dorn Muscar, Chaplain, Major, USAFR, who works with veterans in the Huntsville, Alabama area; and CW3 Frank Carter, USMC, retired, who directs the Nashville office and builds programs and relationships with community partners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.godswordforwarriors.com/
- Instagram: @godswordforwarriors
- Facebook: @godswordforwarriors
- Other: https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-fdigv-1aaf1d5
