On this 2024 Veterans Day, Game 4 P.E.A.C.E proudly honors a true hero and invaluable member of our team—Christopher Lumpkins. Today, we pay tribute to his distinguished service to our country, his unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation, and his ongoing dedication to empowering and uplifting the community. I am honored to be his sister and am very proud of the man he has become. In all of my childhood memories Chis had a contagious smile. You couldn’t help but smile when you were around him. His sense of humor is well known and well loved. When my brother is present everyone is happy and laughing. We share a lot of things in common and making people laugh is a commonality that I love. I also love that we get that from our maternal grandmother, Marion Leola Meade McLain.

A Distinguished Military Career: Over Two Decades of Service

Chris Lumpkins’ legacy began with a decision to serve in the U.S. Army, a choice that would define much of his life’s work and values. With over 22 years of service—10 years on active duty and 12 years in the Army Reserves as an Army Ranger—Chris exemplified the highest standards of duty, sacrifice, and leadership. During this time, he demonstrated unparalleled courage, resilience, and skill in serving his country in a multitude of capacities.

His time as an Army Ranger further solidified his leadership ability. As part of the elite military unit, Chris was tasked with some of the most difficult and dangerous missions. His experiences during this period not only shaped his leadership skills but also molded his character—one rooted in honor, integrity, and responsibility.

The Transition: From Soldier to Mentor

After retiring from active duty, Chris transitioned into civilian life with the same sense of purpose and service. His commitment to lifelong learning and growth never wavered. While pursuing a degree in Business Management with a minor in Accounting from Delaware State University, Chris remained dedicated to understanding the world around him, constantly seeking ways to better himself and those around him.

But it was his transition into mentorship and coaching that truly highlighted Chris’s commitment to leadership in the community. Starting as an unexpected coach in his hometown, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, he quickly recognized the power of sports as a vehicle for teaching life skills, personal development, and discipline. His passion for mentoring has been at the core of his mission ever since.

Chris took his role as coach seriously, teaching young athletes not just how to play football, but how to navigate life. He instilled values such as respect, accountability, perseverance, and humility. His approach was more than just about winning games—it was about winning in life. Whether it was encouraging players to do well in school, supporting them through personal challenges, or being a consistent source of guidance, Chris became a mentor to many beyond the football field.

Community Leadership and Empowerment

Chris’s influence goes beyond his coaching. His work is deeply rooted in community-building and empowerment. A firm believer in the transformative power of mentorship, Chris has made it his life’s work to guide young people—particularly those from marginalized communities—toward becoming responsible, respectful leaders. As a father figure to many, Chris’s mentorship extends to single mothers, guiding their sons through the tough years of adolescence, and offering direction and wisdom when it is needed most.

He also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for young men, showing them that their circumstances do not define their future. In his view, every person has the potential for greatness, and it’s the role of leaders like himself to help cultivate that potential in others. His mentoring philosophy combines discipline with empathy, believing that each individual can make a positive difference when given the right guidance and support.

Chris’s approach extends into his professional work. With a background in behavioral health, he works with individuals dealing with mental and emotional challenges, ensuring they have the resources to navigate difficult circumstances. His commitment to community safety and development is also evident in his role with Lumpkins Security Specialist, where he trains and leads others in ensuring safe environments for those around them.

Spiritual Leadership and Growth

In addition to his community-focused work, Chris has always placed a strong emphasis on the importance of faith. Currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies at Deeper Bible College, Chris’s spiritual journey is one of deepening understanding and connection. His faith is a source of strength in his everyday life, and he uses it to guide his decisions, interactions, and leadership style. For Chris, faith is not just a belief but a way of life—one that informs every part of who he is, from his military career to his role as a father, mentor, and community leader.

Chris’s leadership in the church is also pivotal. He believes that service to others and a commitment to faith go hand in hand, and through his involvement in church activities, he continues to build a foundation of peace, service, and support for others. His spiritual beliefs inform his professional approach, ensuring that every action is rooted in respect, service, and integrity.

Honoring a Lifetime of Service: The Lifetime Achievement Award

In recognition of his incredible impact on the lives of others, Chris was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Coatesville Kid Raiders football organization in 2023. This prestigious award is a testament to his decades of service and leadership. It highlights his ability to mentor, guide, and build not only athletes but leaders, fathers, and role models who continue his legacy of giving back.

Chris’s achievements are not defined by accolades alone but by the countless lives he has touched, the young people he has mentored, and the future he has helped shape through his commitment to service. The Lifetime Achievement Award is only a small reflection of the tremendous impact he has had in his community.

A Man of Principle: The Values of Game 4 P.E.A.C.E.

Chris embodies the core values of Game 4 P.E.A.C.E—P.E.A.C.E standing for Perseverance, Empathy, Accountability, Compassion, Excellence, and Education. He exemplifies each of these principles, offering a road map for others to follow:

– Perseverance: Chris has faced many challenges in his life, but through it all, he has continued to rise, showing others that perseverance through adversity leads to success.

– Empathy: His ability to understand and relate to others’ struggles has made him an invaluable mentor, always ready to listen and offer guidance.

– Accountability: Chris holds himself and others accountable, knowing that personal responsibility is key to growth and leadership.

– Compassion: His heart for service and his genuine concern for others make him a standout mentor and community leader.

– Excellence: In every endeavor, whether in the military, his professional work, or his mentoring, Chris strives for excellence.

– Education: Whether through formal schooling, life experiences, or mentorship, Chris believes in the power of education to transform lives.

As we honor Chris today, we also celebrate the lasting impact of his leadership. His service, both in uniform and as a mentor, continues to inspire and uplift everyone he encounters. Game 4 P.E.A.C.E. is proud to call him a teammate, and we are deeply grateful for the example he sets for all of us. His dedication to faith, service, and community resonates with the values that we, too, strive to uphold.

Thank you, Chris, for your lifetime of service, your unwavering commitment to excellence, and for being a beacon of hope, strength, and guidance to us all.

Today, we honor you. Game 4 P.E.A.C.E. stands with you, celebrating the legacy you continue to build. Your impact is felt far and wide, and your journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and faith.