After retiring from the military in August, John Witherspoon could have stepped back and enjoyed a quieter pace of life. Instead, he leaned even further into service—this time as a volunteer. As president of the board for Beacon Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Clarksville, Tennessee, John brings his deep background in crisis response to bear in a new way: through community-driven disaster relief.
John’s path to volunteerism began long before his military career. As a college student, he participated in mission trips, building structures in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Later, his military service in Special Forces further honed his skills in small team operations and high-stakes rescue. But it was a local ministry serving the homeless—where he and his children volunteered—that reignited his passion for direct, hands-on aid.
With Beacon Rescue, John and a team of veterans and first responders step into disaster zones to offer rapid deployment, search and rescue, and recovery efforts. Their work hinges on the critical first 24–48 hours after a crisis, but it doesn’t stop there. From clearing debris to performing welfare checks and even offering heat and supplies during winter storms, their mission is to meet people where they are and restore hope.
Beacon’s motto—Serve. Partner. Train.—reflects this heart of collaboration. The team actively trains volunteers and works alongside local first responders, offering support when those same responders may be facing personal losses themselves. For John, it’s not just about doing the work—it’s about doing it together, lifting others up, and helping communities find their footing again.
Volunteering is a family affair for John. His wife and children often join deployments, and he continues to give back as a volunteer firefighter and teacher at his children’s school. His advice for anyone looking to get involved? Get trained. Get prepared. Be willing. You don’t need to be a veteran or a first responder to make a difference—you just need to show up with compassion and the readiness to act.
To learn more or get involved, visit beacon rescue.org.
Listen to John’s blog podcast here.
View John’s podcast by visiting Doing Good on YouTube.
Doing Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. www.doingggood.tv.