Major Jon Turnbull to Speak in Chapel

For over 20 years, combat veteran and U.S. Army Reserve (LTC) Chaplain Des Nelson has stood at the edge of life and death, offering prayers, comfort and hope to soldiers bearing the physical and emotional scars of war. In spaces dimly lit by urgency and despair, he’s been a spiritual guide and lifeline for many facing their darkest hours. 

One of those veterans is Major Jon Turnbull who will be speaking in chapel this fall on Friday, November 14 during Jessup’s Honor Week slated for November 10-14. 

On January 16, 2019, then Captain Jon Turnbull and his team were attacked by a suicide bomber in Manbij, Syria, while working to return girls to school for the first time in eight years due to ISIS oppression. Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of four Americans. While Turnbull survived the attack, doctors gave him a zero percent chance to survive even 12 hours, declaring him dead several times. Despite suffering life-altering injuries, including the loss of his vision, Turnbull has rebuilt his life with remarkable determination and will share his remarkable story with students.

Nelson initially developed a relationship with Turnbull’s family when he was deployed to Germany’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to support the Wounded Warrior mission. Although Nelson never saw Turnbull regain consciousness overseas, he continued to pray for and support his recovery. It was five months later that the pair were reunited at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. “Jon is one of the happiest people I know,” Nelson said. “I’m honored that he will be here on campus for two days, speaking in chapel and meeting with our student veterans. God is so good.”

Now, far from the battlefield, Nelson brings that same depth of compassion and hard-earned wisdom to his other mission: helping Jessup veteran students navigate the often-overlooked battle of adjusting to civilian academic life. With a unique understanding of trauma, resilience, and identity, Nelson walks beside Jessup veteran students as they trade camouflage for classrooms, guiding them not just toward degrees but toward healing and purpose. He’s also a gift officer in Jessup’s Advancement office and thoroughly enjoys sharing his love for Jessup with donors.

Nelson is also busy launching the Warrior Brigade, a giving society designed to bridge the gap financially for veteran students whose military benefits may not cover additional college costs such as parking, books or meal plans. He’s an active part of Jessup’s Veterans Resource Center, participating in lunches and monthly prayer breakfasts where he gets to know student veterans first-hand. He also coordinates Honor Week, an event recognizing veterans and Blue-Star Families where each day has a prayer focus, encouraging the Jessup community to pray over each branch of the military. A special cake is served each day in the cafeteria as well as a table setting on display to honor those missing in action.  

This was the second year that Nelson traveled with veteran students to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California to participate in the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation’s (JMMF) ocean therapy program. The program aims to help those impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression, as a result of their service. 

Nelson also plays an integral part in Jessup’s Hoops for Heroes event slated for February 7, 2026. The annual event honors those who have sacrificed to keep our nation free and raises funds for the LCpl Victor Dew Veterans Endowment Fund.