Veteran Spotlight |Christopher Elbert

From 9/11 to Service: Dr. Christopher Ebert’s Journey of Patriotism and Music

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Dr. Christopher Ebert was making his usual delivery rounds through Northwest Indiana. Yet, something felt unusual — the streets were unsettlingly quiet. At each store stop, he noticed groups of people huddled around televisions, their faces locked in concern.

Curiosity eventually got the better of him. When he asked what was happening, the answer changed his life: America was under attack. Two hijacked planes — American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 — had struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, bringing them down in a tragedy that would alter the course of U.S. history.

For Ebert, the news was more than shocking — it was a call to action. Already holding a master’s degree, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.

“It was 9/11 that made me join,” Ebert recalled.

He went on to serve five years on active duty and another three in the National Guard.

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Life in Iraq

Ebert’s military career eventually took him to Mosul, Iraq, where he served as a military police officer. His days there were a mix of challenges and rewards.

“It had its good days and its bad days,” he admitted.

One of the highlights was working closely with the local population, training Iraqi police officers and soldiers. These interactions offered him a rare opportunity to connect with people from a vastly different culture.

Of course, life in a combat zone came with dangers.

“The occasional bombs and being shot at constantly — that wasn’t great,” he said with understatement.

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A New Mission Through Music

After returning home, Ebert turned his focus to another lifelong passion: music. Today, he serves as director of choirs and communications at First United Methodist Church in Valparaiso. Before that, he led worship, music, and media ministries at First Presbyterian Church, also in Valparaiso.

Following in the footsteps of his father, a church musician, Ebert built a career blending music and ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Indiana State University, as well as a Doctorate of Sacred Music from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

Music, for Ebert, is more than just a profession — it’s part of his identity.

“My life does pretty much revolve around nothing but music,” he said.

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Continuing to Serve

Though his active duty military days are behind him, Ebert’s commitment to service hasn’t faded. Now, his contributions come through faith, community, and the transformative power of music — proving that there are many ways to serve one’s country and fellow citizens.

Thank you for your service