In the wake of events that profoundly altered their lives, the founding directors of Light Eternal Institute recognized a distinct class within our community—the Service-Member Class. These are individuals committed to a life of service, yet are too often forced to endure extreme vulnerability, harm, and ruin. Time and again, individuals or organizations overstep lawful and ethical boundaries in pursuit of their own agendas, jeopardizing the rights and liberties of others. Caught between following what they believe is right and the fear of potential retribution, our directors—Jeremiah Keller, Jamie Carter, DC, and Patrick Carter—experienced challenges that no citizen should face in a free and just nation. In response, they founded Light Eternal Institute in 2021 to educate, unite, and empower Service-Members, providing a vital resource for those who serve our communities.

Jeremiah Keller, a devoted Service-Member, husband, and father, encountered significant obstacles while pursuing his education. Transitioning from a successful automotive career to training as a Biomedical Engineer Technician, Jeremiah was forced to secure an alternative clinical education site that respected his deeply held religious beliefs. This opportunity enabled him to graduate with high honors and launch a new career with an institution that upholds the values of liberty and individual rights.

Jamie Carter and Patrick Carter, both dedicated Service-Members and a married couple, have devoted their lives to serving others. Jamie, a Cum Laude graduate as a Doctor of Chiropractic, paused her practice to pursue a medical degree that would expand her scope of care. In 2019, she embarked on her rigorous journey in medical school and, by 2021, completed her second year in the top quartile of her class.

From a young age, Patrick aspired to serve in the United States Military and become a Doctor of Medicine. In January 2009, he joined the U.S. Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. His longstanding dream of attending medical school was realized in early 2019, and he continued to balance his academic pursuits with his military service by reenlisting later that same year.

Tragically, despite their exemplary character and performance, both Jamie and Patrick were denied religious accommodations in May 2021 and subsequently removed from their medical program. This forced leave of absence not only nullified two years of their education but also burdened them with nearly $400,000 in medical education debt. This injustice exposed a disturbing vulnerability within certain institutions that can inflict severe harm on our communities.

Beyond their personal struggles, Jamie and Patrick remain steadfast in their commitment to military service and to defending civil and human rights. Their experiences, enriched by travels and firsthand encounters at historical human-suffrage sites around the globe—from the DMZ in Korea to Auschwitz, from the Killing Fields in Cambodia to war zones in Afghanistan—have instilled in them a deep respect for the rule of law and the diverse voices that uphold our Constitution.

Driven by a deep commitment to service, our directors tirelessly work to equip future healthcare students—both Service-Members and aspiring caregivers—with the essential resources needed to complete their education and serve their communities. This profound calling inspired the creation of Light Eternal Institute, a trusted organization united by purpose and mission. Together, we stand to safeguard the hard-won rights of previous generations, ensuring that future citizens can thrive as free individuals in a just, elected republic. Our vision is unwavering: to make the rule of law equal, accessible, and a living reality for all.