Mountain Patriots Ministry Blends Community Service, Civic Education, and Faith-Based Outreach

A group that began as a small neighborhood gathering during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a full-fledged community ministry rooted in faith, civic responsibility, and preparedness. Mountain Patriots Educational Ministries, based in Winchester but reaching far beyond, continues to expand its mission while staying focused on serving local communities.

Charles Markert and Dana Brunn, leaders of the organization, recently sat down in the Royal Examiner’s studio to share how their ministry has evolved — and where it’s headed next.

From Backyard Meetings to Regional Outreach

“Mountain Patriots started with just a few neighbors getting together to support each other,” said Brunn. “We helped folks get groceries, stack firewood, and made sure no one was left alone during those early days of the pandemic.”

What began as a support network quickly grew. Regular gatherings drew more people — sometimes over 60 — even in cold weather. As interest grew, so did the mission. Braun and Markert decided to shape the group into a structured ministry with Christian and constitutional values at its core. That’s when they officially became Mountain Patriots Educational Ministries.

“We call ourselves Christian Constitutional Conservatives,” said Markert. “We’re not just about faith — we’re also about community education, preparedness, and understanding how our government works.”

A Grassroots Approach to Civic Awareness

One of the group’s primary missions is civic education. They follow a model that includes what they call the “Seven Mountains of Influence” — areas like education, government, health and wellness, civil defense, and community leadership.

“We realized that people don’t always know what their elected officials actually do,” Brunn said. “That’s why we host events where delegates, sheriffs, commissioners, and school board members come in and explain their roles.”

These sessions are part of a broader effort to help people understand their constitutional rights and how decisions at all levels of government affect their daily lives. Group meetings often include lessons on amendments, guest speakers from local government, and training sessions on everything from public safety to holistic health.

The group also organizes regular voter information sessions, inviting candidates from all political backgrounds to speak directly with the public.

“We’re not just pushing one side,” said Brunn. “Whether Republican or Democrat, we want everyone who’s running to explain their positions. Local elections affect everyone, and informed voters strengthen our communities.”

Community Preparedness with a Purpose

Although their work may resemble that of traditional prepper groups, Brann and Markert emphasize that Mountain Patriots is community-based rather than individualistic.

“We’re not a militia, and we’re not hiding in the woods,” Brunn explained. “We focus on community readiness. If a disaster strikes, we want to be ready to respond — together.”

That includes specialized communication networks, emergency relief teams, and practical skills training. The ministry has supported local and regional disaster relief efforts, including sending supplies to hurricane-impacted areas and distributing more than 6,000 pounds of venison to families in need.

The group has also helped train members in emergency response protocols, set up communication hubs, and organized donations of food, blankets, and generators.

Educating the Next Generation

Education is a central theme in all aspects of the ministry, especially when it comes to protecting and guiding children. The organization backs anti-child trafficking efforts and raises awareness about the issue through training programs and partnerships with related groups.

“Children are at the heart of this ministry,” Braun emphasized. “We support efforts to remove inappropriate materials from schools, promote biblical values, and make sure our kids are taught civics, patriotism, and real-life skills.”

Mountain Patriots also collaborates with homeschooling families and other parent groups to provide supplemental education, often including lessons on the Constitution, American history, and financial literacy.

Upcoming Conference: Health, Freedom, and Civic Engagement

One of the group’s biggest events of the year will be the upcoming Health and Freedom Conference on June 28 at Millwood Fire Hall near Costco in Winchester. The event will feature speakers covering topics ranging from medical freedom and national security to constitutional rights and community health.

Confirmed guests include experts from Virginia for Children First, Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance, and speakers addressing Title IX issues and pro-life advocacy.

“This is about making the best use of how our government works,” said Braun. “We want people to leave with knowledge, resources, and the motivation to be more involved in their communities.”

The conference runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are just $20, which includes lunch and refreshments. Attendees can come and go throughout the day, though organizers say most people end up staying for the entire event.

Building Stronger Communities — One Meeting at a Time

The ministry meets weekly on Monday nights, drawing attendees from Winchester, Frederick County, and even as far as Richmond and Chesterfield. Each meeting features speakers, discussions, and opportunities for networking among members — many of whom also run local businesses or nonprofit efforts.

“We’re about people helping people,” said Markert. “Whether you’re a farmer, a teacher, or a small business owner, you have something to offer. And we’re stronger when we work together.”

The ministry also recently launched its own podcast, The Mountain Podcast, which explores national news topics and connects them to local issues, continuing its mission to inform and empower.

As Brunn summed it up, “We may not be able to change the world overnight — but we can change our corner of it. And that’s a good place to start.”

For more information or to get involved, visit www.wakeupwinchester.com.