Meet the Volunteer Leadership Team.
John Lombardo
US Army Veteran, Founder & CEO, and Christian Life and Wellness Coach
John Lombardo is the Founder of Veterans and First Responders (VFR) Ministry, Inc., an Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. Army veteran, Christian minister, and trauma-informed Christian life and wellness coach specializing in life coaching veterans, military members, and first responders.
John brings over 8 years of military experience and more than 12 years of career development and life coaching, equipping service members to navigate identity, purpose, and life after service. He is trained through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI) and Light University—a Christian-based institution affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)—where he earned certifications in trauma-informed mental health coaching, along with over 100 hours of professional life coaching training.
After serving in Iraq (2007–2008) and confronting PTSD and depression, John turned to his faith in Jesus Christ, where he found restoration, clarity, and renewed direction. That experience became the foundation of his calling—to help others rebuild their lives and rediscover purpose through faith. Today, he integrates biblical truth with practical, evidence-informed coaching strategies to help individuals overcome adversity, strengthen identity, and move forward with discipline, resilience, and purpose.
He holds additional degrees: Undergraduate degree from American Military University and Master's from Penn State University, along with some graduate studies in Christian Leadership at Liberty University.
John brings over 8 years of military experience and more than 12 years of career development and life coaching, equipping service members to navigate identity, purpose, and life after service. He is trained through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI) and Light University—a Christian-based institution affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)—where he earned certifications in trauma-informed mental health coaching, along with over 100 hours of professional life coaching training.
After serving in Iraq (2007–2008) and confronting PTSD and depression, John turned to his faith in Jesus Christ, where he found restoration, clarity, and renewed direction. That experience became the foundation of his calling—to help others rebuild their lives and rediscover purpose through faith. Today, he integrates biblical truth with practical, evidence-informed coaching strategies to help individuals overcome adversity, strengthen identity, and move forward with discipline, resilience, and purpose.
He holds additional degrees: Undergraduate degree from American Military University and Master's from Penn State University, along with some graduate studies in Christian Leadership at Liberty University.
Grace Lombardo
Military Spouse
Grace Lombardo is a dedicated military spouse and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VFR Ministry. With extensive financial expertise, she is deeply committed to supporting veterans and first responders. Grace has an understanding of the unique challenges faced by military families and is passionate about providing spiritual and emotional support to those who selflessly serve. .
Robert Hellmann
Chief Pastor
Chief Pastor Robert Hellmann has devoted over 50 years to ministry, and has a deep heart for service and a dedication to sharing God's love. As the founder of Deep Waters Ministry, he has passionately focused on supporting Veterans and the First Responder community, making a profound impact on countless lives through his faith-driven mission. Chief Pastor Bob Hellmann is our VFR Ministry's volunteer pastor, offering wisdom, Sunday Services, bible studies, and pastoral care.
Catherine Rabbitt
Military Parent & Volunteer coordinator
As the Volunteer Coordinator for VFR Ministry, Catherine Rabbitt, brings the heart and dedication of a proud parent to a military son. Her firsthand experience with the unique challenges faced by military families deeply fuels her passion for serving and supporting others in similar circumstances.
Meet the advisory group.
Major Scott McGowen
Military Chaplain
Reverend Scott McGowan currently serves as the lead pastor at The Congregational Church in North Chelmsford. He is a graduate of Greenville University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard in 2009 and has served at both the battalion and brigade level, deploying to Kosovo in 2018. He currently serves as the Installation Chaplain for Camp Edwards Training Site and holds the rank of Major. He lives in North Chelmsford with his wife Amy and their son.
Megan Chartier, MSW, LICSW
Gold Star Family Member
Megan is a licensed social worker with many years of clinical experience serving children, young adults, and their families in community and hospital settings. As a Gold Star sister, Megan has committed to providing support and advocacy to the VFR Ministry in honor of her brother, SSgt Raymond G Tourville, USMC who passed away while serving in 2024.
Megan is a licensed social worker with many years of clinical experience serving children, young adults, and their families in community and hospital settings. As a Gold Star sister, Megan has committed to providing support and advocacy to the VFR Ministry in honor of her brother, SSgt Raymond G Tourville, USMC who passed away while serving in 2024.
William Estrada
US Army Veteran
.
Major John Amaral
First Responder Chaplain & Former Military Chaplain
Pr. John Amaral’s life has been a testament to living for something bigger than oneself. His journey began with a transformative conversion in 1978, after which he and his wife, Connie, moved to Tyler, Texas, to attend East Texas Bible College. Upon graduation, they returned to Massachusetts, where Pr. John, alongside his wife and their daughter, Regina, began preaching the Gospel under a tent donated by R.W. Shambach.
In 1985, the family felt called to move to Brazil, where they continued their mission work. Once their time in Brazil had come to an end, they returned to the U.S., where they took on the responsibility of overseeing a Portuguese congregation, which later became New Destiny. Over the years, many other congregations from around the world have joined New Destiny, expanding its influence and impact.
Pr. John is also the founder of the International Christian Chaplains Association, a worldwide ministry he established in 2011. In addition to his pastoral work, he earned his PhD in Psychology, Philosophy, Divinity, and Christian Psychology. He has served as a chaplain for the police, fire departments, and military, receiving numerous accolades for his dedication and service. Pr. John recently retired as Wing Chaplain with the United States Air Force Auxiliary.
Beyond his pastoral and chaplaincy work, Pr. John has been involved in community service, serving on the Board of the Center for Aging and as a mediator for immigrants navigating healthcare.
Pr. John Amaral’s life has been a testament to living for something bigger than oneself. His journey began with a transformative conversion in 1978, after which he and his wife, Connie, moved to Tyler, Texas, to attend East Texas Bible College. Upon graduation, they returned to Massachusetts, where Pr. John, alongside his wife and their daughter, Regina, began preaching the Gospel under a tent donated by R.W. Shambach.
In 1985, the family felt called to move to Brazil, where they continued their mission work. Once their time in Brazil had come to an end, they returned to the U.S., where they took on the responsibility of overseeing a Portuguese congregation, which later became New Destiny. Over the years, many other congregations from around the world have joined New Destiny, expanding its influence and impact.
Pr. John is also the founder of the International Christian Chaplains Association, a worldwide ministry he established in 2011. In addition to his pastoral work, he earned his PhD in Psychology, Philosophy, Divinity, and Christian Psychology. He has served as a chaplain for the police, fire departments, and military, receiving numerous accolades for his dedication and service. Pr. John recently retired as Wing Chaplain with the United States Air Force Auxiliary.
Beyond his pastoral and chaplaincy work, Pr. John has been involved in community service, serving on the Board of the Center for Aging and as a mediator for immigrants navigating healthcare.