OCF Council Elections

Class of 2014

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OCF Council elections run now through 16 September. Eligible OCF members are encouraged to exercise their right to vote for the Class of 2014 and also on a proposed change to the OCF Constitution.

• Members qualified to vote will need their voting ID (your OCF member number--found on the COMMAND address label) and your voting password (your zip code).
• Members who cannot/prefer not to vote online may request a hard copy ballot from Susan Wallis at the OCF home office, 800-424-1984.
• Vote for as many as five candidates.
• Vote Yes or No for the proposed OCF Constitution change. At the spring council meeting in April, the Council passed the following motion to amend the Constitution:

Motion: That the following amendment to the OCF Constitution be submitted to the membership for approval:

"Replace the current OCF Statement of Participation with the following language (changes to current statement indicated by bold underline):

'I am committed to the Purpose of OCF: to glorify God by uniting Christian officers for biblical fellowship and outreach, equipping and encouraging them to minister effectively in the military society. As an expression of my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His work in the military society, I will participate actively and prayerfully in the ministry of OCF with my time, talents, spiritual gifts, and financial resources. I further commit, by God's grace, to live my life as an example consistent with biblical guidelines.'"

This change to OCF's Statement of Participation, contained in Article V of the OCF Constitution, reaffirms OCF's commitment to minister to the entire military society and ensures we OCF members live our lives consistent with biblical guidelines, so as to reflect Christ in every aspect of our life and be effective witnesses for Him.

2011 OCF Council Nominees

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LTC Erik N. "Sparky" Anderson, USA

Education

USMA, BS Political Science, 1993; LIU-C.W. Post /SAMS, MMAS Leader Development & Counseling, 2001/2006

Present assignment

Leadership instructor, US Army Command & General Staff College

Ministry involvement

Assistant lay ministry coordinator, Fort Leavenworth OCF; area coordinator, Fort Hood; area coordinator, Leavenworth, KS; Bible study leader, Fort Leavenworth; small group leader, USMA; White Sulphur Springs USMA cadet retreat: Spring Canyon Winter Sports retreats; Fort Leavenworth discipleship program; USMA post chapel parish council; Fort Campbell Memorial Chapel parish council; Fort Leavenworth Protestant parish council president (elect), youth Sunday school teacher, various program support roles, AWANA Team Leader, worship team leader, USMA post chapel parish council rep, Fort Campbell Memorial Chapel parish council rep; praise team member, youth ministry adult leader

Personal testimony

I was always active in youth programs at my church growing up and considered myself a Christian, but it wasn't until I faced significant personal and professional adversity as a junior officer that I came to recognize I couldn't always solve everything myself and with my own abilities. On a cold December morning, I finally realized that God wants me to be committed to following Him and acknowledge that through Him all things are possible, but only if we're willing to trust and have faith in the path He sets before us.

Challenges within OCF

Connecting with and fostering the "next generation of OCF" in an era of persistent conflict by recognizing the unique challenges facing this OCF cohort, mobilizing resources from "corporate" OCF while maintaining the vital grassroots nature and character of the local OCF fellowships. Nominated by: LTC Barry Bazemore, USA (Ret.); COL Rich Goldsmith, USA (Ret.); MAJ Benjamin Jordan, USA (Ret.); LTC Sanford Sheaks, USA (Ret.)

Lt Col Thomas E. Falconer, USAF (Ret.)

Education

University of Southwestern Louisiana, BS Management, 1975; AFIT, MS Logistics Mgmt., 1980

Present assignment

Retired active duty

Ministry involvement

Spring Canyon Advisory Council; OCF Capital Campaign church relations committee chair; USAFA cadet ministry team; UCCS ROTC ministry; Sunday school, youth group, and cell leader

Personal testimony

While I was raised in the Methodist church as a child/teenager, I came to know Christ as my personal Savior through Young Life my senior year in high school. However, it was not until my first duty station, Cannon AFB, NM, while participating in an OCF home Bible study that I made what I consider my full surrender to serve Christ fully.

Challenges within OCF

I believe the foundational issue to our ministry's growth is how well our members learn to integrate their faith and profession, and then how confidently and appreciatively they are to articulate it in day-to-day life as officer Christians and servant leaders in the military society. I believe we should generate an on-going dialog in our local fellowships and at our conference centers, sparked by a series of articles and on-line resources of personal examples/anecdotes, good and bad, to help our members develop their own appropriate style and confidence. Nominated by: LTC Tom Austin IV, USA (Ret.); COL James Meredith, USA (Ret.); MAJ Dean Rizzo, USAR

CH(Capt) Daniel W. Forman, USAF

Education

Eastern Nazarene College, BA Religious Studies, 1987; Asbury/Nazarene Theological Seminaries, MA Historical Theology & M. Div. W/Specialization in Chaplaincy, 1995/2002

Present assignment

Chaplain, Vance AFB, OK

Ministry involvement

Vance AFB OCF group; Attended ROTC retreat, WSS; pulpit supply for the local Nazarene church and help with youth at times; attend Howard Denck's OCF/Navigator study in Enid; Served on local church boards; associate minister of youth and discipleship at the Dothan Church of the Nazarene.

Personal testimony

I was raised in the church of the Nazarene. I accepted the Lord as my Savior when I was seven years old. Six years later, when I was at a Nazarene church camp for youth, I went to the altar and received Christ in a deeper way than when I was seven. I guess one could say that when I was seven, I was just accepting Christ "while holding my parents' hands into heaven or hell." I accepted Him because they had. Though the first time formed the roots for my true conversion, it wasn't until I was thirteen that I accepted Christ fully as "my own." I have followed the Lord since that camp meeting back in 1977.

Challenges within OCF

OCF faces a challenge that is critical to our nation's military health—the "challenge of balance" — assisting chaplains and military personnel in keeping the First Amendment from becoming an idol of religious authority. Don't get me wrong; I support the freedom of religion. That is why I am a USAF chaplain. I hold that the free exercise of faith is the keystone to our nation's freedoms as a whole. However, in light of present nuances in our culture, it appears that First Amendment "paranoia" has been cultivated. Among chaplains such an atmosphere may tempt some to focus more on multi-faith facilitation than on ministry to their faith groups, or to provide an over-cautious; potentially "watered down" ministry to their own faith groups. I believe that OCF can assist Christian chaplains and others to maintain a healthy balance between multi-faith facilitation, the Christian message, and ministry to Christians. OCF can meet this "challenge-of balance" by cultivating more "care for caregiver" programs and/or studies among its members.

Furthermore OCF may want to offer additional conferences focusing on assisting military personnel in sharing the gospel of Christ within the context of a pluralistic environment. Bottom line: OCF is at first a privately organized Christian ministry, and does not represent the chaplaincy; but it must continue to serve as a tool to assist the latter and other military members in keeping a healthy balance between the law of the land and the spirit of the Gospel. Balance does not mean a spiritual compromise. Rather, in this case, it means holding a healthy tension between understanding the authority of our nation's First Amendment and knowing the true Author of all authority.

The second issue facing OCF is how to adapt supportive ministry with the ever-increasing stresses of budget, material and manning shortfalls, while at the same time funding and making time for such supportive ministries by the very people facing the aforementioned stresses. No easy fix here, if any. OCF will have to think outside the box for future ministry models. Perhaps ministry studies and/or classes can be further produced online. If we cannot get folks to go to conferences at the retreat centers, then bring the conferences to them. Nominated by: Col Kim Hawthorne, USAF; Col James Martin, USAF (Ret.); CH(Maj Gen) Cecil Richardson, USAF

MAJ Anthony D. Gray, USA

Education

Virginia State University, Public Administration, 1996; Florida Institute of Technology, Logistics Mgmt., 2005

Present assignment

Third Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA, Division Health Services Materiel Officer, Division Surgeon Section.

Ministry involvement

In Iraq I preached at several gospel services. I oversaw the prayer ministry. I published the Thought of the Day to inspire and uplift division staff members. I participated and still participate in the division Chaplain's Bible Study. I currently lead a small group Bible study. I established a ministry called Get To Know Him Ministry which is an online ministry; Served briefly on the board at Connection Community Church in San Antonio, TX; As of late, the only evangelizing that I have done is through a podcast on Get To Know Him Ministry. I have not yet had the honor of discipling someone.

Personal testimony

I came to the Lord through the godly example set forth by my parents who raised me in a Bible based church that believed, taught, and lived the Word of God. The godly seeds planted by my parents and my home church community eventually took root in my life for which I am eternally grateful.

Challenges within OCF

In a society and military community that increasingly leans towards secularism and political correctness, how does OCF aggressively proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ so that everyone has a life changing experience with God? My recommendation is three pronged. First, provide aggressive and continued support to the military chaplain. This should go beyond supporting their organic programs but should also include innovative new programs sponsored by OCF.

Second, aggressively engage the military community not only on the installation but off as well. OCF should sponsor community programs/ministries and collaborate with local church communities to target the needs and concerns of military families in the surrounding areas. The basis of this pillar is building real and lasting relationships with the community and the individual.

Third, tell the story, develop a strategic information/marketing campaign. The surrounding areas associated with military installations should know the name OCF. They should know that there is an organization positively affecting the community for the glory of God. Nominated by: MAJ Charles Gray, USA; LTC Tom Schmidt, USA (Ret.); MAJ Jon Shine, USA

MAJ(P) Vaughn E. Hathaway, USA

Education

University of Southern Mississippi, BA Criminal Justice, 1994

Present assignment

Operations officer, Fort Sill, Oklahoma 2l4th Fires Brigade S3

Ministry involvement

OCF post coordinator, Fort Sill, OK; OCF Anchor Points, 2009; OCF Bible Study Fort Leavenworth 2008; high school Sunday school teacher, Fort Leavenworth 2006-2007, youth pastor, Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, MS 1992-1993, Life Point contemporary service, Fort Sill OK 2010-Present; new post chapel, Fort Sill, OK 2009-2010; main post chapel, Fort Leavenworth, KS 2006-2009; main post chapel, Fort Irwin, CA, 2003-2006; deacon & Sunday school teacher East Side Baptist Church Killeen, TX 2000-2003

Personal testimony

Was raised in a Christian home by a Presbyterian pastor and his wife. Raised on the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism. I cannot remember a day that Jesus Christ was not a part of my life. I was raised in the doctrines of grace and realized my need for Christ from childhood. I strive to live and serve him more every day.

Challenges within OCF

The main challenge is to continuously strive to advance the kingdom of Christ to ensure a godly America in a hostile world that continues to reject and resist the truth of Jesus Christ and his Holy Word. This requires leaders who are unashamed of the Gospel, willing to fight the good fight and represent Christ in every aspect. I would challenge Christian leaders to actively engage in leading in churches, chapels, and Bible studies as a means to encourage others to live as followers of Christ. We must show the world the true resiliency and victory that comes with Christ's salvation. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]." - EPH 6:12 Nominated by: LTC Barry Bazemore, USA (Ret.); COL Rich Goldsmith, USA (Ret.); MAJ Benjamin Jordan, USA (Ret.); LTC Tom Schmidt, USA (Ret.); LTC Sanford Sheaks, USA (Ret.)

CDR Stephen L. Hoffman, USN

Education

USNA, Economics, 1991; Naval Post Grad school; MS Leadership & Human Resources Development, 1999; Industrial College of the Armed Forces, MS National Resources Strategy, 2010

Present assignment

Project officer—Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Ministry involvement

OCF Council; OCF local leader, area coordinator; ACCTS; USNA chaplain/chapel; military ministry

Personal testimony

I have the honor of being raised by parents who followed Jesus. I've never known a time where I didn't know Christ as Lord. The reality of His role in my life has been a journey and a relationship that continues to develop.

Challenges within OCF

For the Navy, limited resources have caused more chaplain reliance on local churches and less emphasis in chapels. OCF needs to partner with local churches to develop lay ministries. Overall OCF needs to continue to refine how the Great Commission should be lived out through its members. Nominated by: CH(MAJ) Mark Benz, USA (Ret.); MAJ Jon Shine, USA; CDR Rob Turner, USN

MAJ John A. Hoyman, USAR-Active

Education

Wheaton College, BS Mathematics, 1992; Wheaton College Graduate School, MA Christian Formation and Ministry, 2006

Present assignment

Detailed Inspector General, US Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, NC, as of 25 Jul

Ministry involvement

OCF Council member 2008-2010; team leader, Cadre OCF advisor; program director/ youth programs director, White Sulphur Springs; cadet in charge, OCF, Wheaton College; OCF team leader, Fort McCoy, WI; OCF/Valor liaison-Midwest ROTC Retreat laborer; currently working with Garrison chaplain at Fort McCoy; currently a teacher for an adult bible fellowship at Bible Evangelical Free Church in Tomah, WI; attended both conference centers; OCF Bible study in Manns Choice, PA; try to disciple at least one individual at any time, currently discipling an Army sergeant on a weekly basis.

Personal testimony

My testimony extends to the time I was two or three years old, living at West Point. Sandra Shine invited my mom over to bible study. This eventually led to conversions for both my parents, in a large part due to the ministry of both Al and Sandra Shine. Having growing Christian parents as examples, I accepted Jesus myself as my Savior at age seven. Through the ministry of the youth program at Burke Community Church and serving on youth staff at White Sulphur Springs, the godly examples in my life were mostly military. I have endeavored to provide the example I enjoyed as a youth to my family and the rising generation.

Challenges within OCF

Spiritual leadership. There are over 300 documented leaders in the OCF ministry, probably more that are not listed. Equipping, encouraging, challenging, and maturing these leaders in a transitionary period for our Armed Forces is critical. These lay leaders are the lifeblood of OCF. Their success is dependent on their vital connection to Jesus Christ, true biblical fellowship, other OCF leaders and the OCF field staff. Leadership training at the conference centers and at other critical locations that resources, equips and emboldens these leaders is the current challenge of the OCF. Nominated by: COL Rich Goldsmith, USA (Ret.); LTC Greg Lane, USAR (Ret.); LTC Marvin Westenburg, USA (Ret.)

LTC James B. Karr, USA (Ret.)

Education

Elmhurst College, BS Business, 1973; Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Institute of Technology, MBA, 1977

Present assignment

Retired active duty

Ministry involvement

OCF Director of Resource Development, retired 2008; Council Member; OCF Bible study leader, local/area rep; Have interfaced with local Fort Riley OCF groups for capital campaign events; support chaplaincy; volunteer, National Wheelchair Sports Fund (NWSF).

Personal testimony

On a quiet, early morning while at Willerup Bible Camp, I climbed into a rowboat with my pastor, Pastor Summershield. As we rowed out into the early morning waters of Lake Ripley, Wisconsin, Pastor Summershield asked me about my desire to become a Christian. I accepted Jesus in that early morning setting when I was just 8 years old. Jesus Christ has been my Savior and guide since then through many toils, trails, heartaches, and triumphs. He is the constant in my life, my bedrock.

Challenges within OCF

I believe the most important issue facing OCF is to remain relevant and reach the young officer with the message of Christ. We must attenuate to the young officer's wavelength and reach him/her. The solution must be a coordinated, multifaceted approach which engages through the Internet, daily emails, blogs, face book, chat rooms, and any other media and communication linkage to target and grab them with the message of Christ and His transforming, redeeming miracle of life. From there we must permeate the ranks and enlarge our membership and presence in the military. Nominated by: LTC Jim Duncan, USA (Ret.); LTC Arnold Sanderlin, USA (Ret.); LTC Tom Schmidt, USA (Ret.)

COL Stuart J. McRae, USA

Education

Eastern Montana College, BA Mathematics, 1987; US Army War College, MSS Strategic Studies, 2011

Present assignment

Student, USAWC

Ministry involvement

Attended OCF Conference Centers twice to WSS; organized a weekly Bible study during last assignment; Volunteered at our church in Savannah in the book store; typically in a study at most posts, am currently in a home study in Carlisle, PA; Helped to disciple son-in-law as a new believer.

Personal testimony

My testimony is one of sanctification versus salvation. I was raised in a godly home and came to know the Lord at an early age. In my teenage years, I gave the Lord permission to do whatever he needed to do in my life to make me more in Christ's image. He has been faithful to do that. I planned to enter the military from as far back as 2nd grade.

I believe the Lord's hand was in my not being accepted into the Air Force Academy and withholding Army flight school from me until I learned contentment in Him (which happened in 1990). In 1987, He taught me to find my identity in Him rather than in the Army as I experienced being passed over for promotion to major. Since then, He has blessed me with battalion command, and most recently with selection for brigade command, which is evidence of His blessing. Left to myself, without God's influence, I would probably not even be in the Army any more.

Challenges within OCF

The biggest challenge facing OCF is its ability to connect with young officers. With so many things offered to distract them, developing a thriving relationship with Christ may be seen as an inconvenience rather than the joy that it ought to be. Senior-to-junior mentoring relationships are paramount to affect this attitude. Nominated by: COL Hunt Kerrigan, ARNG; COL Ray Porter III, USA (Ret.); COL Al Shine, USA (Ret.)

COL Laurence M. Mixon, USA

Education

USMA, BS Engineering Mgmt., 1986; University of Virginia, ME Systems Engineering, 1996

Present assignment

Deputy Chief of Staff G2, US Army I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

Ministry involvement

Speaker for OCF Spiritually Smart Family Outreach Ministry Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA (Volunteered last year to assist Larry and Bobbie Simpson with this ministry. My wife and I spoke during the February 2011 seminar at joint Base Lewis-McChord and look forward to speaking again in the future; Led OCF Bible study at the Air War College (2006-.2007) Maxwell AFB, AL. Met with junior officers at the Air War College on Sunday mornings to share career and life experiences. Chapel Choir 1996-1999; helped establish men's study and accountability group during OIF 2005-2006 deployment in Baghdad, Iraq.

Supported PWOC and PMOC events at multiple duty stations; led the worship service for my local church twice when our pastor was absent. Led congregational praise and worship (singing) within our church. Delivered the Sunday morning and afternoon service message at a large Baptist church in Virginia during their Military Appreciation Sunday (Veterans Day Service 2008); I have spoken and led prayer at installation prayer breakfasts at Fort Gordon. I have delivered spiritual messages at two separate memorial services for deceased Soldiers with several hundred people in attendance. I have been a keynote speaker and panel member at multiple conferences with up to 2,000 people in attendance. I opened my home up for Sunday evening worship and fellowship with small "care groups."

Personal testimony

18 years ago I was a mental and spiritual mess. I cried out to God and He saved my wife and me. God placed several people along my path to disciple me from July 1993 to August 1995. I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ in August 1994 and praise God, I will never turn back. God's restoration of my broken marriage after six selfish, sinful years was a miracle. God's opening of my wife's womb after years of unsuccessfully trying to conceive was a miracle. God's deliverance of me from alcohol and other issues of the flesh was a miracle. God has used the brokenness in my life to help me recognize and have compassion for those who are hurting and lost. It drives me to maintain spiritual disciplines of giving alms, prayer and fasting. It drives me to serve not only in my church but also at work. As God has seen fit to promote me and place me in ever increasing positions of authority, He has provided opportunities for me to publicly speak and acknowledge His work in my life. The testimony of my life has helped me counsel soldiers contemplating abortion, suicide, divorce and a host of other difficult issues.

Challenges within OCF

I think the most important issue facing OCF is the growing fear and reticence among many Christian officers to live out their faith and present biblical truth to those they lead. Many officers are afraid to acknowledge their faith in Jesus in private and many more will never publicly stand up for their faith based upon a fear of offending or violating the uniform code of military justice, command policy or regulations. In a military where troops daily kill themselves and their family members, I believe we need to be more vocal and more willing to speak biblical truth and share the hope and peace that comes by putting one's faith in Christ. The military has very carefully encouraged "spiritual fitness" across the force, espousing Christian values with no mention of Christ. I believe OCF should expand existing programs to educate and equip junior officers especially during pre-commissioning and officer basic training periods. We need to give them the tools to legally and effectively live out their faith in the military. Hebrews 10:23-25 is a timely reminder and exhortation for all of us to "hold fast the profession of our faith" and "to provoke (others) unto good works" especially as we see the day of Christ's return approaching. The time is now. Nominated by: MG Thomas Cole, USA (Ret.); CH(COL) James Edgren, USA (Ret.); Col James Martin, USAF (Ret.); Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.)

MajGen Melvin G. Spiese, USMC

Education

University of Illinois, BS Civil Engr., 1976; University of Southern California/SAMS, MS Sys Mgmt./MMA, 1981/1999

Present assignment

Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force; Commanding General, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade

Ministry involvement

OCF Council/steering committee member; led Rocky Mountain High; lay Eucharistic minister; local church adult forum; high school groups; Sunday school teacher; service worker; vestry member.

Personal testimony

I was a practicing Catholic and changed to Anglicanism as an adult. I met all church rituals duties and obligations. While attending a chapel sponsored program hosted by COL King Coffman, I was questioned of my faith and challenged to make a non-ritual profession on the altar of the main Protestant chapel. I did, and it changed my life as I finally understood and met the living Lord—a step beyond obedience to a dead Lord.

Challenges within OCF

Transition into the current age to meet our population and their needs where they are. Anchored in our bedrock local Bible studies, we must catch new technology and meet young people in the way they do business. We must also expand to meet the needs of our senior leaders as their time becomes less their time, and they become more necessarily isolated. I believe I can contribute to the steering committee to achieve this need, and hope to continue. Nominated by: Mr. John Bishop; Maj Andrew Dirkes, USMC; LtCol Todd Ferry, USMC; COL Rich Goldsmith, USA (Ret.); LtCol Karl Johnson, USMC

Lt Col Richard V. Steele, USAF

Education

University of Texas-San Antonio, History, 1994; AFIT/Liberty University, MA Logistics/MA Theology, 2008

Present assignment

Director of Ops, 12th Ops Support Squadron, Randolph AFB, TX

Ministry involvement

OCF local leader, rep, contact

Personal testimony

God graciously saved me by His mercy and love, despite my sinfulness and rebellion. Since then He has shown Himself great in sanctifying me for His glory and my good, in order to love others. Glory be to God!

Challenges within OCF

The most important issue facing OCF is losing sight of the mission. We are not about God's business if we become distracted by the world. I hope to do my part to continue the legacy of leadership focused on spiritual excellence and love. Nominated by: Lt Col Robert Renner, USAF (Ret.); Col Houstoun Waring V, USAF; Mrs. Tamara Waring

CPT(P) Elijah M. Ward, USA

Education

Virginia Military Institute, BA History, 2001

Present assignment

Present Duty Assignment: Currently I command the Rear Detachment for 1-320t Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101ST Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY after having commanding B Battery of the same in southern Afghanistan last year. I am on orders for instructor duty in the summer of 2011 at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK.

Ministry involvement

I support unit chaplain as unit commander; member of First Baptist Clarksville and teach 9th Grade Boys Sunday School; attended OCF Conference Center at White Sulfur Springs as a cadet for mid-Atlantic ROTC retreat and in 2009 and 2011 as guest panelist for cadets; involved in local OCF groups at Fort Sill in 2002 and Fort Campbell since 2002 to present participating in, leading and hosting home studies; currently, I am working with staff at First Baptist-Clarksville, TN to connect their community outreach program First Serve to adopting my battalion as they do outreach to the military community. We're planning a marriage retreat for unit members and small outreach opportunities for the church body to show love of Christ to soldiers.

Personal testimony

I was born in a loving Christian home and my parents are and have been involved in vocational ministry my entire life. My dad pastors a small church in Virginia and my mom teaches in a religious education program in the public schools in Virginia. I accepted Christ at 13 in large part due to their example of faithfulness and stewardship. I was influenced in really developing a more independent faith at VMI by Chaplain Jim Park and the examples of COL Ron Baldwin and Roy Hammond particularly through the OCF ministry as a cadet. These loving and faithful mentors then made sure I stayed connected with OCF as I graduated and commissioned and arrived at Fort Campbell to deploy seven months later in February 2003 for the first of four combat deployments. I remain excited by the presence of a real and living God and the impact a relationship with His Son Jesus can have in changing lives

Challenges within OCF

I think the most important issue facing OCF is and will be to continually seek God's guidance on maintaining our relevancy to the military and in particular the officer corps in 2011 and beyond. I think like all churches and parachurch organizations we have to just remember we are an outreach of Christ's church and remain focused on our missions to equip Christian members of the military to impact the world around them and in doing so we need to constantly examine our methods of outreach to make sure what we're doing now is having that impact. On a very practical term, I would be interested in ensuring we continue to look at examining the handover of members as they transition from pre-commissioning OCF programs to their active duty programs and also as they return to our vibrant ministries embedded with our professional military education centers like Maxwell and Leavenworth and then return to the operating force so that the fruits of those ministries are spread back to force which remains so engaged worldwide. Nominated by: CDR Roger Pinkley, USN (Ret.); LTC Greg Lane, USAR (Ret.); LTC Lucy Lane, USAR (Ret.)

Maj Warren "Blair" Watkinson II, USAF

Education

United States Air Force Academy, BS Computer Science, 2000; Ohio State University, MA Computer Science, 2001

Present assignment

Chief, Air Refueling Programs, Directorate of Strategic Plans, Requirements & Programs, HQ Air Mobility Command

Ministry involvement

Chapel— OCF fellowship team and local leader; Awana Club Commander, youth leader, Financial Peace University coordinator, Sunday school teacher, men's ministry leader, evening Bible study host/leader, hospitality coordinator, Coffee House Enlisted Outreach; chapel parish advisory council president

Personal testimony

Though I grew up attending church every week, by the time I was in college, I had developed post-modern views, believing there were many ways to heaven. God used the Air Force Academy OCF cadet ministry and leaders to lovingly confront my heresy and make me aware of my need for a Savior. I first believed Jesus is Lord and accepted Him as my Savior during the fall semester of my senior year. The field staff and ministry team continued to disciple me in Christ and eventually baptized me at Spring Canyon.

Challenges within OCF

Continued higher operations tempo and general pace of life challenge OCF ministry. Fellowship among military Christian individuals and families is increasingly fractured while, in many cases, deployed fellowship thrives. To strengthen ministry at home, we must renew our efforts in training and raising up ministry leaders who can reproduce themselves within OCF. Leveraging local fellowships, conference centers, building partnerships with church and community organizations to support military chaplains, we can more effectively and holistically minister to the entire ministry society. Nominated by: LCDR Douglas Baillie, USN; COL Rich Goldsmith, USA (Ret.); MAJ John Hoyman, USAR; Col Bill Hudspeth, USAF (Ret.); MAJ Thomas Matelski, USA; Lt Col Luis Morales, USAF; COL R. Michael Tesdahl, USA (Ret.)

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