Sam Boone's Life As a "Sky Pilot"

My days as an Army Soldier are drawing to an end. It has been a great "ride" in more ways than I could have ever dreamed. I first entered active duty in May of 1972. I, like many of my generation found myself, "searching for something beyond." The military offered an opportunity to go places, and save some money if I chose to go back to school. It was the third best decision of my life … the first, listening to God's call upon my life … and (2nd) having a beautiful young women (Teresa) say "I do" over 26 years ago!

After I neared the end of my commitment to the Army I "rolled the dice" and applied to Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After being commissioned a Lieutenant of Infantry, I volunteered for Rotary Wing Flight Training. It was while I was in flight school that I met my bride to be and a short courtship followed. God, had already spoken to me through many of His people about a vocation in ministry. The most I was willing to give was as a Sunday School teacher. God never gave up!

Soon after my marriage to Teresa, we reported to our first duty station at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the famous 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Many of the stories that I had heard about the "swashbuckling aviator community," were true. Teresa and I became involved in a little Chapel on Fort Campbell. The Chaplains leading the service were endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention and the churches of Christ (they are both on active duty today). God continued to "call me." Teresa and I moved to a larger chapel on post where we could work with youth and "children's church." The move did not "quench my thirst."

On the advice of a wise old "elder" of the congregation I threw out a "fleece!" Asking God for a clear sign that I should leave active duty and pursue the ministry. Two days later (27 July, 1977) that "fleece" was answered in dramatic fashion! Chief Warrant Officer Two Robert "Bob" Markert an I experienced a hydraulic "hard-over" in our AH-1G "Cobra" Gunship and confronted death face to face. The helicopter rolled to the right … the investigators clearly stated that if we had rolled left … we would have perished.

Teresa and I prayed prayers of thanksgiving! I put in my paper work to turn down the Infantry Officer Advance Course and for a release from active duty. It is a decision that I have never regretted! I love flying, and do as often as I am able, but my cup runs over with the blessings I have received as an U. S. Army Chaplain.

After four years of seminary (some of us are a little slower than others) and a year in a full time parish, I returned to active duty. I have seen parts of the world that I hope to never see again. Teresa and I have spent almost five of the last 16 years apart. However, when that young soldier who is at that same "cross-road" of life where I once stood … calls me or writes that note of thanks … and says: "you were there when I needed you chaplain … through you I saw Christ in the midst of chaos." The call to minister is ever the more clear! To work with the most precious gift a mother and father can give our country … their sons and daughters is one to which I treasure daily.

"I have become all things to all men (and women) … so that by all possible means … some might be saved." 1 Corinthians 9: 22b NIV

PS: As I write this short story I am but a few days from leaving a position where I have co-pastored a Korean/American congregation with Chaplain (Major) Karen Diefendorf. Karen is a Christian Church and churches of Christ endorsed Chaplain, who has allowed me the opportunity to care for God's people with her. Stone and Campbell must smile from heaven!