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The new book by Chaplain Major J.P. Smith |
Dr. Smith was raised in the absence of his biological father, lost his mother early in life and was told he would never amount to anything. In his new book,
The Image of My Father, he shares stories of how God took someone experiencing brokenness and, through His grace, created a champion.
Overcoming all odds, he now holds two Master's degrees, one in Divinity, and the other in Theological Studies. He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.
"During my time as an Army chaplain, J.P. served as my chaplain assistant," said Dr. Steven L. Jordan, U.S. Army, retired. "[He] is a person of high moral character, with impeccable work ethic and intellectual capacity."
During Smith's 22-year military career, he has earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
He has served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his most recent deployment, he served as the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Command Chaplain.
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| Chaplain Smith with his wife, Veronica, and their three children |
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Summarizing Smith's strengths, Dr. Jordan added, "He has a caring and compassionate personality and a genuine ability to holistically create meaningful connections with the troops and their families."
Chaplain Smith has exhibited great leadership ability, facilitating the first Afghanistan National Army Special Operations Command Religious Cultural Advisor Interfaith Dialogue, a two-day event that gave support teams the opportunity to meet and build relationships.
He has also been the guest speaker for the Special Operations Joint Task Force Religious Leaders Summit, as well as at the Issachar Awareness International Leadership Summit, both in Afghanistan.
Chaplain Smith's wife, Veronica, worked on staff at AGTS in the development office from 2003-2006. They have three children ages 6 to 16.
