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"Serve With Those Who Serve"
Hello Michael,

Anne Sullivan

(teacher, student extraordinaire)


Does anyone remember the name Anne Sullivan? If you don't, or never remember having heard the name before, I encourage you to read up on her. What a wonderful student and teacher! Anne Sullivan was Helen Keller's teacher and life long companion.


"The summer after Anne had graduated, the director of Perkins School for the Blind, Michael Anagnos, was contacted by Arthur Keller, Helen Keller's father, who was in search of a teacher for his seven-year-old blind and deaf daughter. Anagnos immediately recommended Sullivan for this position and she began her work on March 3, 1887, at the Kellers' home located in Alabama. As soon as she arrived she argued with Helen's parents about the Civil War and over the fact that they had owned slaves. However, she also quickly connected with Helen. It was the beginning of a 49-year relationship: Sullivan evolved from teacher to governess and finally to companion and friend."*


"Fellow-graduates: Duty bids us go forth into active life. Let us go cheerfully, hopefully, and earnestly, and set ourselves to find our especial part. When we have found it, willingly and faithfully perform it; for every obstacle we overcome, every success we achieve tends to bring man closer to God and make life more as He would have it." (Anne Sullivan)**

Helen Keller (left) in 1899 with lifelong companion and teacher Anne Sullivan (right). Photo taken by Alexander Graham Bell at his School of Vocal Physiology and Mechanics of Speech.

LOOKING BACK . . .

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INSTRUCTORS and GRADUATES


SMI/PLI Virtual Leadership Ethics Course (VLEC) - Pilot, August 15, 2023

SMI Basic Chaplains Course, 23-1, August 24, 2023


SMI/PLI Virtual Leadership Ethics Course (VLEC) - Pilot, August 15, 2023

Mike Belton, Niceville, FL.


Mike is the Founder of Serve Ministries, Inc. (SMI) and an instructor for both the Basic Chaplains Course and the Virtual Leadership Ethics Course (VLEC - Pilot). He is a former Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. combat veteran. Mike currently serves as a contractor for the U.S. Space Force.

William Kizziar, Beechmont, KY


William is the Vice President for SMI, is a Level 4 Nationally Endorsed Chaplain, and an instructor for the VLEC program. He is a retired U.S. Army Infantryman and former Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bill has recently retired from state service as a Corrections Chaplain and volunteers his time with SMI.

Ken Valentine, Birmingham, AL.


Ken is an instructor for the VLEC program. He is also a retired Secret Service Special Agent spending many years in service to the President of the U.S. He has a Juris Doctorate and is currently serving as Senior V.P. of Regions Bank in Birmingham, Al. He is a Bible Teacher at The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, AL.

Ed Miller, Timberlake, NC.


Ed is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain, and the SMI Counseling Services Director. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Captain and a retired Deputy with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office in Port Orchard, WA. Ed also works with the Person County Crisis Response Team and the Emergency Chaplains based in Durham, NC. He is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

James Campbell, Wingate, NC


James is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 3 Senior Chaplain, and the SMI Outreach Director. He served in the Army, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard as an Enlisted service member and an Officer after graduating from the Academy of Military Science. He currently serves as a Chaplain and Reentry Services Coordinator with Safer Communities Ministry with the Anson and Union County Sheriff's Offices.

Steve Walsh, Navarre, FL.


Steve is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain, the Chief of Chaplains for SMI, an instructor for the Basic Chaplains Course, and a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant. He currently serves as a Corrections Chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections and is the President for Stabilizing Life Christian Ministries. Steve is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

Daniel Gilyeat, Navarre, FL.


Daniel is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain, and the SMI Director of Military Chaplains. He is a combat-wounded veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Daniel is involved in many different veteran organizations looking for guys and girls with trauma, PTSD, and other traces of combat from all wars. Daniel is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

Kevin Saunders, Virginia Beach, VA


Kevin is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 3 Senior Chaplain, and the SMI Executive Director. He is a Captain (O-6) with the U.S. Coast Guard and serving with the intent of always doing what he can to help others. With help and encouragement from Serve Ministries, Kevin has finally found a way to serve in a way God had been driving him towards all along. Kevin is a Grant Writer and the Director of Federal Grants for Serve Ministries, Inc. He is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

Theron Russell, Bernardsville, NC


Theron is a graduate of the VLEC - Pilot program, an SMI Level 3 Senior Chaplain, and the SMI Veterans Administration Director. Theron served in the Marine Corps as an aviation electrician and Chaplain’s assistant. Later he served in the Michigan Army National Guard as a Motor Transportation Operator. His passion is working with Veterans, helping those struggling with mental health, addiction disorders, and unhoused. Theron is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

SMI Basic Chaplains Course, 23-1, August 24, 2023

Steve Walsh, Navarre, FL.


Steve is an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain, the Chief of Chaplains for SMI, an instructor for the Basic Chaplains Course, and a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant. He currently serves as a Corrections Chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections and is the President for Stabilizing Life Christian Ministries.

Onnie ReSky, Navarre, FL.


Onnie is an instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course. She is a 1999 graduate of the Air Force Academy and currently serves as the Deputy of Air Force Special Operations Command's Integrated Resiliency and Preservation of the Force and Family Division. Onnie's work, "Flight out of Darkness" is required reading/course work for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

Doug Stauffer, Niceville, FL.


Doug is an SMI Level 3 Senior Chaplain. He is a biblical author, is also a Major General in the U.S. Service Command Chaplaincy, a Chaplain with the Niceville, FL Police Department. He is currently serving as the Pastor of the Faith Independent Baptist Church in Niceville, FL. Doug is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.

Bob Edwards, Jr., Freeport, FL.


Bob is an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain. He hales from solid military stock. He is a former Methodist Pastor in Northwest Florida and a Volunteer Chaplain in the Florida Department of Corrections coordinating the Faith and Character Based Dorm. Bob is also an Instructor for the SMI Basic Chaplains Course.



Hannah Walker, Kings MTN, NC


Hannah is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 32-1. Hannah is completing another chapter in her academic and ministerial pursuits by completing her 5th unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and is interested in pursuing a career in Chaplaincy education and programing. She is now an SMI Level I Community Chaplain.

Joey Hay, Starke, FL.


Joey is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. He is now an SMI Level I Community Chaplain. He's also the Pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Starke, FL. Joey currently serves as a rural postal carrier in Keystone Heights, FL

Joshua Huston, Navarre, FL.


Joshua is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. He is now an SMI Level 2 Ordained Chaplain. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (linguist) from the U.S. Air Force. Currently, Joshua serves as a business developer for a consultant in the landscaping and irrigation industry.

Raul Bermudez, Madison, WI.


Raul is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. He is now an SMI Level 4 Nationally Endorsed Chaplain; SMI serves as his VA Ecclesiastical Endorsing agent. He formerly served in the USMC as an Infantryman and he currently serves as a Staff Chaplain with the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI.

Scott Matteson, Center Ossipee, NH.


Scott is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. He is now an SMI Level I Community Chaplain. He's a former U.S. Army Infantryman. He has an associates degree in Fire Science and is a former fire department volunteer.

Ann Marie Ash, Willis, TX


Ann Marie is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. She is now an SMI Level I Community Chaplain. Ann Marie Ash spent twenty-two years travelling the world as an Army Communications Officer before retiring in Texas in 2012. Since then she has continued to serve the military community, Veterans, and their families with Cru Military Ministry, REBOOT Combat Recovery and Family Life Weekend to Remember.

David Ash, Willis, TX


David is a graduate of the SMI Basic Chaplains Course, Class 23-1. She is now an SMI Level I Community Chaplain. Served as an Army Cavalry Scout for eight years until being injured in Iraq in 2010. Following the Army, he has continued to serve Veterans and their families through Cru Military Ministry, REBOOT Combat Recovery and Family Life Weekend to Remember.

Check out other recent activities on our website!

LOOKING FORWARD . . .

Registration for VLEC 23-1
Registration for Chaplains Course 23-2

Legacy Program

Donor Levels


Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze


Supporting:


SMI Ministries

Course Scholarships

Chaplain Support

and more . . .

Platinum Legacy - $500 per/mo. for 12 consecutive months or one $6,000 lump sum donation.


Gold Legacy - $100 per/mo. for 12 consecutive months or one $1,200 lump sum donation.


Silver Legacy - $50 per/mo. for 12 consecutive months or one $600 lump sum donation.


Bronze Legacy - $25 per/mo. for 12 consecutive months or one $300 lump sum donation.


SMI is a 100% volunteer ministry. No one is compensated for their time and/or services.


Serve Ministries, Inc. (SMI) is an Official Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agency for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a Full-Time Employed Chaplain for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.



BEARING FRUIT . . .

The Raging War Within


Veterans and first responders know the impacts of their service, especially if they have experienced crisis and trauma. It is an inevitable reality for anyone who comes into harm's way. In these pressing times, God is calling on men and women who have served at an extraordinary high rate to be "ambassadors of Christ" to minister to others who are suffering. To minister effectively to our nation's heroes, you must first embark on a special mission. You will need to conduct the critical analysis of your journey and why you had to weather the storm.


How do you begin the journey out of fear, anxiety and depression?


Most self-help techniques only look at one or two areas to fix the entire human being. A holistic approach is needed to most effectively take you to your next destination. "Flight out of Darkness" is a first-hand example of how to implement scripture into challenging life situations and begin recovery from chaos. Learn how God can use your strengths to repair your wounds and return you to wholeness.

You're not alone, not ever.


Suicide is not a title or action for those who have completed the act, but rather, an eternal consequence endured by those left behind. We live in a world of opposites. If there is day, there is night. If there is life, there is death. If there is Heaven, there is Hell. If there is nothing, there is something. Because we live a physical life and die a physical death, we also live a spiritual life and die a spiritual death. I do not know why this is so hard for people to understand. What is the disposition of the soul of one who completes the act of suicide?


Podcast or Book

The Watchman podcast is hosted by John Newby, an SMI Community Chaplain and active police officer in North West Florida. His purpose is to Serve With Those Who Serve. The beauty of this effort is that you will be hearing from current and former military and veterans, law enforcement and first responders who want to help others get through the tough times. John hopes to help others understand the deep nature of serving while working to lead others through SMI's H3 Cycle - Hurting, Healing, Helping!

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Sullivan

**(McGinnity, Seymour-Ford, & Andries, 2014)

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All donations are deductible under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 170.

Employer Identification Number: 83-2877800

P.O. Box 218, Niceville, FL 32588