John and Yvonne

Virginia Beach, VA

United States

Profile Information:

A little about me:: I'm a retired Navy chaplain. And Yvonne is the wife of a retired Navy chaplain. :) Together we spent twenty years in the military. I spent ten years as a chaplain, and prior to that, ten years as an electronics technician.

Yvonne and I open our home to young military men and women stationed in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. We like to think of our home as a "home away from home" for servicemen and women.

I originally joined the Navy right out of high school and went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. I came into the Navy thinking I wanted to be an electronics technician on a nuclear powered submarine..

In ET "A" School I discovered I really wasn't interested in electronics and my grades showed it. So I spent the next six years as an electronics technician stationed on a satellite communications station in Hawaii. Six months into that tour Yvonne and I got married and she became a Navy wife.

After my tour of duty I got out, went to Bible College and Seminary, and put my paperwork in to become a chaplain. I was commissioned as an Ensign and served for seven years in the reserves, and then on active duty again. The Navy sent me back to Hawaii. "Aw shucks..."

We've been in Virginia Beach for a little over sixteen years now, ministering to servicemen and women and their families, in our home.

Anyway, that's a little bit of our story. Check out our web site and blog if you want to know more...
I am here to support my: Son/Daughter
Stage of (Sailor’s) Navy career?: Enlisted
When I heard “Navy,” I...: Was proud and encouraged it

Comment Wall:

John and Yvonne

Thanks Karen,

Yvonne and I met when I was a seaman in the Navy when I was 19 (1970). You do the math. :)

She was a hostess at a Christian servicemen's center in California called the Port O Call. It was there I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I was going to Electronics Technician "A" School at Treasure Island, CA.

I spent 10 years enlisted (6 on active duty and then 4 in the reserves). I never got past Third Class - no motivation! I was stationed in Hawaii.

When I got off active duty I went to Bible college and seminary and then got commissioned as a Navy chaplain. I spent 7 years as a chaplain in the reserves and then went back on active duty for three years (Hawaii again!). I was then medically retired in 1990.

We've pastored in various places, including Missouri, Maine and Colorado.

Then we moved to Virginia Beach to minister to the military in 2000. Yvonne and I open our home to young servicemen and women on the weekends doing all kinds of stuff with them. Pictures and stories are on our web site and blog.

By the way, are you related to Richard and Susan Gallagher? We were good friends years ago and have lost contact with them.

Nov 7, 2008
Sherry James

Hi Yvonne & John,

I think it is awesome that you minister to our military children. My daughter is in the Norfolk area as well. Sherry

Nov 21, 2008
John and Yvonne

Hi all,

If you check out the photos I put up today, you'll probably notice the young man is not in the Navy, but is in the Army. There are actually a lot of army bases in this area as well as Navy. SPC Evan Bunch is one of our "sons" and plays the drums in the Ft. Lee Army band in Petersburg, VA. Yvonne and I drove up there to support him in his performance during their annual Christmas concert. He was really great! Then he took ous out to dinner afterwards. Yum!

Dec 8, 2008
Ruth, Gun's Mom

I just sent my son your number. I hope he calls you. Thank you so much for being there!

Dec 18, 2008
John and Yvonne

I'm getting more and more excited about the connections this forum creates. Andy (Ruth, Gun's Mom) did contact us and is staying here. He's a really nice young man. And the connection was made possible by the people on this forum. I'm still hoping that Cory (Julie) might get in touch with us. I would hate to think he will spend Christmas in the barracks and the chow hall...yuck! :)

Dec 20, 2008
TexasMomof2

No, he won't be home for Christmas. He actually has Duty on Christmas Day.......

He is leaving to come home on December 31st thru January 11th (and bringing a fellow Sailor). You guys are soooooo blessed to open your home!

Dec 22, 2008
John and Yvonne

Yvonne and I had a great afternoon and evening with Ruth (Gun's Mom) and Mike (Gun's Dad) visiting and talking story, eating dinner, and playing Settlers of Catan. Ruth and Mike came to help load up Andy's stuff and move him to his next duty station.

Jan 26, 2009
John and Yvonne

It's kind of quiet around here today. Andy left for Great Lakes yesterday with his mom and dad. They were hoping to beat the winter storm (the ice part). Monday night we all had dinner together (Lasagna - Andy's request) and then played Attack Uno (also Andy's request). It was a fun evening again. Really nice people! Please keep them in your prayers as they travel back to IL.

John

Jan 28, 2009
Sherry James

John, Thank you for your praise and sharing that scripture with us. I will be using that for a matter that I have on my heart so thank you again.

I have a praise which I shared with on the blog today. My son did receive his nomination from our congressman to the US Naval Academy!! I am so glad that the Lord heard my prayers as my children mean so much to me. They are wonderful gifts from God.

My daughter is underway for a few weeks so I am asking your prayers for her & her ships safety. Her thoughtfulness was so apparent today as I received a beautiful birthday gift from her in the mail but the most wonderful card brought tears to my eyes and let me know that she cares more than she lets on (strong silent type-lol).

May the Almighty continue to bless our children and our children's children

Feb 18, 2009
Sherry James

Hi Yvonne and John,

Sounds like a good time was had by ALL!! What was the weather like Saturday? Have a blessed week. Sherry

May 18, 2009
BunkerQB

Hello from CA. Sent you a friend request.

Mar 31, 2010