Reverend J. M. Mills, CTICS(SS/IW), USN, Ret., is a native of Grand Ledge, Michigan and had few to no college aspirations. Due to lack of financial support for college, he enlisted in the Navy in 1998. Upon graduation from basic training he reported to Russian Language Training at the Defense Language Institute, focusing on Humanities with an emphasis on both the Russian Culture and Language. It was in the Monterey Bay Area, at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church that he experienced the Call to Ministry, bolstered by attending a discernment weekend at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley California and mentorship from, the late, Pastor Roy Blumhorst. His initial fleet assignment was at Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Kunia, Hawaii. Continuing a focus on ministry, he wrote and presented the prayers of intercession at the Barber’s Point Naval Chapel. Transferring to, then, NSGA Fort Meade, Maryland Jason led mission development and management efforts, working with leaders across Navy departments and National Security Agency offices to increase efforts securing national interests and safety of military personnel abroad. In 2006 Jason transferred his membership to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Taneytown. Jumping into the life of the Congregation, he was elected to the Congregation Council in 2007 and served as the President from 2007 to 2009 and again in 2013-2015, overseeing the Pastoral Call Process both times. Jason volunteered for a National Intelligence Support Team deployment to Iraq in 2009, supporting CSG Baghdad, the 1st Cavalry and 1st Armored Divisions in Kirkuk, Iraq. He returned to Navy Information Operations Command, Maryland in 2010 and deployed 12 additional missions aboard 11 submarines in both SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleets for the remainder of his career; a total of 615 days deployed. Prior to retirement, after 21 years of service, Senior Chief Mills led the Direct Support Department, with 180 deployable Sailors under his charge, and working diligently to stand up a new Navy Command structure for 400 Sailors, writing Navy instructions and ensuring the diligent command support for Sexual Assault Prevention and Casualty Assistance programs. Pastor J. walked with the faith community at Lord of Life Lutheran Church to their cessation of ministry on 5 Mar 2023, and now serves First English Lutheran Church in downtown Austin. He also is Called as a staff member with the Southwestern Texas Synod inviting communities experiencing transition into alignment with community resources and their neighbors.