The Leapin' Deacon:
The Soldier's Chaplain
By: Conrad N. Walker & J. Walker Winslow
Foreward by General John "Jack" Vessey
"To Connie, it mattered not whether it was a General or a Private, he truly is "The Soldier's Chaplain.'"
- General John Vessey (retired), Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
"He was there with his men; his courage moved his men; his strength carried his men. He was there with his men where God, in His merciful love, wanted him to be. Such is the call of a combat chaplain."
- Chaplain (Fr.) Xavier Gigliello, Sky Soldier (deceased)
How does a person acquire the nickname "The Leapin' Deacon"? After graduating from the University of Washington and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, Conrad Walker began his ministry in Elmore, Minnesota, where he joined the National Guard as a chaplain in the the Viking Division. He felt called to active duty and became a chaplain with the 101st and 173rd Airborne. He ministered to the Sky Soldiers in Vietnam and at home, and he served as a Command Chaplain in the U.S. and abroad. Chaplain Walker accomplished many hundreds of jumps from airplanes, including one combat jump, thereby earning him the nickname "The Leapin' Deacon." This truly remarkable retired Army chaplain lives with his wife Ann in San Antonio, Texas. He continues his ministry as a Worldwide Retreat Master.
We meet Connie as a champion class athelete, a military hero, a spiritual giant, and a loving, dedicated family man. You will smile and be uplifted as Connie displays his joyous sense of humor by sharing anecdotes of the growing of a legend. Your heart will grow heavy as the veil of wartime is lifted ever so slightly. Conrad Walker is a minister, shepherd, soldier, hero, devoted husband, and father to five grown children. He has been labeled a legend by the hundreds of "Pups" that he has mentored, and is admired by those who had the good fortune to have been ministered to by this remarkable man of God.
This inspirational nonfiction book is co-written by Conrad Walker and San Antonio resident J. Walker Winslow, a former soldier, actor, singer, public speaker, sales manager, and freelance writer contributing to such publications as The Army Magazine, Splash, and The PGA Tour Partners. He has written a humor column and a travel column.
"Chaplain Connie's story is a great story. It would be difficult to find a better model for chaplain to combat soldiers than Connie Walker. [...] He was always courageous with a great sense of humor, yet a humble man of great faith."
- General John Vessey (retired)
"The Chaplain's Corps should establish a 'Hall of Fame,' and Connie Walker should be among the first recognized."
- Leon Van Autrevem Sergeant Major of the Army (deceased)
