Faith that survives the testing
What actually holds when the account you were given stops matching the life you are living — and why the remainder is worth more than the original.
Speaking & events
Twenty-six years of service, and a faith that had to be rebuilt.
Sam speaks at churches, veteran organizations, and faith conferences. He isn’t a motivational speaker, nor does he pretend that difficult experiences have simple or tidy resolutions. That honesty is often what keeps people inviting him back.
Author · U.S. Navy, Ret.
What he speaks on
The long transition home
For veteran audiences and the people who love them: what the uniform gives you, what it takes, and what nobody prepares you for on the far side of twenty-six years.
Grace and works, without the shouting
A careful walk through the oldest argument in the church, for congregations who have heard the slogan version and found it did not survive a hard week.
Writing the hard parts honestly
On memoir, memory, and the discipline of refusing a tidy ending — for writers' groups and book events.
Formats
- Sunday service or keynote (30–45 min)
- Retreat or weekend series (multiple sessions)
- Panel, interview, or moderated Q&A
- Book event with reading and signing
Practicalities
Sam is based in the United States. Fees and travel are worked out case by case, and he would rather have the conversation than publish a rate card — congregations and veteran groups are not billed the way corporate bookings are.
Books can be made available for sale and signing at the event. Tell him roughly how many people you expect and he will arrange it.
Invite Sam to speak
The more you can tell him now, the faster he can give you a straight answer.