Wheaton College Alumni Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 36

ALUMNI association WHEATON’S BROTHERS IN ARMS by Marisa Foxwell ’13 The Hoyman brothers have each mentored Wheaton cadets, and U.S. soldiers in some of the most volatile places on earth. THOUGH SEPARATED BY YEARS AND MILES Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jim Hoyman, professor of military science, and LTC John Hoyman ’92, M.A. ’06 remain close thanks to shared experiences and a fundamental goal: “Jim and I have a common vision of mentoring and discipling a generation of military leaders who honor Jesus Christ,” says John. Growing up in a military family, the Hoyman brothers moved six times, and both remember running around West Point as children. The oldest of three, John says moving so frequently was difficult, but adds, “It also helped me to be outgoing and to make the most of every opportunity.” “My service to the military is subservient to my service to God. Some today would elevate allegiance to America above any other allegiance. I would willingly lay down my life for America in combat, but I will not be pressured to lay down my faith in Jesus Christ,” says LTC John Hoyman ’92, M.A. ’06 (left), pictured with his brother, Jim Hoyman, professor of military science. John went to Wheaton, where he joined student government, won the Parmalee Award as a football player in 1992, and, of course, participated in ROTC. After graduating, John worked at White Sulphur Springs, a camp and conference center of Officers’ Christian Fellowship (OCF) that equips officers to minister effectively in military society and offers restoration to military families returning from deployment. He moved back to Wheaton in 2003, and while serving as assistant professor of military science, earned a master’s degree in Christian Formation and Ministry. When his unit was called, John deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait from 2012 to 2013. While in Kuwait, he served with a chaplain who spoke candidly with the soldiers about his struggles with sexual sin. The chaplain’s honesty had a huge impact, and many of the men became believers or came to John for counsel. John led a “new believers” Bible study group, and ended up baptizing some of the men. 34 141833_33-55.indd 34 SPRING 2014 W H EATON .EDU / A L U M N I 3/19/14 8:19 PM