William Hamilton - Hovering Above

Image of Victoria and William Hamilton taken from the Facebook page of Mandarin Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Florida.

William Hamilton is another exceptional Brother. He retired from the United States Navy as a Master Chief, a title reached by less than two percent of navy personnel. He did this in record time, just 17 years rather than the norm of 29 years as a Master Chief Gas Turbine Technician. He also worked as a Project Manager for the Navy's then new hovercraft. This is no surprise, given his first job was actually a joint business venture at age 12 repairing TVs and radios, transporting them on a wagon.   My personal favorite example of his genius is the way he outwitted his future wife's mother to win her approval to marry her daughter.

After retiring from the Navy and working with the hovercraft, he then became a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America along with his wife, Victoria. After retiring from ministry, they both travel throughout the United States by motorcycle.

Favorite words: Romans 1:11-1:12, I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

Favorite song: Song for My Father by Horace Silver

About this podcast: In each episode, a Brother reflects on his life; explores the experience of being a Black man in America; shares his interactions with law enforcement; and answers the question "If America was a woman, what would you say to her?"

Every interview starts with getting-to-know-you questions about favorites, accomplishments and then goes deeper. You won't find a collection of conversations with Black men like this anywhere else. Hear their wisdom.

Host, Rahbin Shyne, is an author, educator, creative and avid half-marathon walker. Follow on Instagram @allthingshyne or on Facebook.

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