Chaplain

Lieutenant John J. Eastman
United States Navy
Chaplain Corps

Chaplain Eastman was born in Long Island, New York.  He grew up in Queens, New York, and then at 16 moved to Israel with his Dad and sister for a year.  Upon returning to the States, John enlisted in the United States Air Force (1983) completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and then assigned training as an Air Cargo Specialist.  Upon completion of training, he was transferred to McGuire Air Base, Trenton, NJ (1984).  After a small stint at Rammstein Air Base, Germany and Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA, Chaplain Eastman was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman Reservist (1989) and then began studies at the Kosoloff School of Film and later the American Film Institute.  He spent a number of years working in Los Angeles as a commercial director and producer.

In 1995, Chaplain Eastman came to faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah after reading the 53rd chapter of the book of Isaiah.  With a circumcised heart and now a Jewish Christian, he has devoted himself to the work of the Lord.

In 2001, Chaplain Eastman completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the Master’s College, Santa Clarita, CA.  While studying for his Master’s of Divinity at the Master’s Seminary, Sun Valley, California, he served both in the local church and as a volunteer chaplain for the Castaic Correctional Facility, Castaic, CA.

He was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program in 2003.  Upon graduation of Seminary, he attended Chaplain Candidate School, Naval Station, Newport, RI (2004).  Upon graduation, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade as an active duty Navy Chaplain.  Chaplain Eastman completed training at Naval Station, San Diego while awaiting orders to Marine Corps School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, NC (2005).  As the Infantry Training Battalion Chaplain, Chaplain Eastman had the opportunity to minister to thousands of Marines running through their 52 day cycles prior to deployment for the War on Terror.  Chaplain Eastman was promoted to Lieutenant in April 2005.

In 2006, Chaplain Eastman was transferred to the Marine Corps Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, NC where he currently serves as Command Chaplain for the Engineer School and Coast Guard Special Mission’s Training Center.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Witherspoon recipient (2007).