John Sommerville, a Christian, cowboy, Zionist, warrior, and scholar will let us know “Why Christians Support Israel and Why More Should” at the Stand for Israel Summit on June 30 at Northbrook Community Synagogue in Northbrook, IL.

Colonel John Somerville retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 30 years, having served in Vietnam, Somalia, Okinawa, Honduras, Turkey, Egypt, Korea, and (the most dangerous of all) Washington, DC. His final 10 years in the corps were in the intelligence field with an emphasis on the Middle East.

John first went to the Middle East in the early ’70s and has made more than 70 trips there in the ensuing years. His interest in the land of the Bible and archaeology has enabled him to teach and guide dozens of groups throughout the land of Israel. His interest in the land of the Bible and archaeology enables him to speak with authority about the historical and current military, political, and religious events in the region. Among his many missions to Israel were those with “Cowboy Churches,” which arranged for rodeos for the children of Sderot.

John and his wife Mary founded Zion’s Watchmen, incorporating it as a 501(c)3 ministry in Texas. Zion’s Watchmen is committed to the biblical mandate to bless, speak out for, and stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Previously, for six years John was the Central States coordinator for Christians United for Israel (CUFI).

John earned a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He has taught and coached at Princeton University, East Carolina, Georgetown College, and Ohio State.

In 2005 and again in 2012, he was honored with the prestigious “Friend of Israel” award.