An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Two AMC Airmen selected to enter Catholic seminary

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bob Everdeen
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  With a minimum commitment of seven years -- attending college courses in philosophy and theology, assisting at a parish, working as an ordained deacon -- the decision to work toward becoming an ordained priest is monumental.

Just two months after Pope Benedict XVI declared a worldwide "Year for Priests," two Airmen assigned to Air Mobility Command have left active duty to begin the long process of study and preparation to become Catholic priests. The "Year for Priests" is a time meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world. For the two AMC Airmen, it's a fitting time to embark on a lifelong journey.

Maj. Ryan Boyle, formerly stationed at McChord AFB, Wash., and Technical Sgt. Tyler Harris, formerly attached to Travis AFB, Calif., will attend seminary at opposite ends of the United States -- Florida and California, respectively.

"I am proud to have served my country as a pilot, especially during a time of war, and I love to travel. I've seen 65 countries and six continents during my career, but at the end of the day (flying) wasn't what I felt called to do," Major Boyle said. "There was always this nagging feeling that something was missing. I've always been involved at church and always felt at home there, even more so than in my own house. It's a calling."

Some people may not understand the desire to change careers midstream, especially 11-plus years into it like Major Boyle, but Tech. Sgt. Harris, an Air Force Reserve chaplain's assistant, has similar internal confirmation.

"I've been thinking about the Catholic priesthood since I was a little kid sitting in Mass on Sundays," he said. "Now, to think about being able to serve the men and women of the Air Force as a chaplain in the future is very humbling. I'm excited to get started."

Both men cite mentorship as a driving force behind their growth in the Catholic religion, especially guidance they've received from current Air Force chaplains.

Major Boyle, the 32-year-old son of a retired Air Force colonel and grandson of a retired Navy captain, says some members of his family were somewhat "surprised and shocked," but all are now "coming around to it and are supportive and happy" about his chosen path. "It was like a sine wave with ups and downs between marriage and seminary for a long time," he said. "It became abundantly clear about five years ago and I've had plenty of time to think everything through."

As a mobility pilot, the major never knew where he would end up on various missions around the globe. He says ministry will be the same.

"You never know who you're going to meet or what circumstances will arise, but I'm going to make the best of each day, each situation and remember that I'm on God's time, not my time. Every person I come across is a person I'm there to help -- I'm there to serve."

There is a shortage of Catholic chaplains in the Air Force that mirrors the shortage on the civilian side. For example, by next summer there will be 25 bases without an active duty Catholic priest. This creates an enormous workload for those who commit to leading the faith. But according to a former co-worker, the Air Force will get a solid return on investment with Major Boyle.

"There are very few people I've ever met who are of this caliber," said Capt. Todd Hontz, 8th Airlift Squadron chief of safety at McChord AFB. "The example of service Major Boyle provides is unmatched. He has a wealth of experience from a military standpoint, is a great ambassador for the Catholic church and finds commonality -- that's his gift. People are naturally drawn to him and he has the same caring, humble personality toward everyone."

The major started his official journey toward priesthood in August. Prior to that he enjoyed 102 days of terminal leave from the Air Force taking a 6,000-mile road trip with his 20-year-old brother Matthew, travelling through parts of Canada and a number of state parks across the United States. "If it's God's will," he'll finish up Seminary and other requirements for becoming a priest, log three years of experience, then return to the Air Force around 2019.

"My goal is to serve God as a chaplain and serve where the Air Force needs me," Major Boyle said. "After that, I'll return to my diocese, where the retirement age is about 75 or 80, and continue to spend the rest of my life serving God."

Major Boyle is one of two recipients of the new Religious Professional Scholarship program approved by the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force to address critical religious needs; the current need is for Roman Catholic priest chaplains. For more information about the program, visit the Air Force Chaplain Corps' Web site at http://www.usafhc.af.mil/.