Mike Neil is the President and Founder of the Washington State Chaplain Foundation, and Senior Chaplain for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. He served 30 years as a Fish and Wildlife Officer, 15 years as a Police Firearms Instructor, and 16 years as a Police Dog Handler. He is the author and illustrator of an African adventure novel, The MIRACLE of AFRICA, He is a born-again Christian who has been married to his wife, Susan, since 1973. In 1981, the couple lost their son Ryan, who was born three months premature. In 2006, the Neil’s faith was tested when their 27-year-old daughter, Susanne, died after being struck by a car on her bicycle. Mike ultimately decided to accept his loss as part of God’s plan and use it for a greater purpose. Today as an Ordained Pastor, Neil leads a statewide team of Police Chaplains who respond to tragedy and minister to state employees. The Neil’s reside in Gig Harbor, Washington where their son James, his wife Heather and their two children also live. James is an Elementary School Principle in Tacoma. Sue retired in 2015 after 27 years teaching fifth grade in Puyallup.