James Key

James Key was born in Los Angeles, California and was reared in the Crenshaw District where he attended public schools. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and was called into preaching ministry while working as a Sales Representative in Southern California for Johnson and Johnson Baby Company.

James Key earned both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, D.C. In 1993 he was ordained at Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California through the Ordination Council of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the American Baptist Churches, USA.

In the early 90's he worked for the United States House of Representatives as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Sander Levin (MI) and as a Legislative Assistant/Office Manager for Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA). After a successful tenure on Capitol Hill, he served as Executive Director of Sojourners Neighborhood Center, a religious based non-profit organization in Washington, D.C.

Currently, James Key is the Regimental Chaplain (Major) for the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, VA; Pastor of Woodlawn Chapel Gospel service, Fort Belvoir, VA; frequent Columnist for USA Today and the author of a newly released book entitled, Touch and Go: From the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the war in Iraq.

He has also served as a University Chaplain; Prison Chaplain; College Adjunct Professor; Associate Minister of First Baptist Church of Deanwood, Washington, D.C.; Pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church, Smithfield, Virginia; 530th Supply and Service Support Battalion Chaplain, Fort Bragg, NC; 530 Logistic Task Force Chaplain, Baghdad, Iraq; Observer Controller (OC) at the Army National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA and Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery.

James Key's military schooling includes the Chaplain Captain Career Course and the Chaplain Officer Basic Course.

His affiliations include but not limited to: Association of African American Professionals (Board Member), National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Biblical Institute for Social Change, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Prince Hall Masons.

James Keys awards and honors include: The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Who's Who in Black Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Outstanding Young Men of America Award, Outstanding Graduate Award (Pan-African Studies Department, CSUN) and Minister of the Week (Afro-American Newspaper, Washington, D.C