I was able to see Boykin speak at my church many years ago. His son at that time was a Secret Service agent, and one of our parishioners was too; so he was able to get the retired general to speak. Let me tell you something, he gave a fantastic testimony. When he closed his speech he gave us a visually stunning message of having served the Lord. He said something such as, “And when I see the Lord on bent knees, with shield in one hand and spear in another, I’ll say Lord I tried to serve you well.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house amongst the men watching him speak. At the end of his testimony we were able to shake hands with him, and get his book signed. I still have mine. Let’s get into it:

Lieutenant General Boykin’s remarkable military journey takes center stage in this deeply personal account that explores the intersection of religious faith and the trials of a military career. Throughout his distinguished service, Boykin encountered numerous harrowing situations, including those depicted in the film “Black Hawk Down,” the Iranian hostage crisis, and the ongoing war on terror. This book offers readers a front-row seat to the military missions he undertook, brimming with adrenaline-pumping narratives.

Boykin’s writing may strike some as polarizing, given his unabashed criticism of Democratic political figures like Jimmy Carter and John Kerry. However, others will find inspiration in his unwavering commitment to his faith, which served as a steadfast anchor during turbulent and challenging times. The book delves into Boykin’s evolution from a soldier to a public speaker who motivated others towards faith in God and allegiance to American ideals.

Boykin’s journey began in 1978 when he joined what would become the renowned Special Operations unit, Delta Force. His experiences encompassed perilous encounters with warlords, war criminals, and dictators in diverse global settings, from Colombia’s pursuit of Pablo Escobar to the capture of Panama’s Manuel Noriega. “Never Surrender” is not merely an insider’s guide to Delta Force tactics but a profound exploration of the interplay between combat and Christianity. Boykin’s 36-year service, including 15 years with Delta, placed him at the forefront of U.S. military efforts against formidable adversaries during the 1980s and 90s.

Beyond facing external threats, Boykin grappled with challenges closer to home, defending his motivations and faith against critics. Accusations of religious zealotry and using his position for proselytization were refuted, with the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General eventually clearing him of wrongdoing.

Co-authored with Lynn Vincent, “Never Surrender” combines entertainment and enlightenment. Readers are immersed in the world of one of America’s elite warriors, whose journey from the demanding Delta selection course in 1978 led to a remarkable career in special operations, taking him to the far reaches of the globe.

This riveting account transports readers from Iran’s desert expanses to the picturesque beaches of Grenada, from Panama’s lush jungles to the war-torn landscapes of Somalia. Boykin and Delta’s fearless warriors consistently triumph over despots and murderers, executing swift and precise missions as envisioned by Delta’s founder, Colonel Charlie Beckwith.

While the book provides insights into these missions, it wisely avoids divulging classified operational details. Boykin’s faith is a recurring theme, with his prayers seeking protection for his men and the hostages they aimed to rescue. Boykin gave us a lot of insight into the movie Black Hawk Down, and his role in the battle. We also got to hear him speak about his faith. In a world where a man of Boykin’s caliber can face unwarranted skepticism and vilification, we should celebrate his selfless service to the nation. Rather than doubting his motivations, we owe him profound gratitude for 36 years of sacrificial service, marked by personal sacrifice, including injuries and the dissolution of his marriage.

General Jerry Boykin’s life exemplifies the scripture: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). We are blessed to have individuals like him who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedom, and we can never truly repay the debt of gratitude we owe them.

William Gerald “Jerry” Boykin (born April 19, 1948) is a retired American lieutenant general who was the United States Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence under President George W. Bush from 2002 to 2007. During his 36-year career in the military he spent 13 years in the Delta Force and was involved in numerous high-profile missions, including the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt, the 1992 hunt for Pablo Escobar in Colombia, and the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, Somalia. He is an author and visiting professor at Hampden–Sydney College, Virginia. He is currently executive vice president at the Family Research Council.

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