Some lives leave an imprint that reaches far beyond a single generation. Brigadier General Jim Hutchens was one of those lives.
In our latest episode of The Red Alert Report, Shelley and I are honored to share a deeply moving conversation with Major General Dick Chegar, a lifelong friend and fellow soldier whose life was forever changed by Jim’s influence.
Their friendship began amid the chaos and uncertainty of Vietnam and grew into a bond spanning more than six decades. Through Major General Chegar’s reflections, we gain a powerful glimpse into the man we knew as founder of The Jerusalem Connection: a warrior, a leader, an unwavering follower of Jesus Christ, and a faithful advocate for Israel.
As General Chegar recalls, one simple question from Jim altered the course of his life forever:
“What’s your relationship to Jesus Christ?”
That conversation ultimately led Chegar to faith in Christ, demonstrating the profound impact Jim had on countless lives through his willingness to share the Gospel wherever God placed him.
Throughout the interview, General Chegar speaks of Jim’s courage under fire, his steadfast faith during adversity, and his commitment to serving both God and country. Most of all, he remembers a friend whose walk with Jesus was authentic, consistent, and transformative.
In one of the episode’s most powerful moments, he says:
“Jim Hutchens changed my life forever.”
This year, we are grateful that Jim’s extraordinary service and sacrifice are being formally recognized. On November 9, 2026, Brigadier General Jim Hutchens will be inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man his devotion to God and his commitment to others matched whose military accomplishments only.
While awards and honors acknowledge a life well lived, medals or titles cannot measure Jim’s greatest legacy. His true legacy lives on in the people he encouraged, the soldiers he served beside, the family he cherished, the faith he boldly shared, and the countless friends who were drawn closer to Christ because of his example.
As you watch this special episode, we invite you to celebrate and remember a man whose life reflected the words he believed so deeply: faith is not simply something we profess, but something we live.
Jim’s story reminds us that God works through ordinary conversations, faithful friendships, and obedient lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
We hope you’ll join us in honoring his memory and celebrating this well-deserved recognition.
Watch this special episode of The Red Alert Report featuring Major General Dick Chegar’s reflections on the life and legacy of Brigadier General Jim Hutchens.
With gratitude,
Amy Zewe & Shelley Neese