Jeff Hesterman graduated as a Director of Christian Education from Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois and entered the United States Navy in 1981. He served in the Navy for over 29 years as a Naval Aviator, navigator, military strategist, professor, squadron commander and carrier strike group commander. Upon his retirement from the Navy he served as the Director of Facilities at Concordia College, Selma, Alabama until his departure to prepare for ordination in the pastoral ministry.