Shawn Henry Potter

Shawn Henry Potter’s combined 42 years of distinguished military and civilian government service included assignments as the first United States Representative to the government of Russia for National Security Cooperation at the United States Embassy in Moscow, Professor of Russian at the United States Air Force Academy, International Liaison Officer at the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) Prisoner of War and Missing Personnel (POW/MP) Office, and United States Delegate to the government of North Korea for POW/MP Recovery. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian and German Area Studies at the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Arts degree in Foreign Language Education with a minor emphasis in Russian Language at The Ohio State University. He also was the first United States government official to complete a program of study at the Russian Diplomatic Academy in Moscow and conducted postgraduate work, emphasizing Biblical languages -- Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College.

Lois Carol Potter is a homemaker, volunteering in elementary through high school for 16 years and serving in various leadership positions in Community Bible Study for 25 years. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry Education at the University of Northern Colorado, and rendered vital assistance as a trusted advisor and study partner during Shawn’s academic adventures.

Shawn was ordained into the diaconate of the Southern Baptist Church, directed foreign missions in a local congregation, and served with Lois as missionaries in Europe and Africa. Through such diverse life experiences, the Holy Spirit led Shawn and Lois to the Catholic Church, where they were confirmed and welcomed into full communion. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9)

Shawn and Lois have been married for 43 years, are the parents of two adult children and grandparents of eight grandchildren, and have lived, worked, and traveled in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.