Randy Kington

Vietnam veteran and author of What a Life

“What a Life tells the story of a remarkable Marine and human being. It is testimony to the indomitable courage and determination of the great American that is Randy Kington. It is men like Randy Kington, United States Marine Corps, who made our nation great.” --Brigadier General Gary Brown USMC (Ret)

Randy Kington is positive proof that barriers can be overcome. Randy’s courage, his refusal to give up, and a strong faith in God sustained him through times that would defeat most. After 9 months of the most intense fighting of the Vietnam War, 19 year old Kington was severely wounded in an encounter with the enemy on March 21, 1966. The injury left him paralyzed from the chest down and in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

Randy’s life and inspirational message informs listeners about the price that was paid to triumph over the most difficult of obstacles and the rewards that came by overcoming.

Comments:

“We can never really appreciate the commitment, valor, and price that our Americans have given for our freedom until we take a walk in their world. The story is real, the man is real and no matter your opinion on war going in, “What a Life” will capture your heart as God has truly protected one of His children to provide this heroic, healing narrative. “What a Life” is the most heart pounding story of bravery and survival I know. The near misses, the loss of life, and the measures of valor, paint a visual picture that humbles us. Encounter the book today or attend one of his testimonials, you’ll never be the same”.

Edgar S. Gray President of Morristown Kiwanis

“Randy is a bright beacon of light for the glory of God as a husband, father, businessman, writer, faithful church member, Sunday School teacher, and representative of the United States Military. The testimony of this gentle and gracious man of impeccable character and integrity is a powerful illustration of the love, mercy, and power of God. I highly recommend his book and hearing his story.”

Dr Richard Emmert, Pastor of Manley Baptist Church

“Thank you for continuing to do the good work for our country and fellow man.”

Doyle M. Wallace, Rotarian

“Randy’s message was uplifting, informative, and inspiring. His program describing overcoming obstacles was one of the best ones we have had in the 25 years I’ve been a Lions Club member. Terry Hackney, V.P. First Tennessee Bank

“In over 10 years, we have never had a speaker receive a standing ovation; Randy received 3!

Joe Adams, President of 2,000 member Pelican Bay Association

Background

John Randall Kington grew up in Morristown Tennessee. After a typical childhood, Randy joined the Marine Corps on September 3, 1964, and proceeded from boot camp at Parris Island to the jungles of Vietnam within 10 months.

Randy was a rifleman and platoon radio operator with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. On March 21, 1966, Randy’s platoon spearheaded an assault against the 21st North Vietnamese Army Regiment. Against overwhelming odds, Echo Co. lost 95 young Marines in a matter of moments. Before the Marines finally secured victory, Kington was shot in the neck and lost all feeling in his body.

Randy credits those seconds as the defining moment of his life. He realized his need to be right with God. From the 7.62 millimeter round tearing into his neck to landing hard off a rice paddy dike, Randy spent what seemed like minutes talking with the Lord and receiving His forgiveness.

Randy’s life since his injury is best summed up in the title of his autobiography--What a Life. He met his wife Patty, and went back to school achieving a Masters and CPA. Randy was an Associate Professor, Tax Partner, and with Patty, owned their own CPA firm. Randy credits the successes of his life to the faith gained from that battlefield conversion on March 21, 1966.

Some Churches where Randy has spoken

Morristown Church of God Warrensburg Baptist Church Olga First Baptist Church

Manley Baptist Church Robertson Creek Baptist Church Friendship Baptist Church

Russellville Church of God Talbot Church Of God North Fort Myers FBC

Morristown First Baptist Church Morristown First Methodist Church Marco Island FBC

Alpha Baptist Church Cedar Hill Church of God East Naples Methodist Church

Sevierville First Baptist Church Saint Anne’s Catholic Church Suncoast Baptist Church

Buffalo Trail Baptist Church Naples First Baptist Church Crusade for Christ Revival

Holts Baptist Church East Naples Baptist Church Palm Coast Pastors Conference

Moringside Baptist Church Fairfield Baptist Church Lebanon Baptist Church

Cherokee Hills Baptist Church

Randy also has spoken with numerous Civic groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs

Contact Randy in Naples, FL. at 239 417 9326 or Morristown, TN. at 423 586 7099