Service & Sacrifice: Priest with a warrior resume

Monsignor Philip Thoni is a veteran of two wars and is about to celebrate sixty years as a priest.

He took time out of his duties overseeing St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gatlinburg to share his experiences as a military chaplain.

Below you'll see our "10 Questions" interview with Fr. Thoni. With a nod to a former colleague and web producer Katie G. who leaned on this technique in her work, we thought this format might give you an added perspective into Fr. Thoni's service, sacrifice, and his life.

1. What one person influenced you most in life?
I'd say my basketball and tennis coach Leo Long at Father Ryan High School in Nashville. He added discipline to my life. He kept telling me I should think about becoming a priest. The thing that scared me most was eight more years of school.

2. Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country?
It was privilege. Many strangers will offer thanks for my service.

3. How can people thank you for your service?
Just a handshake or a thank you means the most.

4. How do you honor your fellow service men and women?
I'm Chaplain of American Legion in Gatlinburg, and we pray regularly for service men and women.

5. How do you think this generation of service men and women is different or similar to yours?
At times, I feel the current generation has less discipline. Once they join the military they find it. But I grew up during the Depression. I understood sacrifice and commitment before joining the military.

6. What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life?
It made me realize how important it is for people to serve each other. It keeps us from becoming selfish.

7. Does your family have a history of military service?
Three brothers all served. Oldest was a Marine. One in the Air Force. And another in Army.

8. Would you encourage younger generations in your family to join the service?
Yes. In fact, I tell young people it will be a great experience, especially in the military academies.

9. How has your opinion of war changed?
Today it is more a mechanical thing than person to person. War isn't as personal today as it was in my generation.

10. How did your military experience shape your faith?
It strengthened my faith.