Reuel Sample is the Editor-in-Chief of The Wilmington Standard.  A graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as both a Presbyterian Pastor and a Navy Chaplain. He is the product of a classical liberal arts education combined with real world experience in politics and business and conservative Christian worldview firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition.  He is the host of several podcasts including the NHC GOP Podcast, the Pastor's Voice, and co-hosts the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience.  An avid sailor, he has sailed around the world as a youth and to the Azores as a teen as well as extensive trips up and down the east coast of the United States.  He is honored to be married to his wife Pam and makes his home in Wilmington, NC.

Jonathan Bridges is a political strategist specializing in fundraising for Republican Congressional and gubernatorial campaigns nationwide. He has spent over a decade serving as a general consultant and campaign manager, and has worked in the nonprofit sector.

School owner, Chief Master Paul Leitzke, is an 8th Degree Black Belt in the American Taekwondo Association and has been training in martial arts for over thirty years. He has had multiple school locations in the past including Havelock, New Bern, and Morehead City. Master Leitzke is currently focused on helping the Wilmington community develop through the teachings of traditional martial arts with Assistant Instructor Shelly Morgan.

He is the school owner of Confidence Martial Arts.

Samuel Ibrahim is a follower of Jesus Christ and a grateful immigrant who grew up in the Middle East before finding freedom and opportunity in the United States. A husband of 38 years, father of four, and grandfather of three, he built a four-decade career in technology and business, including founding and successfully selling a software company. His love for America is rooted not in sentiment but in lived experience: he knows firsthand what it means to leave repression and embrace liberty.

Samuel writes not from academic theory or professional title, but from conviction. His analytical approach, shaped by years of problem-solving in business and technology, informs a clear and sober assessment of America’s cultural and spiritual decline. His journey—from a region marked by authoritarianism to a nation founded on biblical truth and ordered liberty—gives him both perspective and responsibility.

Mark Sooy is a theologian, teacher, author, and musician who serves in university instruction, authoring, conference speaking and leading, private music instruction and other forms of Christian service.  Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from LBC | Capital Seminary with a focus on the spiritual formation of leaders, an MA in Historical Theology from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary of Cornerstone University , and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Grace Bible College.  He is also a commissioned graduate of the Colson Fellows (formerly known as the Centurions Program ).  

Mark’s published work includes articles for periodical publications, devotionals, as well as three books:   Essays on Martin Luther’s Theology of Music ; The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew ; and, Lessons in the Silence of God. 

A fourth book, co-authored with Elisabeth Sooy, is titled: Weekday Wisdom: Daily Reflections for Leaders and Administrators  

Mark and his wife currently reside in West Michigan. For further information please visit: www.MarkSooy.com 

Colin Fels currently resides here in Wilmington, NC and is one of the contributing writers for The Wilmington Conservative. Colin holds a BS in Communication Studies from The University of North Carolina Wilmington. Colin has a love for music, film, writing, and digital marketing. You may catch him playing around Wilmington, Leland, Shallote, & Oak Island in his band Miles Atlas. 

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