A Near-Death Experience That Became a Life of Service
U.S. Air Force Veteran | Near-Death Experiencer | Speaker | Hope, Purpose, and Laughter
U.S. Air Force Veteran | Near-Death Experiencer | Speaker | Hope, Purpose, and Laughter
Chase Skylar DeMayo is a U.S. Air Force veteran and near-death experiencer. On April 1, 2008, at age 20, he experienced cardiac arrest while stationed at Langley Air Force Base. After keeping the experience private for twelve years, he began sharing it to help others feel less alone and to open kinder conversations about military and veteran NDEs. In 2024, he delivered the keynote at the IANDS International Conference in Phoenix.
Military near-death experiences intersect with service, identity, trauma, spirituality, culture, and reintegration. Chase writes for service members, veterans, families, chaplains, and care professionals, helping them begin honest conversations and find credible resources.
Chase the Light is not simply a story about surviving death. It is an invitation to live more fully while we are here. For Chase, that means choosing love over fear, finding joy in ordinary moments, sharing laughter freely, and using difficult experiences to serve others. He shares his story openly and welcomes people of every belief and background to take from it whatever brings meaning, hope, or joy.
In 2008, at age 20, while serving at Langley Air Force Base, I experienced cardiac arrest and what I understand as a profound near-death experience. When I returned, my life looked familiar, but I no longer felt the same. I did not have language for what happened, and I feared how people might judge or misunderstand me. For approximately 12 years, I kept the experience largely private. I now share it because silence can become its own form of isolation. I share my story with respect for every belief and point of view, hoping it helps create a safer and more honest conversation about extraordinary experiences, identity, purpose, healing, and returning to everyday life profoundly changed.

Read Chase's firsthand account, including the medical event, what he remembers experiencing, the years he remained silent, and how the experience continues to shape his life.
Explore carefully sourced information for veterans, military families, chaplains, advocates, journalists, and care professionals.
Gentle, nonclinical reflections on identity, relationships, work, spiritual change, and finding qualified support when needed.

Independent News. Chase is interviewed as a Wounded Warrior Project Project Odyssey participant in this local news report.
Official Conference. Chase delivered the keynote Chasing the Light: A Journey of Transformation Through Near-Death Experiences in Phoenix.
Interview. Lee Witting speaks with Chase about military NDE disclosure, twelve years of silence, and support for veterans and their families.
Official Military Record. Read Chase Skylar DeMayo's public-affairs bylines and verified military journalism from his U.S. Air Force service.
Chase speaks with honesty, warmth, humor, and respect about survival, military life, near-death experiences, spiritual transformation, purpose, and the years it can take to understand what an extraordinary experience means.
A clear introduction to military-context NDEs, disclosure, aftereffects, and informed support for veterans and families.
Why military culture, career concerns, identity, and fear of disbelief can delay disclosure, with careful, nonclinical guidance.
How veterans and military families can evaluate peer-support groups and connect with qualified care when needed.
Browse the complete article archive for veteran-focused NDE education, responsible interpretation, integration, and support resources.
Chase Skylar DeMayo | U.S. Air Force Veteran | Near-Death Experiencer | Speaker. Copyright © 2026 Chase Skylar DeMayo. All rights reserved. ChaseDeMayo.com shares personal testimony, educational information, and spiritual reflection with care and respect. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health care, counseling, or crisis support.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. See our Privacy Policy.