I wrote a book.

I see from my emails the PR crap is going to start now.

In truth, I was kind of afraid of that. I did email Skinner about this beforehand, because I think I know what is about to happen. He or she is a true gentleman or lady - decent person.

It is "ON A WING AND A PRAYER". Non-fiction. WWII.

And it is a morality play - so there is no doubt.

I wrote it, I take full responsibilty - and if anyone really does hack me, screw you, it comes out anyway. I approved the electronic galley two weeks ago. It is coming out. And you could get it on Amazon, even.

SO, I am on record.

Merry Christmas you guys. You are good people, I know. You did as you thought was right - good enough for me.

My kid is on leave, after the Mosul bullshit- I had to wait for these stupid email things. It is done, and I am going home.

Shit, the publishers are going to get the money, anyway.

Never about money to me. The day I need money to do the right thing is my last day.

I think my computer will have a "bad day" for the next 48 hours - but I will be home!!

Anyway, I wrote the damn book. I proudly wrote the damn book - an honor. And I would do so again, in a hearbeat.

Joe

Now where and when can I buy it?

Nobody really cares. Most people just say, Hey! That's cool, and move on.

Good luck.

I'd like to know.

Joe

I forgot, is your son headed back or going to another TDA?

I'm hoping for the latter.

It occurs to me, you have more of a right to a say so than most any one here, me included.

I know, grew up with guys, my brothers, that did things you did - but I was'nt there.

You were.

All in all - I'd listen to you. I know, trust, in your experience.

Joe

On a Wing and a Prayer - Memories of a Fighter Pilot and a Nurse in WWII

Libra Press?? - out of Philly, anyway.

I have fought the good fight, every word, every image - for six f-ing years.

I never thought they'd pay me much - and I DO NOT want this in the book, but every cent the book makes goes to VFW or that group (which I am still not sure of) represents Dad's interest.

My life as a child, as a sibling and now as a parent seems in some very sick sense to revolve around war.

Troy finished his 1st tour in nov 2004. He goes back in a few months.

Let me tell you something, I know for a fact, three generations - it is not the combat that does you in - no, it is the aftermath.

You may live with what happened to you, and as God is my witness - it is what you have to do in combat. I have watched the nightmares for so many years now.

I NEVER thought I'd see it in my son. No more.

Joe

i would also like to congratulate you. it takes a LOT of hard work to put out a book so congrats. nothing but kind words from me. semper

this is where all the REAL Marines are!

Completing a book and getting it published is a hell of an achievement, and you should be proud. I'm working on one myself, actually - rather dry technical material, only of interest to geeks supporting & designing large scale email systems.

I was so sick to my stomache in the end.

Be sure of your vision - and if you are not - don't do it.

I am so sure of the vision, and I am still sick to my stomache.

Way to go Joe.

You're right about every thing revolving around the aftermath. Best description that I have ever heard.

My father was a fighter pilot. My mother was an evac nurse - eto 44-45.

My three older brothers went to Viet Nam. I was only spared because I was born after '53.

But I do know two things, B*sh is NO FIGHTER PILOT - I KNOW fighter pilots, I grew up with them.

And I know, the things that haunt people are not so much the things you do as much as the things you have to do in war to survive.

From this day, 'til the day I die I will never forgive Bush for this war - I cannot.

I know the fallout of war - firsthand - to real families. And I do agree, sometimes war has to be done. Elective war seems to me like elective suicide.

I do listen to the marginalization of Cindy Sheehan, on my way to work.

And I think she is one of the very few that got this right (I think H. Dean did, too).

War is something we have to do, sometimes, when we know we are about to get hit.

It is not "elective" and it is not reactionary. It is a reality based process. Happens about every 80-100 years.

Many of our DU fellows know this. That is why they are here. We do need to listen to them .

my dad was in the Army, fought in Normandy and my mother was a nurse in the Phillipines. Very interesting. :D

But what is all this stuff about people hacking you? The PR crap?

Congratuations on getting it published.
May this be your first work of many.

Congratulations.

:toast:

:toast:

you are the second DU author I know about. The other one wrote "Terror Timeline" which I bought from a local bookstore.

The kids were easier.

:toast:

Quite an achievement. I have been working on a book as well. And it can be all encompassing. Good for you.

My father piloted a B-17 out of Kimbolton, England, so I have an interest in the WWII Army Air Corps. I'll make a suggestion to the Bethlehem, PA public library to buy a couple copies of your book.
Best wishes for you and your son.