A super story about real life heroes doing the daily business of protecting the nation both here and abroad. Col fleming tells it all as an oberver and a participant. His stories are not embellished for the reader, nor do they point to him as the central heroic figure. They do provide the reader with a look into a world that is boring and thrilling at the same time; deftly describing the tedium of daily squadron life as it gives way to the breakneck speed and physical demands of search and rescue over water.
This book is full of heroes... and a few malcontents, imcompetents and villains. He bravely steps up to describe the politics of the national guard. Where officers may be elevated for political reasons despite their shortcomings. His criticism is not couched in the whining of a man dissapointed by his leaders. It is a thoughtful observation of the things that go awry, even to the best of us. His determination to stay with his unit, then to move forward despite rejection, criticism and professional "second guessing" speak more about his character than the eagles on his shoulder or the ribbons on his chest.
Col Fleming reminds me of the ubiquitous "Old Sage" in every military unit. The Colonel or Master Sergeant who regailed there charges with the "old corps" stories of past glory and disappointment. These stories, often funny, sometimes tragic were tinged with morals and lessons to be learned and incorporated into the professional and personal lives of their young officers, NCOs and airmen. In an axiom that defines military men and women through time, the good ones learned there lessons from the Old Sage, the bad ones learned them the hard way.
Col Fleming has taken us all into his world and through his writing we come away with a deeper sense of gratitude and understanding for the people who stand in harm's way for us.
A Real Warrior sharing his world... an outstanding book
