It takes a village to make a book! And there are many members of my “village” whom I would like to thank.
First and foremost is my friend and coauthor, Gloria DeGaetano, whose tremendous qualifications, in-depth research, hard work, and positive spirit have made this book possible.
To Doug Pepper, our editor, who has been a friend, coauthor, and fellow believer. To my agent, Richard Curtis, who may have been the very first to truly believe in this book.
To my sainted wife and dearest friend, Jeanne. To Susan Tacker, my assistant and a true gift from above just when we needed her. To my “fairy godmothers” and my “wicked stepsisters,” who helped us to make some sense out of the senseless tragedy that struck in Littleton.
To Jack Bowers and Linda Graham and the magnificent group whom I had the privilege to serve beside in Jonesboro after the unthinkable happened there. To my brothers-in-arms and fellow trainers in the law enforcement community. To my tremendously supportive leaders, friends, peers, and students at Arkansas State University.
To my three sons, Jon, Eric, and Joe, who lost a part of their Dad but can turn to the pages of this book, and the fruits thereof, to see where he went. And to Mom and Dad, who taught me to love books and never lost faith, and then had to depart just before I could finish this one.
And to so many others, in the realms of military, peace, academia, medicine, and education, who believed and supported. To all of these I extend my undying thanks and gratitude. May we, together, help to make things just a little better.
—Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
This book brewed inside me for over a decade. I am so grateful to Dave Grossman, warrior with heart, for helping pull it out of me. His leadership, passion, and uncompromising standards for making a better world inspire us all!
I am very thankful for the commitment and determination of all the people at Crown. Their dedication to this book juiced up the process and spurred needed energy to meet impossible deadlines. Doug Pepper, senior editor, has my sincere respect and appreciation for all the time, energy, and talent he put in helping us craft a more coherent, incisive manifesto. And, as always, my gratitude continues for Peter Cox, my agent, essential and excellent supporter of my dreams!
Dr. Brandon Centerwall and Dr. Don Shifrin have graciously shared so much of their knowledge over many conversations. They have been not only good buddies throughout the process, but also indispensable experts in keeping us accurate and on track. Thank you so much!
At times writing this book caused the college-type panic when six papers were due immediately. When that happened, friends and family provided comfort and backbone. Pam Bartlett, Lynn Haney, Anna Schwartz, and Wendy Johnson are four powerful women who know how to “nudge and nurture.” I am deeply indebted to my wise mother, Ida DeGaetano, for her sage advice and understanding that “chicken did, indeed, come to prove it!” My sister, Barbara, brother, Al, and their families have been a welcome cheering squad. My sons, Matt and Adam, gave me much-needed guidance, heated debates and all. And of course, thanks to my ever-encouraging husband, David Moore, whose intelligent insights and generous spirit are reflected on every page.
—Gloria DeGaetano