Thank you seems too tiny a phrase to capture my total gratitude and indebtedness to the people who invested in turning my most popular motivational speech “9 Rules of Engagement” into a book. So, let me put it this way: From the moment I put pen to paper (yeah, I write old-school), angels began appearing in my life! But for a season, my special forces grew exponentially. Glad to have served with them on this project.
Let me list and heap praise and love on those who helped me glide through this writing project: the wonderful publishing team at HarperCollins especially Lisa Sharkey and Matt Harper; Cait Hoyt at CAA Books for a coffee meeting and long talks that changed the arc of my writing career; Olivia Metzger at OManagement and Ali Spiesman at CAA Talent for their unmatched belief in my ability to see it through, as the news cycle often blinded my way forward; my Fox News Channel Outnumbered and Outnumbered Overtime with Harris Faulkner teams for giving me support when they didn’t even know I needed it; and to others in my professional family at Fox News Channel who value the winding road which always leads to the truth.
A special thanks to the amazing military leaders, past and present, who generously sat with me for interviews. And trust me when I tell you—I asked a lot of questions! Retired four-star General Jack Keane, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Congresswoman Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Paolo Harrell, wife of Major General James Harrell.
And, to Hope Innelli. Thanks for being on my tactical team. Take a bow, grab a Moscow Mule, and let’s party!
Hugs and sweet joy to my husband, Tony, and our daughters, Bella and Danika. They helped me gather stories from Grandpa Bobby, or as readers now know him, Lieutenant Colonel Bob Harris.
Gratitude to my sister, Annissa, and my niece, Audrey, for supporting Dad as he recounted decades of American history for this book.
And Dad, we did it . . . with help from Mom in heaven. My civilian salute to you both and all my love.