This book is dedicated to a real life hero, an actual Delta operator who recently lost his life. You can read this man’s amazing story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/24/us/joshua-wheeler-killed-in-isis-raid.html?_r=1
When I look at his photo, I almost picture Red. When I read about his joking around and his mischievous side, I think of Niner. When I read about how he had to tell his wife he was going on a training mission, I think of them all.
Master Sergeant Joshua L. Wheeler was a true hero who charged into the fray, the result—over seventy lives saved. The sacrifice he made, along with that of his family and Unit, is appreciated.
A lot of violent, horrible things are said and done in this book, with various characters’ perspectives representing many of those in real life. As stated at the beginning, many of the events described in this book actually did happen, from bombings of towns, burning of innocents, overflowing refugee camps, Christians singled out and thrown overboard, an Austrian woman hauled out of her car and assaulted, refugees refusing food with a Red Cross symbol, young men getting off buses and hiding their faces with their hands, and more.
The numbers involved in this crisis are staggering, and history has shown how a sudden influx of those who share nothing in common with the culture of the area they move into can overwhelm what was once there.
And ultimately destroy it, often unintentionally.
With a recent survey of refugees completed by the Doha, Qatar based Arab Centre for Research and Public Policy Studies, showing 31% support for ISIL, 41% holding an unfavorable view of Jews, and 97% of gays, perhaps it is wise to exercise caution.
It’s something for all of us to think about.
And now for more fun things. The Jag Jab, as many have come to call them, is based on a true story. I owned convertibles for almost a decade, never having the roof leak in the carwash, but every time, the Jag would leak, to the point where we had a small Tupperware bowl with us that we would hold up against the edge of the window and roof, following the track of the spray to catch the water.
My daughter thought it was great fun.
I mentioned it to the dealer when I was in for the umpteenth time with who knows what new problem, and they said that was normal. I expressed my doubts. They insisted. My reply:
“It may be normal for Jaguars, but it’s not normal for convertibles.”
Surprisingly, they weren’t sure what to say to that.
Interestingly, my next convertible, purchased after dumping that albatross, didn’t leak.
And the Tupperware bowl was retired.
As usual there are people to thank. Brent Richards for weapons and tactics help, Ian Kennedy for tactics, equipment and explosives, Greg “Chief” Michael for military terminology, and my father for his research. And of course, my wife, daughter, family, and friends.
To those who have not already done so, please visit my website at www.jrobertkennedy.com then sign up for the Insider’s Club to be notified of new book releases. Your email address will never be shared or sold and you’ll only receive the occasional email from me as I don’t have time to spam you!
Thank you once again for reading.