Overview

Born on an US Air Force Base in the 1960s during the middle of the Vietnam War, a set of circumstances combined to create a young man with an internal desire and drive for a singular goal - to fly. He didn't know exactly where that desire came from, but it was no doubt influenced by the signs around him as his father introduced him to the sight of jet fighters in the form of a mobile over his bed, and ""the sound of freedom"" at air shows as a lad. The story begins with the author's first realization that he wanted to fly, and to live in Colorado - a place he had never been - inspired by his father's Air Force service and his love for aircraft and travels. These experiences led the author to follow a path leading from specialization to broad experiences that created a truly unique aviation career. A unique insight into a young high-school graduate who moves to the USAF Academy and learns to be an Air Force officer and a pilot. It explores the development of a fighter pilot in the world's best Air Force at the peak of its powers, flying missions in Operation DESERT STORM, followed by 10 years of deployments for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq, and then living in the aftermath of 9-11 and the changing world of the Global War on Terror. It follows him as he discovers what it is like to serve in the USAF for a 30-year span that moved from the relative security of the Cold War to the insecurity created by vacuums of political power that continue today. The reader experiences a USAF career by riding along with the author and his family through 19 home moves all over the world, discovering what is it like to progress from combat pilot to leading major organizational change as the US military began to refocus in a new age of politics, fragile peace, and uncertain economic future.

Full Product Details

9798985950403

Table of Contents

Reviews

Marco is the real deal and tells his story well. Reading his book took me back in time to when life was a non-stop, high G, supersonic adventure! -Avid Reader Terry tells the riveting tale of his career as a USAF fighter pilot. From his childhood aspirations to the various postings around the world to his time as an instructor, he weaves a mesmerizing story for even the uninitiated reader. The details of his exploits are incredible, and the patriotic undercurrent is palpable. I strongly recommend the book. -Rachel DeMasi A well-written book which describes ""Marco"" McCaffrey's career in the USAF in the 1990s and 2000s. After flying F111s from Upper Heyford and participating in the Gulf War, he instructed on the AT-38 before flying the F-15 from Mountain Home including Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. Ground tours in Japan and at NORAD followed and he also commanded at T-6 Texan flying training squadron. All in all, this is the story of a varied and fascinating career, told with engaging modesty. Having flown with Marco in the right seat of the F-111, he is as good a writer as he is a stick. Loved the stories he tells, including emergencies, combat ops in both jets and training. A warrior that loves his country God and family. I highly recommend this book for any aviator enthusiast. -Kevin Allen  An all-American story of a boy who would become a quintessential fighter pilot and combat hero! The memoir of ""Marco"" McCaffrey (you'll have to read to learn how he got his call sign) is historical, compelling readable and humorous. From his birth on an Air Force base and hearing his first fighter jet engine, Marco would attend and graduate from the US Air Force Academy, and qualify in the F-111 where shortly thereafter he would fight in Operation Desert Storm and earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, go on to teach future fighter pilots fighter fundamentals, transition from an air-to-mud master to an air-to-air apprentice-then master. Other assignments would include staff, command and professional military education, as well as showcasing the love and growth of his family every step of the way. Sufficient descriptions for those who don't speak military, aviation enthusiasts and others alike, will enjoy this memoir of a patriot who lived the American dream. Insider fact...Marco was a classmate of mine at Air Command & Staff College, and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies! -Brig Gen Chad Manske, USAF (Ret)

"Marco is the real deal and tells his story well. Reading his book took me back in time to when life was a non-stop, high G, supersonic adventure! -Avid Reader Terry tells the riveting tale of his career as a USAF fighter pilot. From his childhood aspirations to the various postings around the world to his time as an instructor, he weaves a mesmerizing story for even the uninitiated reader. The details of his exploits are incredible, and the patriotic undercurrent is palpable. I strongly recommend the book. -Rachel DeMasi A well-written book which describes ""Marco"" McCaffrey's career in the USAF in the 1990s and 2000s. After flying F111s from Upper Heyford and participating in the Gulf War, he instructed on the AT-38 before flying the F-15 from Mountain Home including Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. Ground tours in Japan and at NORAD followed and he also commanded at T-6 Texan flying training squadron. All in all, this is the story of a varied and fascinating career, told with engaging modesty. Having flown with Marco in the right seat of the F-111, he is as good a writer as he is a stick. Loved the stories he tells, including emergencies, combat ops in both jets and training. A warrior that loves his country God and family. I highly recommend this book for any aviator enthusiast. -Kevin Allen  An all-American story of a boy who would become a quintessential fighter pilot and combat hero! The memoir of ""Marco"" McCaffrey (you'll have to read to learn how he got his call sign) is historical, compelling readable and humorous. From his birth on an Air Force base and hearing his first fighter jet engine, Marco would attend and graduate from the US Air Force Academy, and qualify in the F-111 where shortly thereafter he would fight in Operation Desert Storm and earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, go on to teach future fighter pilots fighter fundamentals, transition from an air-to-mud master to an air-to-air apprentice-then master. Other assignments would include staff, command and professional military education, as well as showcasing the love and growth of his family every step of the way. Sufficient descriptions for those who don't speak military, aviation enthusiasts and others alike, will enjoy this memoir of a patriot who lived the American dream. Insider fact...Marco was a classmate of mine at Air Command & Staff College, and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies! -Brig Gen Chad Manske, USAF (Ret)"

Marco is the real deal and tells his story well. Reading his book took me back in time to when life was a non-stop, high G, supersonic adventure! -Avid Reader Terry tells the riveting tale of his career as a USAF fighter pilot. From his childhood aspirations to the various postings around the world to his time as an instructor, he weaves a mesmerizing story for even the uninitiated reader. The details of his exploits are incredible, and the patriotic undercurrent is palpable. I strongly recommend the book. -Rachel DeMasi A well-written book which describes Marco McCaffrey's career in the USAF in the 1990s and 2000s. After flying F111s from Upper Heyford and participating in the Gulf War, he instructed on the AT-38 before flying the F-15 from Mountain Home including Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. Ground tours in Japan and at NORAD followed and he also commanded at T-6 Texan flying training squadron. All in all, this is the story of a varied and fascinating career, told with engaging modesty. Having flown with Marco in the right seat of the F-111, he is as good a writer as he is a stick. Loved the stories he tells, including emergencies, combat ops in both jets and training. A warrior that loves his country God and family. I highly recommend this book for any aviator enthusiast. -Kevin Allen An all-American story of a boy who would become a quintessential fighter pilot and combat hero! The memoir of Marco McCaffrey (you'll have to read to learn how he got his call sign) is historical, compelling readable and humorous. From his birth on an Air Force base and hearing his first fighter jet engine, Marco would attend and graduate from the US Air Force Academy, and qualify in the F-111 where shortly thereafter he would fight in Operation Desert Storm and earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, go on to teach future fighter pilots fighter fundamentals, transition from an air-to-mud master to an air-to-air apprentice-then master. Other assignments would include staff, command and professional military education, as well as showcasing the love and growth of his family every step of the way. Sufficient descriptions for those who don't speak military, aviation enthusiasts and others alike, will enjoy this memoir of a patriot who lived the American dream. Insider fact...Marco was a classmate of mine at Air Command & Staff College, and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies! -Brig Gen Chad Manske, USAF (Ret)

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available