I have always considered writing my best  unused talent, but never used it creatively until retirement from academia. Composition skills were developed during childhood in my family's printing shop, which I managed during WWII.

My early childhood was spent in Birmingham, Alabama during the 1930's when economic and social conditions were difficult and complicated. My family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the 1940's where a different set of values and conditions informed my development during early and late teen years.

I entered the US Air Force after graduating from college with a major in German. I was immediately assigned to Russian language school and then into Intelligence in Washington, D.C. The positive experiences here influenced my decision to continue in this career and enter pilot training. Completion of this difficult and demanding training was the most important personal and formative experience in life, to this point. Becoming a Rated Pilot in the Air Force opened the door to residential experiences in seventeen states, Japan, Southeat Asia and Europe, and travel to numerous other countries.

My post-military careers began in Connecticut, and included private industry (aerospace), continued graduate education (in Business and Education through doctorate level), faculty and administrative positions in academia and finally, management consulting.

I retired fully in 1996, and moved to Florida to  enjoy the weather, nature and the gentle culture of the South. For an avid 83 year-old golfer, this is paradise.

I began my autobiography as a way of sharing my thoughts about our lives and experiences with my 3 wonderful children. I wanted  to give them insight into the many relocations and decisions made as they were growing up, and to inspire them to the highest level of achievement their talents will allow.  They are now prominent professionals in medicine and law.

I shared my manuscripts with colleagues, all of whom thought the story fascinating and compelling. Thus, the decision to publish.