Introducing Elaine Littau!

Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce to you a prolific writer, an incredible lady named Elaine Littau. Author of two different series of books, Elaine hails from the Northern most reaches of the Texas Panhandle. She has been a good friend and mentor for me since I started down the road to becoming a published author and so without further delay. Ladies and gentlemen, the incomparable Author, Elain Littau!

1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite

My First book, "Nan's Journey," was published in 2008. I always loved reading and really enjoyed every writing assignment that the English teachers assigned. (Shhh don't tell the others who were in my class.) I figured that I would write the one book and put the legal pad that I wrote in on in a dresser drawer for my kids to find after I died. I imagined that they would say something like, "Poor Mama, she sure was bored."

2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Do you have plans to write in another genre?

I chose the Christian Western genre because in my childhood I logged in hundreds of hours watching Westerns on television as well as reading many shelves of Western books. My parents were born in 1909 and 1913. They lived in the last days of wagons. Both my parents moved from one state to another via horse and wagon. I grew to love the genre.

My sons want me to write a non-fiction book about the funny things that happened in our lives. I have it partially written and hope to publish it in the coming year. It will have to be volume one because more stuff happens all the time.

There is another book that I want to write for my fellow authors. I have it partially written, also. It would contain some easy marketing steps for beginning authors.

3. How many books have you written and us a little about them!

I have 5 published books and another one to be released in February 2012. The Nan's Heritage Series:

Book I, “Nan's Journey,” is about a fifteen year old girl who runs away from abuse with her five year old brother and hides in the mountains of Colorado.

Book II, “Elk's Resolve,” is about how twin brothers, separated at birth and how they find one another by accident.

Book III, “Luke's Legacy,” is about a brother and sister who want to experience adventure. One joins a wagon train to California and the other finds their adventure in the Texas panhandle.

Book IV, “The Eyes of a Stranger,” is about a mail order bride from Ohio who was rejected by the prospective groom who brought her to Colorado. She must find a way to make her own way or go back home.

Book V, “Timothy's Home,” is about a young boy from Boston who makes his life in Colorado. His longing is to have a home of his own.

Series of Hope” is the second series of books that I am starting now.

Book I, "Some Happy Day" will be released in February 2012. It is about a toddler who is rescued from certain death by a cowboy who finds her wandering on the prairie all alone.

Each book has a dominate message that I think is important for the reader to grasp.

Book I-forgiveness,
Book 2-overcoming depression and prejudice,
Book 3-God has no grandchildren,
Book 4-God will help you find a way,
Book 5-God will never give up on you,

Book I of the new series-No one can take the love of God from you.

4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.

I love doing speaking engagements. I let the organizers decide what subject they want focused on. One subject for children is: Never Give Up Your Dreams, Follow the Leader, and others. Adults usually want to know how the publishing process goes. I also do topical studies for Church Women's Groups.

5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?

I really do love getting sweet emails and letters from readers. That is so nice. Meeting other authors has changed my life.

6. Where can your books be purchased?

elainelittau.com
amazon.com
smashwords.com (for ebooks)
barnes and noble.com
Anywhere books are sold online and some bookstores.

7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?

twitter-nansjourney
facebook- author page Elaine Littau and profile page Elaine Littau
nansjourney.blogspot.com
elksresolve.blgspot.com

8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?

I was surprised about everything that is involved in the process of publishing. Marketing was a big hurdle for me. I reached out to people I found online to ask for help. Finally, one author, Leon Mentzer, took an interest in me and helped. I bought his book, “Amen, a Book About Marketing.”

I knew he was busy and I decided that there were a lot of people in the same boat with me. I decided to learn all I could and pass the information on to the authors that befriended me on facebook or answered my email to do an interview with me. From that, I made a whole lot of author friends. We learn a lot of the ins and outs together and hold one another up in prayer.

Marketing and writing is a full time job even though, at this time, there isn't enough money in it to replace a paycheck from a regular job. It is an adventure and I am glad I am on it.

9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?

When I get down in the dumps, I post ideas to the other authors about how to sell books. I recollect the love and trust of my sweet husband of 36 years. I realize that I am blessed.

10. What was your favorite toy as a child?

When I was three my mama and daddy bought me a walking doll. It wasn't automated, but I could make it take steps if I held onto it. It was exactly my size and I was afraid of her. I named her Mary. The manufacturer name was Patty Playpal. To me she was just Mary. I still have her after all these years.

Elaine Littau
Author
http://elainelittau.com/
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com/

Book I, Nan's Journey -Named Best Christian Historical Fiction 2008 by ChristianStoryTeller.com
Book II, Elk's Resolve - 2009
Book III, Luke's Legacy - Honorable mention Christian Historical Fiction 2010 by Christian Story Teller.com
Book IV, The Eyes of a Stranger - May 2011
Book V, Timothy's Home - Oct 2011
Book I, Rescue Series, "Some Happy Day" To Be Released in February 2012

Drink Water, Face Out!

Mr. Newman,

My dad recently sent your book "The Night Eagles Soared" to me while I'm stationed in Japan. First of all I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. I've lost a couple hours of sleep staying up past my bed time unable to stop reading. Not only was it an excellent read but in my case provided much motivation in my training.

I'm currently training every day, very hard to become a Para-rescuemen in the USAF ( I'm sure your familiar with them having worked with Tac-P and CCT. Sometimes during long days rucking or drowning in the pool you find yourself questioning why your putting yourself through such punishment. Besides my own determination I found your book to be very motivating and a reminder of why we must train so hard.

Your ending was excellent! It left me in suspense wondering what those first steps in Afghanistan were like as well as missions conducted. Thank you for the gift!! It means more then I can say to have you send this to me. I have shared the book with two of my fellow airmen in hopes of spreading the word about your writing and the great things the GBF are doing. We have all enjoyed the book and agree it's a page turner. We can't wait to read "Burnt Yellow and Red"
Once again thank you so much for the book and your service.

Dear Reader,

I am glad you liked the book. And I appreciate you letting your friends read the book. As I wrote the book, I never imagined that it would be such a source of inspiration for young troops. Your comments are very much appreciated!

Since the book was released, I've received emails and letters from troops all over the world telling me how the stories helped them in someway to overcome a challenge, to make a decision in life, or simply pass the time entertained with memories of home. Also, know that no matter how tough a man is, or may seem, inside we all feel the same sense of doubt, especially when it comes to overcoming a challenge like becoming a rescue swimmer, or a PJ, a Green Beret, or a writer, you name it.

When I was a young troop, I went through SF training and I will never forget this one Sergeant I knew. He was a Ranger, hard as woodpecker lips, great big dude. One day during the land navigation test, I saw him walking down the road, crying. I stopped and from the wood line asked him if he was ok. He sobbed that he had fallen into a hole and hurt his leg and now he was out of the course.

It was his mind set, you see he walked the ten kilometers back to the base camp so he could turn in his card and quit. He was fine physically, not limping much. No more than the rest of us. The problem was that he had talked himself into quitting when he knew he could go on, and that is why he was so devastated emotionally.

The moral of the story is that our bodies can handle a lot more than we believe, so there comes a point when mindset over rides the situation. Have you heard the phrase? "Get your mind right!” When I would get really tired, I would to say to myself, "Feet don't fail me now!" And I had a Team Sergeant who summed it up real nice..."If you don't mind...it don’t matter!” Do not allow failure to become an option. You see, attitude will carry the day. Never quit and drive on!

Joel Osteen says, "At that moment when you feel like you can't go another step, just remember, you are a lot closer than you think!" So what I am saying is set your mind free from preconceived notions of what is possible and give yourself permission to succeed. You will be surprised to find out just how much can be accomplished at that point. If you feel like you just can't go on, say to yourself, "Feet don't fail me now!" and drive on...It applies to everything you will ever try to accomplish for the rest of your life, believe me!

No need to thank me for my service, you are the hero in my book because I know what it took for you to join the military during a time of war, knowing full well the dangers that may bring. God bless you and your friends. And thank you all for your service!

Steve

P.S. And like my friend Jimmy would say… “Drink water, face out!” :) He had no sympathy for soldiers or airmen, only high expectations!

Thanksgiving Thoughts and Prayers

There was a photo taken of a statue during the Veterans Day observance in New York and that Statue has captured the nation’s attention in a way that can only be classified as historic. That is the photo of the statue which depicts a Green Beret riding on a Mongolian Pony, a descendent of those ridden by Genghis Khan and his Mongol Army, centuries ago. It is a statue that depicts a Special Forces soldier riding into combat on this pony against an entrenched enemy on his home turf, against the Taliban just after 9-11.

In the photo you can see several of the 9-11 heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom 1 being greeted by the crowd as they walk behind the statue or ride in the truck that is pulling it down the road. What an incredible moment in history! The recognition of these heroes being given by a city that suffered so greatly on that day, over ten years ago is awe inspiring. It makes me feel an even greater sense of pride in my country, in our military.

Over this Thanksgiving Holiday, I think I will stop and take a little time to give thanks for great men such as these. I will say thank you to all of those who have served. Thank you for your service to our great nation. Thank you for being there when our nation called upon you and sent you into harms way. You went without hesitation, without question, without doubt, and probably with the knowledge that this may be your very last mission, ever.

Today our military is an all volunteer force that has been heavily engaged in a shooting war for the last ten years. Imagine that! An entire force comprised of men and women, all volunteers who joined knowing full well the hazards they may face. Has there ever been such a military in the history of man kind?

During the last century our nation witnessed its share of war and the World War II generation was dubbed the Greatest Generation of all time. Please allow me to say this, to declare today, that we are blessed to have the next Greatest Generation amongst us now! Their example, their sacrifice, when all is said and done will prove to have made a tremendous impact on the course of our nation’s history for decades, if not centuries to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God bless our heroes of the War on Terror!

God bless the Special Forces soldiers!

De Oppresso Liber!
Steve

And as always please feel free to join me on facebook!

Order Your Copies Today!

Endorsed by the Green Beret Foundation and Professional Soldiers.com, "The Night Eagles Soared" is a story that takes the reader on an incredible journey into the jungles of South America and across the deserts of the Middle East. This is a story inspired by true events that reveal the evolution of a Special Forces soldier from enlistment to what he believes to be his last mission just after 9-11.

A signed copy makes a great Christmas present!

Buy American?

It is never too late to be what you might have been.--
George Eliot (1819-1880) English Novelist

This came from a good friend. It certainly gave me some ideas for this Christmas. We need to start somewhere restoring our country or we won't have one. I believe whole heartedly in missions, but this is different. The wealth they amass doesn't help the poor and needy in their countries. They use their people in sweat factories and barely pay them. Our country does more for their underprivileged than they do. If we don't stop what is going on, we won't be able to do that.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition as the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

And how about going out to see a play or ballet atyour hometown theater.Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about our country, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to followtheir dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

One last novel thought, buy a book written by an American Author, like me!

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Thanks and God Bless you all!

My Next Novel, "Burnt Yellow and Red"

The Foreword By Thomas A. Gluzinski, CW3(R), Warrior Poet

A few years ago, I was invited to spend some time with our wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The yellow ribbon project, through a dear friend of mine, made this opportunity come to fruition. While visiting my fellow brothers in arms, I was struck at the apex of my heart by three who had at that time served several iterations in the Global War on Terror.

The first one I was able to visit was a young Sergeant First Class, a Special Forces Warrior, who on patrol in Afghanistan was struck in the back with a round from a Soviet Machine gun. The round tore through his shoulder and exited from his left elbow causing considerable damage. While visiting with him and his mother we talked at length about our craft. During my visit we were graced with the appearance of Gary Sinise, the actor who earned his initial fame as Lieutenant Dan in the movie Forest Gump. Mr. Sinise spends a great deal of his off camera time supporting our troops through the USO, as he was on this day. What struck so true to me was the comment my friend made on her observations of that visit, which we all appreciated greatly. Her comment was he wasn’t interested in seeing the actor, he was more interested in spending time with you. Yes the brotherhood, behind closed doors and in the open we carry a very special bond. We don’t even need to know one another at initial meeting because we already know each other deeply through the bond we share.

The second was a young Hispanic sergeant and his young wife. This young soldier had the soul of a lion, he had lost most of the function of one leg but retained the spirit of a warrior working hard to get back into the fight, not concerned about his wounds, but concerned about getting back to help his brothers carry on the fight for freedom. His face sparkled as he relayed to me how he had walked to the nurses’ station that morning for the first time; a trip that was no more than 30 feet. And throughout the tribulations he was suffering, he could only muster a smile and can do attitude while being supported by his loving wife.

The last one was my visit to spend time and prayers with a very special young man. He did not know I was there, you see he was in intensive care having suffered from a bullet wound through his pelvic cavity and into his abdomen doing considerable damage. This happened somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan while his unit engaged a large force of Taliban. This was his 5th tour of duty in combat. I spent time with his mother as well in the waiting area providing what little comfort I was empowered to offer. During our conversation she told me how she had hoped he would not be asked to return to combat and as I humbly shared with her she knew in her heart of hearts that would not be his desire. Rather like each of the others the yearning to be with their brothers runs very deep. It’s all about the bond we share, with our team and the sum total of our brothers.

The book, “Burnt Yellow and Red” is another in a series of exposes on modern war as experienced and seen through the eyes of the Special Forces Warrior. The author and my friend, Steve Newman knows only too well what this means. You see, we served our military careers at the very core of this world during and through the Cold War, Lebanon, Granada, El Salvador, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, the counter drug wars and many things that God willing will never grace the pages of a book. More importantly though he has learned the craft of putting this on paper in a way that the uninitiated can understand. He brings in this book, an opportunity for you to really begin to understand, at a personal level, what our business is all about. He provides a human face of war using a passionate yet subtle tone to engage the willful imaginations of those who live in the world of fantasy while dragging them quietly through the world of the elite warrior. Steve weaves a tale of a very personal nature, allowing you to become fully engaged in the lives of many of the characters. He offers you a bond to the storyline and characters in a very interesting way and shows you the human side of the equation.

Burnt yellow and red as colors standing alone can paint a picture of serene beauty in the hands of a skilled artist. Burnt yellow and red encapsulates an image of the horizon on a dark and eerie morning as the sun rises; promoting the forthcoming storm to all who view this awesome spectacle of nature. Burnt yellow and red are not just colors but rather the inculcation of total horror; full of sounds, vibration, acrid smells, total destruction and the portal for souls to pass from this earth. Burnt yellow and red, not just the title of a book they are also the triggers for the memories of those who have experienced war in its most terrible forms. Modern warriors, Special Forces warriors, know all too well just how much burnt yellow and red touches the very fabric of their souls.

If one were to take the time to read the tapestries promoted in this expose of war, one would begin to appreciate, at least in some small measure, the depth of humanity that sits just beyond the horizon in whose hands the protection of freedom has been placed by the many who live in relative comfort. Steve, a seasoned and articulate Special Forces warrior, pens to paper a story based on fact. This story is not just any story. It is the story of men, true patriots all, thrust into a world both ancient and destructive. It is a world of dark intrigue with moments of humor, moments of testing, moments of caring and moments of complete and unadulterated horror. It is a story of human emotion, one in which the reader can feel the very presence of each soul in this story. It is a story that the reporter is ill equipped to articulate in any form and one where the cold images projected on the screen cannot do justice to the events that they display. This is the story of men who go where others dare not tread, a story of men who share a bond deeper than any other on earth. Welcome to the world of the “Quiet Professionals.”

High above the clouds

the aerial artillery waits

for the team to grant them access.

The killing field below

is like no other in history,

blinded by reality.

"Burnt Yellow and Red"

Thomas A. Gluzinski, CW3(R)
Warrior Poet
U.S. Army Special Forces, Special Operations Technician (Retired)

[i] Thomas A. Gluzinski, contributing author, “De Oppresso Liber,” from the poem “Preparing the Way,” page 26, Old Mountain Press, 2542 S.Edgewater Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28303, 2006.

Raising Awareness!

Mission: Raise Awareness and Funds in support of the Green Beret Foundations efforts!

Next week I will be traveling to Randleman, NC to participate in a fundraising effort with the Green Beret Foundation. About a year ago I interviewed the Director of Operations for the foundation, Mrs. Jennifer Paquette, and I felt compelled to share that interview of her with you all here today.

You will find links to the Foundations Website and I invite you to join them on facebook as well. The event in Randleman NC will be a lot of fun and I hope that if you are in that area on the 29th of October you will look for the Green Beret Foundation booth, and stop by to say hello!

God bless our troops!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Interview with Jennifer Paquette of the Green Beret Foundation

1. What is your organizations full name, your full name and your position within the organization? The Green Beret Foundation, Jennifer Paquette, Director of Operations and I also sit on the Board of Advisors.

2. How and why did you get involved? My husband, Roland Paquette III, was an 18d (Special Forces Medic) with 1/3 SFG and was severely injured December 28, 2005 when his vehicle was hit by an IED. He lost both of his legs above the knees. I started working for USSOCOM Care Coalition helping start a pilot program supporting injured, ill and wounded Special Operations warriors and their families. I was a project manager and mentor for this program. I am still a mentor in the program but I am focusing on school; am supporting my husband while he goes to Physician’s Assistant school and focusing on getting the Green Beret Foundation up and running.
3. What is your mission and how do you hope to achieve it? The Green Beret Foundation provides unconventional resources to facilitate the special needs of our wounded, and provide unique support to the Special Forces community in order to strengthen readiness and uphold Green Beret traditions and values.

a. What is your Short term goal- We are currently focusing on creating a solid resource network and legitimate business infrastructure in order to facilitate our long-term goal of alleviating any gaps in care or controllable stressors for wounded Green Berets and their families. We want to instill confidence in our donors in order for them to be confident that their donations are truly making a difference in the Green Beret Community. We are focusing on marketing, holding fundraisers, partnering with corporations and private donors in order to raise the necessary resources.

b. What is your Long term goal- to setup a solid support system that will be able to support wounded Green Berets for many years to come. We support Green Berets wounded in combat operations, training, and peace time operations. Because the Green Berets are called upon to operate with supreme precision in extreme situations their training can result in injured soldiers. And although our nation will eventually end war-time activities, the Green Berets will continue to be tasked with potentially dangerous and life threatening peacetime activities. We want our foundation to be able to continue supporting Green Berets injured during their service to our country for a long time to come.

4. What are some of the activities being supported by your organization?
a. Health and Welfare, Advanced rehabilitation and operational health & performance programs.

b. Equipment related to rehabilitation and operational health & performance treatments and procedures not covered by the DOD, the Veterans Affairs, or TRICARE such as; In-Vitro fertilization for those whose reproductive capacity has been affected by their wounds, injury or illness.

c. Career & educational opportunities and Life reintegration assistance. Travel Transportation and lodging for medical treatments not covered by TRICARE.

d. Transportation and lodging for Veterans seeking medical assistance through VAR or occasions when travel for medical purposes for our wounded on active duty is not covered by the government.

e. Memorial Costs incurred by family members for Gold Star events and certain memorials.
Family assistance and resources to aid and assist the spouses and children of the Special Forces community who have been affected by the loss of their loved one.

f. Financial assistance for certain hardships when approved by our Board of Directors
We also work very closely with the USSOCOM Care Coalition to help us identify soldiers with needs. They act as a clearing house for the wounded. Care Coalition tracks all casualties from the combat theater to state side. We cannot operate efficiently and effectively without this organization. This is very important.

5. What can we all do to help your organization accomplish its goals? As we continue to have fundraisers around the nation, we will need help from volunteers to run these events. We can always use assistance with ideas and opportunities for fundraisers or events and resources surrounding raising awareness about our efforts to support our warriors. We are also looking for opportunities to educate the public however we can by enlisting the help of various publications, all of our social networks, social meetings, & TV and radio public service announcements.

Address:
Green Beret Foundation
P.O. Box 70827
Ft. Bragg, NC 28307
505-264-3284

6. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would also like to make sure that you know that I am not the founder. The founder and president is SSgt (R) Aaron Anderson formally of 7th SFG (A) who was traumatically wounded in 2006. He has pulled together an outstanding Board of Directors and Board of Advisors made up of all former Special Forces Soldiers (and one wife of a SF soldier- me). It has taken this complete team to get it started.

Thank you very much!

Steve

A Pulse Racing Thriller?

The life of an author may not be a pulse racing thriller but it is never dull, or at least at times there are small successes that make you feel like you are on top of the world. Last week, I received an offer for contract on a third book, pretty amazing, at least I thought so. It is a good feeling to know that being published is going to happen before you start on a project. Writing on speculation takes a lot of courage, and luck! I have a friend who says that "To be a writer, you have to be an absolute optimist, with very thick skin." I think I know what she means.

We are still tracking on the production process for Burnt Yellow and Red, my second novel which will be released in the spring of 2012. What is that you say? You have not ordered your signed and numbered prerelease copy yet? Well, there is time, but you had better hurry and get a low sequence number quick. I’ll reserve it for you! Just order it now!

The Night Eagles Soared is still doing well. I’ve had six book signings in the last four weeks and I've been working on learning the art of screen writing. It isn't easy...but not impossible and that is my focus over the next two weeks. Well, that and my birthday is coming up! Half way to 100 and still going strong!

Thanks everybody!

Steve

GBU!

Our lives portend a journey that begins at birth and carries on through a tangled web of experiences from which we learn and grow as human beings. It is these experiences that create the map of our lives. The map on which we build the legacy we leave to those we love and care about the most.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of participating in the 2011, Space and Missile Defense Conference; which was held at the Von Braun Complex in Huntsville Alabama. You can imagine my surprise to be included in a line up of authors that in my opinion was headlined by Colonel (Retired) Leo Thorsness; Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, President of the CMH Association and now fellow Author!

At first I was a little intimidated, but the Colonel quickly put me at ease with the way he treated not only me but everybody else that came across our paths. He had a knack for making the incredible honor of meeting him all about the person who he was talking to. He would ask profound questions and demonstrate an interest in the other person in a way that was absolutely genuine and humbling.

I watched as person after person told the Colonel about their lives and where they were from and who they were and how many kids they had and about their marriages, their grandchildren and then… He would sign a copy of his book to them in a personal way that showed how much he had enjoyed meeting each and every one of his readers. Every time I wanted to look over his shoulder to see what he had written and then suddenly, he showed me!

“In each book, I always find a way to write the letters GBU, sometimes I use the POW Tap Code to do it…the Tap Code is in the book you know!” So I asked. “What does GBU stand for?” He just laughed, and said, “God Bless You, that is how we would sign off at night before going to sleep when I was a prisoner in Vietnam.” By tapping the letters, GBU? I asked. He nodded and turned to help another reader! He asked that person, “So who signs your paychecks? That is, where do you work?” and then he was selling another three copies of his book, one for each adult member of that person’s family!

Suddenly I found a gentlemen standing in front of my side of the table, he was using a cane to walk and I could see the age in his eyes. My first thought was that he must be about 90 years old. So I asked him a few questions and listened as he talked about how he was the Sr. Vice President of the Marine Corps League Detachment there in Huntsville. The thought crossed my mind, “Once again surrounded by Giants,” as he told me about all the different aspects of his charge. Long story short, he purchased a copy of “The Night Eagles Soared” and went about the business of the day.

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail. It was plainly wrapped and didn’t draw any special attention. I set it down on the table and then my wife asked, “What is that?” I replied, "I’m not sure what it is” and she said, “Open it” so I did and to my surprise guess what was inside?

Inside the envelope there was a red box with the Marine Corp emblem on it. I opened the box and what did it have inside? My friend from the Marine Corp League Detachment had included a copy of his business card but there was a gift inside as well. The gift is a corked vile filled with “Sands of Iwo Jima” March, 2010.

I almost fell over and so now, I am sitting here telling you all about my humbling experiences as a writer that day and everyday. The honor for me to have had that opportunity in my life is indescribable. I guess the journey I am on is unique and I think that perhaps, just maybe the experiences over those few days have helped me to learn and grow as a human being. In the end, I may not be able to leave a monetary legacy for those I love and care about the most, but through my writing, perhaps I can build a legacy of hope in the future for them. And that my friend is what keeps me moving forward. GBU!

En Excerpt from “Burnt Yellow and Red”

In this scene, Kyle and his family have just arrived to their new house located on the grounds of their new school in rural Oklahoma.

In front of the house was a large moving van, and men were unloading the furniture that the family had shipped from their California home. Father drove around the school one time, exiting on the southern end and turned right returning to the intersection over the dirt road and then turned right back onto the pavement. Continuing slowly, checking out his new charge, he turned right again, back into the entrance, then left through the open chain link gate and the driveway leading up to the house. The kids piled out of the car, Kyle and his brother headed straight to the play ground.

The grass on the play ground was dry, thick and ankle deep making it difficult for Kyle to run. His brother tackled him as they cleared the rusty steel pipe and Kyle rolled over the grass and onto the red dirt, his lungs burned from the dry heat. The smell of the grass made him sneeze twice so he sat there for a minute, trying to catch his breath as his brother ran in circles taunting him.

Soon Kyle caught his breath and headed for the swing set. It was the tallest one he had ever seen. The chains were rusty and the seats were made of leather so it made an odd creaking noise as he set the apparatus into motion. Higher and higher he went until his brother grabbed his feet on the back side of the swing and spun Kyle around, twisting the chains. Kyle held on for dear life, his knuckles lost what color they had turning completely white as he spun out of control forward into the air.

It took several swings before he came to a stop. Crying he tried to catch his brother who out ran him, taunting him with laughter which made Kyle madder than hell! So Kyle found a piece of old cement that was shaped just like a foot ball next to the cinderblock trash point and prepared to heave it at his brother who was now running away.

It was as if his brother were running in slow motion. Kyle hurled the man made projectile in a perfect spiral as it arched its way towards his older brother. With a loud thud, it knocked the air out of his brother’s lungs when it impacted perfectly between the shoulder blades bringing his brother to the ground in a series of summersaults through a patch of sand burrs.

Kyle leaped in the air laughing, as his brother shrieked in pain, the sand burrs digging into his skin through his cotton t-shirt. It was game on after that and their parents just ignored them, letting the two of them fight it out until they were both exhausted and called a truce.

Their chests heaving heavily, out of breath they sat on the old rusty pipe, hands on their knees, faces down, they were covered in dirt. Taking notice, mother called them over to the house and had them stand there while she hosed them down with a water hose she had retrieved from the truck.

The two of them stood there, the cool water and breeze felt great in the hot dry heat on their first day in Oklahoma. It didn’t take long for them to dry off but it would soon be dark so they stayed close to the house and watched the only Television channel they could receive. They turned it on to see Walter Cronkite signing off, “And that’s the way it is, this 18th day of June, 1968.”

Review and Endorsement by my Team Leader! :)

CWO3 Tom Merrill, Special Forces (Retired)

I remember the day S.B. (Steve) Newman came to Special Forces Operational Detachment A-724. He was a wide-eyed, red-haired, red-faced kid who was ready to take on the world. He left in the afternoon the same way he came in every morning - with a smile on his face. He was one of the guys who volunteered for everything he could get his hands on. Like a kid in a candy store, he was exactly where he wanted to be: on an A-team that was trained in high altitude free fall parachute infiltrations.

Being a former radio operator, I watched him as he made contacts back to the states from our deployed location. At that time, the number of radio contacts made by a team could make or break a mission in the eyes of the chain of command. I asked him if I could help out with the contacts. He got a big smile on his face and handed me the Morse code key and said "It's all yours, sir! Between the two of us we made more contacts than anyone else. But once he got to military free fall school, there was no holding him back.

Through the time we served together, he honed his skills as a communicator as well as a leader. The next time I saw him was when he got transferred to Panama, just previous to the invasion. He also served in combat in other places that, under the rules of the time, weren't acknowledged as combat. But by the time it was his turn to take charge as an operations sergeant, he was ready.

When I read his first novel, "The Night Eagles Soared" I saw a great deal of the same Steve Newman I knew twenty-five years ago, but with a wiser edge to him. He had taken the lessons he learned from A-724 and built on them with a bent of his own. The guys you read about in that novel weren't A-724 or A-781 or any other. It was a melding of all of the guys on all of the teams he served with.

Steve Newman's latest novel, "Burnt Yellow and Red," is a real break through in stories about the U.S. Army Special Forces (SF), The Green Berets. He shows who they are and how they work through the eyes of a Air Force Special Operations Command airman who understands the mission but has to gain an understanding of the SF operational detachment. This distinctive point of view shows a side of SF that is seldom seen – the view of the outsider. Newman crafts a tale, based on his own SF career as a Green Beret. This unique novel shows Special Forces soldiers and Special Operations airmen for who they really are: the guys who grew up next door and went on to become something extraordinary. I recommend this book to the long-time veteran, the guy who is looking to go to Special Forces School, or any American who wants to understand the greatest soldiers who ever walked the face of the earth.

CWO3 Tom Merrill, Special Forces (Retired)

Foreword for Burnt "Yellow and Red"

A few years ago, I was invited to spend some time with our wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The yellow ribbon project, through a dear friend of mine, made this opportunity come to fruition. While visiting my fellow brothers in arms, I was struck at the apex of my heart by three who had at that time served several iterations in the Global War on Terror.

The first one I was able to visit was a young Sergeant First Class, a Special Forces Warrior, who on patrol in Afghanistan was struck in the back with a round from a Soviet Machine gun. The round tore through his shoulder and exited from his left elbow causing considerable damage. While visiting with him and his mother we talked at length about our craft. During my visit we were graced with the appearance of Gary Sinese, the actor who earned his initial fame as Lieutenant Dan in the movie Forest Gump. Mr. Sinese spends a great deal of his off camera time supporting our troops through the USO, as he was on this day. What struck so true to me was the comment my friend made on her observations of that visit, which we all appreciated greatly. Her comment was he wasn’t interested in seeing the actor, he was more interested in spending time with you. Yes the brotherhood, behind closed doors and in the open we carry a very special bond. We don’t even need to know one another at initial meeting because we already know each other deeply through the bond we share.

The second was a young Hispanic sergeant and his young wife. This young soldier had the soul of a lion, he had lost most of the function of one leg but retained the spirit of a warrior working hard to get back into the fight, not concerned about his wounds, but concerned about getting back to help his brothers carry on the fight for freedom. His face sparkled as he relayed to me how he had walked to the nurses’ station that morning for the first time; a trip that was no more than 30 feet. And throughout the tribulations he was suffering, he could only muster a smile and can do attitude while being supported by his loving wife.

The last one was my visit to spend time and prayers with a very special young man. He did not know I was there, you see he was in intensive care having suffered from a bullet wound through his pelvic cavity and into his abdomen doing considerable damage. This happened somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan while his unit engaged a large force of Taliban. This was his 5th tour of duty in combat. I spent time with his mother as well in the waiting area providing what little comfort I was empowered to offer. During our conversation she told me how she had hoped he would not be asked to return to combat and as I humbly shared with her she knew in her heart of hearts that would not be his desire. Rather like each of the others the yearning to be with their brothers runs very deep. It’s all about the bond we share, with our team and the sum total of our brothers.

The book, “Burnt Yellow and Red” is another in a series of exposes on modern war as experienced and seen through the eyes of the Special Forces Warrior. The author and my friend, Steve Newman knows only too well what this means. You see, we served our military careers at the very core of this world during and through the Cold War, Lebanon, Granada, El Salvador, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, the counter drug wars and many things that God willing will never grace the pages of a book. More importantly though he has learned the craft of putting this on paper in a way that the uninitiated can understand. He brings in this book, an opportunity for you to really begin to understand, at a personal level, what our business is all about. He provides a human face of war using a passionate yet subtle tone to engage the willful imaginations of those who live in the world of fantasy while dragging them quietly through the world of the elite warrior. Steve weaves a tale of a very personal nature, allowing you to become fully engaged in the lives of many of the characters. He offers you a bond to the storyline and characters in a very interesting way and shows you the human side of the equation.

Burnt yellow and red as colors standing alone can paint a picture of serene beauty in the hands of a skilled artist. Burnt yellow and red encapsulates an image of the horizon on a dark and eerie morning as the sun rises; promoting the forthcoming storm to all who view this awesome spectacle of nature. Burnt yellow and red are not just colors but rather the inculcation of total horror; full of sounds, vibration, acrid smells, total destruction and the portal for souls to pass from this earth. Burnt yellow and red, not just the title of a book they are also the triggers for the memories of those who have experienced war in its most terrible forms. Modern warriors, Special Forces warriors, know all too well just how much burnt yellow and red touches the very fabric of their souls.

If one were to take the time to read the tapestries promoted in this expose of war, one would begin to appreciate, at least in some small measure, the depth of humanity that sits just beyond the horizon in whose hands the protection of freedom has been placed by the many who live in relative comfort. Steve, a seasoned and articulate Special Forces warrior, pens to paper a story based on fact. This story is not just any story. It is the story of men, true patriots all, thrust into a world both ancient and destructive. It is a world of dark intrigue with moments of humor, moments of testing, moments of caring and moments of complete and unadulterated horror. It is a story of human emotion, one in which the reader can feel the very presence of each soul in this story. It is a story that the reporter is ill equipped to articulate in any form and one where the cold images projected on the screen cannot do justice to the events that they display. This is the story of men who go where others dare not tread, a story of men who share a bond deeper than any other on earth. Welcome to the world of the “Quiet Professionals.”

High above the clouds the aerial artillery waits for the
team to grant them access. The killing field below is like
no other in history, blinded by reality.[i]
BURNT YELLOW AND RED

Thomas A. Gluzinski, CW3(R)
Warrior Poet
U.S. Army Special Forces, Special Operations Technician (Retired)

[i] Thomas A. Gluzinski, contributing author, “De Oppresso Liber,” from the poem “Preparing the Way,” page 26, Old Mountain Press, 2542 S.Edgewater Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28303, 2006.

To order a signed and numbered collectors copy of "Burnt Yellow and Red" directly from the Author go to this link! http://sites.google.com/site/thenighteaglessoared/

Hope and Trust?

Over the past year, this line of scripture has appeared to me on several occasions. Seems like everywhere I look, I see it written on a bill board, a piece of paper, you name it. Last night I turned my computer on and there it was, on a word document that my wife had created so she could write a post for her Facebook profile.

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I asked her about it and she said it was about hope; which without, there is no possibility of happiness. I was floored; mostly because she is right, but also because the words didn’t slide off her tongue as if she was actually the person speaking. I don’t know, the order of the words weren’t quite the way she normally speaks or something. I haven’t said anything to her, not sure if I should, still.

Hope, what does it mean? According to my dictionary hope is based on trust and reliance in an archaic sense. Does that mean that those who trust and rely with confidence in the Lord will renew their strength? I imagine it does.

Sort of reminds me of the prayer Mike would say each time he jumped. “Father, give me the courage and strength I need to do that which I must.” Perhaps I should amend that prayer for me and say, “Father, I pray for patience and understanding when it comes to the realization of success knowing full well that your definition and mine are not necessarily the same. Please give me the ability to recognize your definition of success in my life.” Amen….P.S. thanks for answering that other prayer...by the way.

Review by Joyce Godwin Grubbs

One of the finest novels written revealing the fictional evolution of a special forces soldier from enlistment to what he believes to be his last mission. Women will enjoy and benefit from this novel's information and revelations. A must read for everyone with someone in the military, or whose ever wondered about our military special forces. Real events fictionalized make this a cutting edge read and it is done in a format not blistered with profanity and explicit sex, but adequately recognizing what is real and important to the soldiers, including their personal lives.

Steve Newman is an author on the rise, and his impending release of his next novel, "Burnt Yellow and Red" is certainly going to be on my "to read list."

Joyce Godwin Grubbs is a good friend of mine who has written 9 books. Please join her on GoodReads and check out her work!

Pearls of Wisdom

As a young boy back home in Oklahoma, one of my earliest memories of my father was of watching him shoot the breeze with good ole boys around the bed of his pick up truck. Usually, I was sitting in the middle, being seen not heard as I listened to the pearls of wisdom that were shared. I had a big black dog named “Killer” and he was usually within an arms reach of me at any given time, especially when I sat there, in the back of that truck listening to my father and his friends speak about current events and try to solve the problems of the world.

There were expressions they all used that conveyed their sentiment in such a way that the meaning was automatically understood; although as a young boy, I never really knew what they were talking about, much less the subject. I did remember some of the expressions though. My dad would often say, “Only time will tell,” Or “Don’t get your hopes up,” or “Hope for the best, expect the worst.”

The other day my younger brother Clay used an analogy that I had forgotten. Clay wrote to me on face book in response to my last blog post, “Six Thousand Miles Later.” He wrote in response to my complaint that, despite all the success I had experienced, I still had not achieved the extraordinary success that is in my heart. He simply wrote, “It is like a thunderstorm.”

I thought about that for a while and he is correct, success is like a thunderstorm. We start with the clouds building and then most certainly there will be a flash or two of lightning. Then we may get a little precipitation and high winds. There may even be a tornado that comes along and wipes everything out, and then a deluge of rain, some hail. When it is all over, if we survive then inevitably the sun will come out and shine brightly. If we are lucky, a rainbow may appear.

I saw a picture of a double rainbow that appeared over Joplin just after the storm had passed. I thought that is Gods way of saying, “There is still hope!” Hope is something that we all cling to. Hope that things will work out. Hope that the storms in life will pass. Hope that we have chosen the right path. Hope that we will succeed. I hold out hope for my wife, for my kids, for my family. Hope for my country and our soldiers. I think we all cling to that word a great deal and by doing so we are able to make a difference in the lives of others.

The other day a young man asked me for advice as he had just joined the army and so I shared a few thoughts with him. “Keep your hopes high and your expectations real. Do one thing everyday to make things better for yourself and your unit. Always, always keep things on the up and no matter what, never quit. If things get really tough say, feet don’t fail me now and drive on. If you are wondering how it will be? Know that only time will tell and never, ever forget about your family. They are the ones that will be there for you when it is all said and done.”

I sure miss my dog, “Killer” but that is a different story.

Six Thousand Miles Later

Starting back in February, we had our first scheduled book signing in 2011 for “The Night Eagles Soared.” It was there in Charleston S.C. that I started speaking publicly when I practiced my material on my sister –in-laws book club. I finished the tour over the Memorial Day weekend at a joint book signing with author Jeff Falkel on Fort Knox Kentucky; both of which was a huge honor for me! Since February, we have traveled to the East Coast, the Midwest, up North and down South. I’ve met some incredible authors and fantastic readers in an effort to get the word out about my writing. Now my big “Spring Offensive” has come to an end as my wife and I start our move to our new home in Charleston, South Carolina.

Some of my favorite memories over the last five months came from the times when I was given a chance to speak publicly. I started my “Academic Lectureship” at Lake Erie College by speaking about the “Creation of Legacy”. I finished my speaking engagements at the Task Force Dagger Foundation’s, Ozark Fishing Adventure. It was there that I was given the opportunity to speak at the Bull Shoals Arkansas, VFW Benefit Dinner; which was held in honor of Our Warriors who attended the event.

One of the most memorable events at which I was given a chance to speak was at the 1st Annual Northern Oklahoma, Literary Arts and Book Festival in Ponca City, Oklahoma. For some reason it struck me to tell the story of my mother and her wayward ways. I spoke of how she named me and the dream I had a few weeks after her death in which she confirmed to me that there is a heaven for good people, for everybody with a kind heart, even if…throughout their lives they had claimed to not believe in God. I’ve since titled that story, “The Trust Fund My Son, The Trust Fund” and one day I may put it on paper. Still, the highlight of the NOLA festival was meeting fellow authors; Eyvonna Rains, Elaine Littau, Ursula Gorman, Kristi Burchfiel and many more!

Since we started the New Year, I have also completed my second book titled “Burnt Yellow and Red,” outlined a third book and I am in the process of writing a screenplay just for the fun of it. The places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, the fellowship shared has all meant a great deal to me. There were a great many lessons learned as well.

It has been a long road, six thousand miles, fifteen events, the screen writer’s workshop, and an interview on KTLO 101.7 Fm in Mountain Home Arkansas. I hate to admit it, but it was all punctuated by an indescribable need to jump on face book and tell everybody what was going on. For those of you who have brushed across my path during the great Spring Offensive of 2011, I will forever be grateful. Now it is time for me to work on my Southern accent since I hope to become a “Gentlemen Fahmah from South Kha-OH-line-ah.” My accent is like my war face…I need to work on it!


Steve Newman Aka….S. B. Newman, Author

The Taks Force Dagger Ozark Fishing Adventure

Task Force Dagger Ozark Fishing Adventure


This weekend my wife and I traveled to the Twin Lakes area of Northern Arkansas for the Task Force Dagger Ozark Fishing Adventure. The event was staged out of Bull Shoals Arkansas; which is an incredible community of patriotic citizens who went all out to make sure the participants enjoyed their visit. The entire trip was an extraordinary experience for both my wife and I; and so my hat goes off to the Task Force Dagger personnel that made it so enjoyable and worthwhile.

Jimbo Blakeslee and his wife Deb were the driving force behind the logistical organization for the event. They kept the ball rolling with military precision as the participants were given the opportunity to fish for Trout in the White River, visit the National Fish Hatchery below the Norfolk Lake Damn, attend a spaghetti dinner with the entire community of Pontiac Missouri, Fish Bull Shoals Lake several times and then attend an incredible benefit dinner at the Bull Shoals VFW post. The fishing was great, the chow was phenomenal and the local community went all out to show their support for our warriors.

The event revolved around providing Our Warriors with an opportunity to go fishing but the overall effort of the Task Force Dagger Foundation is to provide Our Wounded Warriors an opportunity to discover their new capabilities as they make the transition to becoming a civilian. The “Recreational Therapy” is instrumental in providing our soldiers an opportunity to reconcile their warrior spirit with the reality of civilian life. It is no small task and I salute the efforts of the foundation and encourage my readers to join me in supporting the Task Force Dagger Foundation as we move forward into the summer and fall.

God Bless them all!

Support the Task Force Dagger Foundation

My name is Steve Newman and I am the Author of a book titled, “The Night Eagles Soared.” On the cover you will notice that I have used the pen name S. B. Newman and I did that for a reason. You see, there are a million and a half Steve Newman’s in the world and they have all written or composed a poem, a song, a book or a movie. I had to find a way to differentiate myself from the crowd. That is why I used my initials as a pen name and they stand for Steven Boyd Newman.

I haven’t been a writer my entire life. I am a veteran…a twenty year veteran of the United States Army Special Forces and I have become a writer since my retirement from the Green Berets in 2003…after having spent close to a year in Afghanistan.

It was during that time that I came up with the idea for the premise and the title for my book. We used to say that “You have to fly with the Turkey’s before you can soar like an Eagle.” The title also calls upon the memory of that night…that night that was not unlike the Doolittle raid during WWII. That was the night the United States first struck back against our enemies. The book draws it premise from that night we struck back against those who had attacked our great nation on 9-11.

This is my first book, and I have the sequel titled “Burnt Yellow and Red” going through the production process as we speak. I’ve also started work on a third book that hasn’t been titled as of yet. It will be the third book in a series of three. I am also currently working on a screen play based on the story in the “The Night Eagles Soared.”

Often I am asked why I wrote the book and for me I know that there were many reasons. Deep down inside I knew that I had a story to tell, a story worth telling and so I put it in writing. And…even though it is told in first person narrative, the story isn’t about me…it is about all of us who have served at any given point in history. It is about the progression of a young man as he becomes a warrior who leads others into combat.

Today our military is an all volunteer force of young men and women who have been fighting a shooting war for over ten years. The hardships endured…are no less difficult or violent…than in any other conflict in our nation’s history. The difference today is that…this war has a different and some would say…more difficult setting.

One thing I hope that folks will take away from my work is that even though these volunteers become warriors…they are still human beings…with a heart and soul… just like everybody else.

In the following scene from the book, titled, “The Heart of a Soldier,” Mike the protagonist has just performed his cherry blast right out of Jump School. He has performed a Tailgate C-130…Full Combat Equipment…Static Line Parachute operation into Camp Mackall to start the Special Forces Qualification Course. He lands on the drop zone and we pick up the story from there.

(Excerpt from the book, page 44)

I laid there for a second, eyes closed, trying to collect my senses. One of the instructors began yelling, “Get the hell off my drop zone, Airborne.” And the C-130 swooped in, landing as it screamed past me only a hundred feet away. The roar of its engines was amplified as the sound reflected off of the tall pines that surrounded the airfield. The plane spun around, lowering its ramp, ready for another load.

My platoon was forming up. The sergeant gained accountability as we turned in our parachutes and reported back. Once we were all together, we marched back to the camp, singing slowly in a low baritone voice, keeping rhythm with our steps. The sun slowly sank behind us, below the trees, as we marched through the dust and into the shadows.

The heart of a soldier is the soul of a man. He is a knight without armor in a war-torn land. A fast gun for hire is an SF soldier. SF soldier, SF soldier, where have you been? Around the world and back again!

Our first day in the Special Forces was almost over as we marched in the darkness down the hill and into the camp. There were lights on in the large classroom; and the mercury light on the telephone pole outside the camp headquarters was already on, lighting up the gravel parking lot but blocking out visibility of anything beyond that.


That is how life is isn’t it? It is hard to see beyond the light that shines on the moment we are in. Through my writing, I also hope to shine some light on the legacy we leave behind as soldiers and how we all come to that point in our lives, in our lives as warriors when we realize … that we all get out of the military, eventually…for one reason or the other.

It is at this juncture in our lives that we must learn to reconcile our warrior spirit with the reality of being a civilian…with the reality of our new capabilities. That is when we must ask ourselves this question.

“What is it that I can do with the rest of my life that will benefit those I love and care about the most for generations to come?”

It doesn’t matter how old you are. If we can answer that question, we will know exactly what it is we are meant to do with the rest of our lives. The answer will give us a goal that we can strive to accomplish a little at a time by doing something every day in order to achieve it.

I’ve heard it said that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the next best time is today. Think about that for a second?

It is impossible to become a huge oak tree over night…it takes time. If that tree hasn’t already been planted, if it wasn’t planted twenty years ago, then it needs to be planted today and that is why I support the VFW and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

Both organizations are planting seeds of hope! Seeds of hope that will enable warriors like us to accomplish great things with the rest of our lives…seeds of hope that enable us all to see beyond our present circumstance…to visualize a future that will ensure a legacy of pride and hope for those we love and care about the most for generations to come.

God Bless our nations’ finest…God bless our warriors…God bless the VFW…God bless the Task Force Dagger Foundation! (Pause) Thank you and God bless you all!

Almost Famous!

Life as an almost famous author has really gotten exciting! Last week, I set out for the great state of Oklahoma to attend the first annual Northern Oklahoma Literary Arts and Book Festival and it was fantastic. On my way there, I stopped in Oklahoma City for an excellent visit with my marketing representative and then I attended a Screen Writers Workshop hosted by Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke. It was an exciting, entertaining, and educational weekend in which I met a variety of fellow authors, and fantastic people.

Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke gave an all day seminar on screen writing that was not only colorful but also very informative. Ken and Buck’s combined knowledge of how to make a movie from all perspectives gave the attendees an invaluable insight into the industry. To write a screen play it isn’t necessary to know everything about how movies are made but it is good to have an understanding of what takes place behind the screen as one creates the product that will guide the entire production. For their effort I am grateful and hope to attend more workshops with Ken and Buck.

I arrived to Ponca City Oklahoma early Saturday morning and the sun was shinning down through the clouds like a spot light from heaven. I arrived about three hours early so I had a fantastic breakfast at Happy Days restaurant. Then the book festival started. I shared a table with fellow author, Ursula Gorman and we signed a lot of books! I also met a great many people and then spoke in front of a room full of readers. I choked up and almost cried as I finished my reading for them and I thought to myself, “Dude, you have turned into a Mambi Pambi!” Still I had a great time and enjoyed it all so much! Life as an “Almost Famous” author is starting to get very exciting. Perhaps next year, I will be famous! Now back to working on the screen play for “The Night Eagles Soared”!

Steve

P.S. I would like to say thank you to Eyvonna Rains, a fellow author but also she was the person who set up the Ponca City event. She did an excellent job on everything from the location, to the awards dinner! Thank you Eyvonna!

Excerpt from BYR

For several weeks the Americans, along with the help of their brothers of the Northern Alliance had been pushing the Taliban back. They had been destroying every attempt the Taliban made to defend against the insurgency that had so quickly transformed itself into a formidable conventional force. Now, the Americans along with the help of their Northern Alliance brothers were threatening to take over the sacred capital of Afghanistan, Kabul.

The Taliban commander had been busily organizing his defensive positions in the last pass through the mountains, along the road leading into Kabul from the North. This was it, if he couldn’t stop the Americans here, the capital would surely fall into enemy hands and his faith in the beloved Prophet Mohamed and in Allah would be shaken.

“How could Allah allow this to happen,” he asked himself as he watched the Northern Alliance race across the valley floor below on horseback, heading directly towards his position.

He had moved his artillery pieces, Russian artillery and tanks along with what he had left of his infantry units into the Kabul side of the pass. He hoped to block the Americans and their insurgent force that had been defeating his every effort to stop them since the beginning. They had been defeating him at every turn since the success of the glorious attacks against the United States had taken place a little over a month ago.

Many of his men had been killed or captured and now, their backs were against the wall as the onslaught of American air power had not only confounded his every effort, but also had destroyed most of his Army. Still, he continued to fight. Still he continued to defend his beloved capital. He would hold on until the last man was killed if it should come to that.

Watching the action unfold through binoculars he noticed a reflection off to one side of the valley floor. Focusing in on it, he saw that there was an American soldier looking through a large, yet oddly shaped set of binoculars directly at him and his position. Quickly the Taliban Commander picked up his hand held radio and called for an artillery strike on that very location.

The gun crews busied themselves, locking rounds in the breach of ten large Russian artillery pieces. The battery commander held a whistle in his mouth with his left hand, his right hand raised high into the air. As the last gun was readied, he blew his whistle and dropped his hand. Each of the guns fired simultaneously and then began to reload. After that, they all fired at will, six more rounds for each gun; seventy rounds all together were fired at the position that had been identified by the Taliban Commander. The first round had yet to hit the ground when the last round had been fired and then a few seconds later, the gun crews started cheering as they heard the first of the rounds start to explode off in the distance, fifteen miles away.

Mike watched from a mountain top vantage point on the opposite side of the valley, as his team accompanied their Afghani counterparts down into the valley below that had been cleared the night before during the early morning hours using close air support. Plumes of smoke were still rising from the burning tanks and vehicles that had been abandoned by the Taliban as they had retreated from the valley.

He heard the sound of the artillery being fired and called on his hand held radio for everybody to take cover and then he watched in horror as the position taken by his TAC-P, Kyle Black was engulfed with the explosions and dust created by the rounds as they started to impact all around his friend.

The Teams Medic, Sanchez, in complete disregard for his own safety immediately started for Kyle’s Position in the dual cab Toyota pick-up that he was using as a medical vehicle. He raced towards Kyle’s position as Mike directed the teams Junior Weapons Sergeant to get his mortars into action against the ridge line to their front. It didn’t take long for the they young Weapons expert to respond and soon the mortars started falling on the Taliban positions along the ridge line, forcing the Taliban commander to move.

Twenty Afghani soldiers, members of Kyle’s security element that had survived the barrage, rushed to where he was and recovered the airmen who had been severely wounded but was still conscience. Three of them picked him up and moved him about two hundred yards back as the Teams’ Medic and now Mike raced towards them in separate Toyota trucks. Kyle’s Afghani brothers found a piece of low ground and carried him to it, taking what protection they could find from the Artillery barrage that continued with its impacts only a few hundred yards away.

Kyle knew he had been hurt badly as they laid him down gently in a patch of green grass that had been grazed to the nub by sheep. There was a tree with no leaves nearby and he could hear water trickling through the aqueduct that ran the length of the wadi, down to a watering hole he had passed earlier that morning. His body was numb and he could still smell the dust and smoke from the barrage but he couldn’t feel a thing as he drifted off to sleep.

To Kyle the world wrapped itself in a prism of brilliant colors, burnt yellow and red as he slipped into a deep, comfortable sleep, feeling no pain, feeling no fear. Completely unaware of reality he dreamed vividly and found himself watching as his life passed before his very eyes.


Order your copy of "Burnt Yellow and Red" just click this link!

Just a Few Thoughts About This and That, Not a Word about UBL

It sure is a nice day outside, I think I may go for a walk. That sounds like fun, a long walk through the historic neighborhood near my complex. The historic district has been there since before the civil war. Back then they called it Twickenham; no wonder they changed the name.

While I am walking, I think I will contemplate the meaning of all the events that have taken place over this last week. Try to make some sense of it all. I’ll meditate on the memory of the tornado outbreak. I was lucky that day, many were not. One reminder from that experience that has stuck with me is the truth in that; we are all the same you know, basically. We all need and want the same things, food, shelter, security; because without that, life becomes an exercise in survival.

While I am walking, I think I will stop and take the time to enjoy the grandeur of the old live oaks that make Twickenham so nice and I’ll contemplate just how important our most precious national treasure is. I think everybody will agree with me that it is the young people of our nation that are our greatest national treasure. You know; the young people who have taken a stance for freedom through their service to our great nation. You know; the ones who are winning the war.

Before I finish my walk, I think that perhaps I should take the time to thank the Lord for my good fortune and ask him to take care of those less fortunate than me. I think I will ask God to bless our men and women of the armed forces for the sacrifices they make on our behalf and I will say thank you for the blessings I have received.

You know, it sure is a nice day outside, I think I will take that walk now.


S. B. Newman, Author

"Black Eagle Force - Eye of the Storm"

Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke have produced an outstanding Action Adventure novel titled, “Black Eagle Force - Eye of the Storm”. It is a fast, fun and exiting story that takes the reader on an action packed journey into a world of clandestine quick strike operations in a setting that hits very close to home. Based on the history of conflict along the U.S./Mexican Border, they combine real world combat experience and the high tech savvy of their military backgrounds to create a story that demonstrates the reality of war with an eye on compassion and romance. At times the Authors are very direct in their description of weapons effects and when that is combined with the application of future technologies they create scenes that will absolutely blow you away. With a sequel already in the works (Black Eagle Force – Sacred Mountain), I highly recommend this book to all my readers.


S. B. Newman, Author “The Night Eagles Soared” and “Burnt Yellow and Red”

Review by Buck Stienke, Author Black Eagle Force

I just finished the Book "The Night the Eagles Soared". It's a great read, with plenty of hard hitting stories of US Army Special Forces in clandestine operations in support of freedom loving people around the world. Understand the rigors of airborne school. Feel the tension as these elite warriors free fall into jungle drop zones at night. See the relief of hostages as their rescuers break into the camp and take out the Tangos who have imprisoned them. Plenty of action for the Military Action genre buff. Can't wait for Newman's next book.

BUCK'S DEMO REEL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5_nGTB3beU
http://thetimbercreekfilms.com
http://www.authorsden.com/buckstienke
http://blackeagleforce.com
http://www.rockabillybabymovie.com

Excerpt from "Burnt Yellow and Red"

For several weeks the Americans, along with the help of their brothers of the Northern Alliance had been pushing them back, destroying every attempt they made to defend against the insurgency that had so quickly transformed itself into a formidable conventional force and it was now threatening to take over the sacred capital of Afghanistan, Kabul.

The Taliban commander had been busily organizing his defensive positions in the last pass through the mountains, along the road leading into Kabul from the North. This was it, if he couldn’t stop the Americans here, the capital would surely fall into enemy hands and his faith in the beloved Prophet Mohamed and in Allah would be shaken.

“How could Allah allow this to happen,” he asked himself as he watched the Northern Alliance race across the valley floor below on horseback, heading directly towards his position.

He had moved his artillery pieces, Russian artillery and tanks along with what he had left of his infantry units into the Kabul side of the pass. He hoped to block the Americans and their insurgent force that had been defeating his every effort to stop them since the beginning. They had been defeating him at every turn since the success of the glorious attacks against the United States had taken place a little over a month ago.

Many of his men had been killed or captured and now, their backs were against the wall as the onslaught of American air power had not only confounded his every effort but also had destroyed most of his Army. Still, he continued to fight. Still he continued to defend his beloved capital. He would hold on until the last man was killed if it should come to that.

Watching the action unfold through binoculars he noticed a reflection off to one side of the valley floor. Focusing in on it, he saw that there was an American soldier looking through a large, yet oddly shaped set of binoculars directly at him and his position. Quickly the Taliban Commander picked up his hand held radio and called for an artillery strike on that very location.

The gun crews busied themselves, locking rounds in the breach of ten large Russian Artillery pieces. The battery commander held a whistle in his mouth with his left hand, his right hand raised high into the air. As the last gun was readied, he blew his whistle and dropped his hand. Each of the guns fired simultaneously and then began to reload. After that, they all fired at will, six more rounds for each gun; seventy rounds all together were fired at the position that had been identified by the Taliban Commander. The first round had yet to hit the ground when the last round had been fired and then a few seconds later, the gun crews started cheering as they heard the first of the rounds start to explode off in the distance, fifteen miles away.

Mike watched from a mountain top vantage point on the opposite side of the valley, as his team accompanied their Afghani counterparts down into the valley below that had been cleared that night during the early morning hours using close air support. Plumes of smoke were still rising from the burning tanks and vehicles that had been abandoned by the Taliban as they had retreated from the valley.

He heard the sound of the artillery being fired and called on his hand held radio for everybody to take cover and then he watched in horror as the position taken by his TAC-P, Kyle Black was engulfed with the explosions and dust created by the rounds as they started to impact all around his friend.

The Teams Medic, Sanchez, in complete disregard for his own safety immediately started for Kyle’s Position in the dual cab Toyota pick-up that he was using as a medical vehicle. He raced towards Kyle’s position as Mike directed the teams Junior Weapons Sergeant to get his mortars into action against the ridge line to their front. It didn’t take long for the teams’ Jr. Weapons Sergeant, to respond and soon the mortars started falling on the Taliban positions along the ridge line, forcing the Taliban commander to move.

Twenty Afghani soldiers, members of Kyle’s security element that had survived the barrage rushed to where he was and recovered the airmen who had been severely wounded but was still conscience. Three of them picked him up and moved him about two hundred yards back as the Teams’ Medic and now Mike the Team Sergeant raced towards them in separate Toyota trucks.

Kyle’s Afghani brothers found a piece of low ground and carried him to it, taking what protection they could find from the Artillery barrage that continued with its impacts only a few hundred yards away.

Kyle knew he had been hurt badly as they laid him down, gently in a patch of green grass that had been grazed to the nub by sheep. There was a tree with no leaves nearby and he could hear water trickling through the aqueduct that ran the length of the wadi, down to a watering hole he had passed earlier that morning. His body was numb and he could still smell the dust and smoke from the barrage but he couldn’t feel a thing as he drifted off to sleep.

To Kyle the world wrapped itself in a prism of brilliant colors, burnt yellow and red as he slipped into a deep, comfortable sleep, feeling no pain, feeling no fear. Completely unaware of reality he dreamed vividly and found himself watching as his life passed before his very eyes.

Status Report

Just wanted to let you know that I am in the process of completing my second book! It is a sequel to "The Night Eagles Soared" and the second book in a series of three that I have planned. I announced via email to all the readers who have purchased the first book directly from me that I was making a special offer for signed and numbered collectors copies and wanted to make sure to let you know about that. The link is below and in the title here, "Burnt Yellow and Red.” It will take you to the secure pay pal site to place an order for one or two copies.

One reader asked if I was still donating to the Green Beret Foundation and unfortunately for "Burnt Yellow and Red" I am not in a position to do that. I am still discounting by $2, and donating an additional $2 for each copy of "The Night Eagles Soared" purchased directly from me off my website or blog to the Green Beret Foundation. A link is provided below. In addition to that, I have donated a singed copy of the book to the GBF in support of the Silent Auction that will be conducted during the Gala this year in San Antonio, Texas. I believe that is in June. I also discounted the book's retail price by half to support the Green Beret Foundations' "Go Ruck" Wounded Warrior Support Program in which they are sending a rucksack filled with essentials to every Green Beret that is transferred to a Medical Treatment Facility. One item they are including in the rucks is a copy of my book "The Night Eagles Soared." Once the second one comes out, I will continue that offer on both books indefinitely for the GBF.

I am also working with the Task Force Dagger Foundation in conjunction with the TFDF Ozark Fishing Adventure at which they will host eight Wounded Warriors and their families from the Special Operations community for a weekend of fishing on Bull Shoals Lake in North Eastern Arkansas. For that I have donated copies of "The Night Eagles Soared" to be sold for donations and I have volunteered to speak at the Benefits Dinner because this is an important event and I want to make sure that folks come and enjoy it along with our wounded warriors. Jimbo Blakeslee is setting all that up by the way!

One last thing that I am involved with is the Southern Vets Fest to be held in Adairsville Georgia on the 30th of April. That little town hosts about 10k people each year for an outdoor concert and other activities in order to raise money to help feed Homeless Veterans in the North Georgia Area. And there are a great many of them, many are post 9-11 veterans. For this event I have donated time and effort to raise awareness and I have also volunteered to speak at the event.

It is the release of my first book that has given me a platform to work with and I thank God for that! The more copies of my books that I sell the more I will be able to do and so I ask for your support in these endeavors. Please help me spread the word about these three organizations and my writing to include the special offer for a signed and numbered copy of "Burnt Yellow and Red" and my first book, "The Night Eagles Soared!"


S. B. Newman, Author
The Legacy Series
"The Night Eagles Soared"
"Burnt Yellow and Red"

"Burnt Yellow and Red" Special Offer!

Good Afternoon Friends! Please let me first say, thank you for reading my first book! If you haven't read it yet, then you better order it sooner rather than later! The reason for this post today is to let you all know about the great news pertaining to the next book I am writing. It is so far titled, "Burnt Yellow and Red" and it is the sequel to "The Night Eagles Soared."

In fact, I have now decided to call this the "Legacy Series," and it will eventually consist of three books. Right now, we are in the process of finalizing the contract in order to establish the production schedule as I am finishing the last few pages of the manuscript for "Burnt Yellow and Red". What that means is that I will soon have the completed manuscript to my publisher and so I am announcing a prerelease sale for a Signed and Numbered collectors copy of my next book.

Of course, it will be sometime before we have the copies available for shipment, probably not before the end of March 2012. It might be a little sooner than that. As soon as I know, I will let you know. To lock in a Signed and Numbered copy of "Burnt Yellow and Red," now is the time to do it. Just click on any of the hyperlinks provided in the title of the book thorughout this article!

I will only sell 300 Prerelease Signed and Number collector copies and they are going fast so now is the time to make it happen!

Thank you very much!

S. B. (Steve) Newman, Author
The Legacy Series
The Night Eagles Soared
Burnt Yellow and Red

Screen Writers Workshop!

I have recently made an excellent contact who just happens to be a Tate Author like me! More importantly, Ken Farmer and his partners, Buck Stienke and Jim Roberson, founded Timber Creek Productions, LLC in 2006 specifically to acquire and produce quality film projects. Long story short, Ken has asked me if I would like to help organize a Screen Writers’ workshop to be held at a date and time of my choice. My thoughts on the workshop is that perhaps if enough people are interested in it we could hold it on Friday, the 13th of May in Oklahoma City since many of us are all participating in the North Oklahoma Literary Arts and Book Festival on the 14th.

Placing our superstitions aside, I still think that this could be a fantastic opportunity for two reasons. Ken Farmer is not only a professional Actor, Screen Writer, Author and Movie Director; he is also the owner of a Television and Movie Production Company. http://www.thetimbercreekfilms.com/

In my conversation with Ken, he brought up the possibility of talking to Dr. Tate founder of Tate Publishing about hosting the location for the workshop there in Mustang, Oklahoma at Tate Headquarters. I see this as a win - win and I hope you might consider attending. The dates and location are flexible since we are just now starting to talk about it so any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It will be a six hour seminar on screen writing, and there are some costs involved. Ken is asking $75 per person, and we need a minimum of twelve people, max of 18 or so. Please feel free to contact me via email, or by posting a comment on here! Thanks and God Bless! Steve

A Legacy of Pride and Hope!

For those of you who are struggling with the decision of what you want to become one day, ask yourselves: “What can I do to create something that will benefit those I love and care about the most for generations to come?”

I have heard it said that; “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time to plant a tree is today.” Think about that for minute. That expression speaks to me on so many different levels it isn’t even funny! I think most importantly it says to me, that it is never to late to plant a seed of hope in our own future, for the future of our children and our children’s, children. That is why I became a writer.

Writing a novel is like, baking a cake with thousand layers. Each paragraph is another layer; each page is another coating of frosting, each chapter another section of cake ready to be stacked on top of the other. It isn’t something that can be accomplished at the drop of a hat, it takes time, and each day of writing creates a few more paragraphs, perhaps a few pages. As time goes on, the story will start to unfold in front of you and take on a life of its own. With patience; you will find that you have written an entire book!

Each day of our lives is like that, each day of writing is like planting another seed of hope in the future. I used to quote an expression to my troops to help them maintain perspective on why we had to work so hard. That was, “Put another sand bag on your position everyday and soon you will have a fortress!” The same holds true for just about anything you do in life. I you plant one tree every day, pretty soon you will have an entire forest!

It doesn’t matter what you want to become in life, just know that it is impossible to become a huge oak tree without first going through all the stages in life that it takes to get there. But if you know what your goal or end state is, then planning out which seed to plant becomes the task that must be accomplished each day. And that is how you create something unimaginable through your daily efforts that will benefit not only you but also the ones you love and care about the most forever.

To do this, we must restructure our perception to see the possibilities for our lives. We must use our imagination to create a future that will ensure a legacy of pride, and hope. If you can do that, you will create a legacy that will survive your physical self. And that my friends, is my goal in life.

PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, please inspire us all to do good works and to be a blessing to others. Grant, O Lord that our deeds will follow us and continue to bless others long after we depart this world. Amen.