In 2017, when I began this journey to tell my story, I knew that there would be a day when it would be time to retire.
I knew when I began, that succeed or fail, the project that became the book was mine. Every word was mine, with organization assistance and proof-reading from my cousin Kristy. The pictures used in the book, I selected. I designed the cover. I copyrighted my work.
I am proud of what was produced. The book was completed, published and printed in time for the fifth anniversary of my 2013 incident, as was my goal when I started working dutifully on it the year prior.
I am happy that I was able to tell my story, perhaps someday my children will read it. I enjoyed the “author talks” I was able to give over the last 6 years.
At the close of 2024, I will suspend active marketing and book sales, the website will be shuttered, I will stop posting to the book’s social media presence.
I do still have a limited inventory of printed books, so if you’re interested in a copy for yourself or as a gift, please order before the end of the year. I will have some books on-hand, so in-person sales will continue to be possible into 2025 and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who helped me with this project, there are many. I hesitate to list everyone because I would inevitably and inadvertently forget a name, but I know who they are and so do they.
Thank you to the many Heroes that saved me, put me back together and pushed me to heal (I know a “thank you” is never enough). You’re forever in my heart.
~Andy
Pamir 62
January 14, 2013 after a flight at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan (OASD)
A smirk because I was happy to be wearing a ballcap and a headset.VIP 1, I must’ve been a pretty Big Deal.Posting with my new ride.A few months later, I’d snap a very similar pose of my MD530 in the FARP at Shindand Air Base (OASD).
90 YEARS AGO TODAY: 22 February 1932, The modern Purple Heart medal was established by General Order #3, signed by General Douglas MacArthur. The date was chosen in observance the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The award was inspired by the Badge of Military Merit, created by Washington in the waning days of the Revolution. As was the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart was also originally a merit-based award. Wounds received in action were one way a person could qualify for the award.
Since 1942, the medal is awarded to U.S. service members who have been killed or wounded by enemy action.
Later this year I will begin sharing #TenYearsAgo pictures and musings from my deployment to Afghanistan that began in October 2012 and ended in September 2013 when an IED destroyed my MD530, critically wounding my Afghan co-pilot and me.
Thank you to everyone who reads and follows my book’s social media accounts (Facebook & Instagram), I’m especially grateful for those of you who have purchased a copy of my book. I appreciate your interest in the story of my Heroes.
