Book excerpt: Throughout my military and civilian careers I have had the opportunities to work in many diverse occupations and positions. Some of the jobs include: First Sergeant, Army Instructor (Junior Reserve offi cer Training Corps), High School Basketball Coach, Registered Dental Hygienist, Real Estate Consultant, Financial Advisor with securities 6 and 63 certifi cations, Drill Instructor, Calvary Scout, Infantryman, Track Commander, Machine Gunner, Grenadier, and Rifl eman. Sometimes the aforementioned jobs entailed being placed in many unpleasant places. The Demilitarized Zone in Korea and the Jungles of Panama are two places that come to mind However, I must admit that one of my biggest disappointments occurred when I was released by an Air Force Colonel at the Pentagon and found myself without a job. I never imagined after at least forty years of service (22 active) with the Army that I did not even rate an interview. Although, I felt empty at the time without a job, It turned out to be a blessing because it allotted me the time to fi nish this book. I still make the sacrifi ce of being away from my family to have a job. Nonetheless, I work out of another state away from home but at least I have a job to support my family. Anyway, I thank God for the ability and skills to write this book. the events that took place in this book are all based on true stories. The short stories you are about to engage in were witnessed by me (the author) or told to me by the storyteller. Names have been changed to protect the rights of people actually involved. I wrote this book in such a manner that my generation can relate to it and our younger generation may attain historical and geographical knowledge. Intentionally, I wanted to be as inexplicit as possible so that it may be used as a teaching tool. I apologize if anyone is offended; however, I am merely describing incidents as seen from my eyes with the use of references. Resources include the internet, books and people.