Originally, the book was intended to be an account of the experiences of a 17-year-old "kid" in the Air Force in 1948. However, it soon evolved into his life story-beginning with his upbringing in a small town in West Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. He remained in the Air Force for over 20 years, partly due to the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950.
In 1952, he married Virginia Harper of St. Albans and Point Pleasant, West Virginia, beginning over 64 years of happiness and building a wonderful family together. Their first home was in San Rafael, California, near an Air Force base outside San Francisco-an idyllic place at the time. Over the years, they moved several times, including two more overseas tours in France and the Philippines, as well as several postings at U.S. bases. During their time in the service, they had three children-American patriots, all. Another son was born about a year after they left the service.
While overseas, Virginia became an unofficial "den mother" and big sister to many homesick young Air Force wives, offering comfort and support.
Our family suffered a profound loss in 2017 when we lost our "mainstay" in a tragic car accident. We mourn her deeply and give thanks every day for the time we were blessed to have with her. Despite our grief, we carry on, supporting one another as she would have wanted. Larry still lives in Ohio, in the home they built together in 1965. He retired from his second civilian career at the age of ninety.