Book Reviews

Title: Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft from Skyraider to Super Hornet, 1948-Present
Author: Tommy H. Thompson
Genre: Military, Navy
Reviewer: Hodge Wood

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 1580071325

Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft from Skyraider to Super Hornet 1948-Present celebrates carrier-based air-to-ground attack aircraft which first came into operation during the Korean War, reached maturity during Vietnam, and are deployed today throughout the world. Well-known author and naval aviation authority Tommy Thomason not only explores such legendary Navy aircraft as the A4D Skyhawk, A3J Vigilante, and A-6 Intruder, but also the critical role of the aircraft carrier itself, for without these massive nuclear-powered floating airfields, U.S. Navy attack aircraft would have no sea-borne bases from which to operate.
Armament from gravity bombs to today's GPS-guided smart weapons are covered in great detail, and this book also explains that while many different types of airplanes were required for flying attack missions in the past, only one aircraft - the advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet - is needed to carry out these same missions in an even more complex and hostile combat environment today.

Title: The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a wounded warrior about faith and perseverance
Author: LaToya Lucas
Genre: Military, Army
Reviewer: Don Arndt

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0615267602

The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a Wounded Warrior about Faith and Perseverance, was written with the personal insight and experience of a person who has faced and overcome tremendous adversity. Latoya Lucas brings us face to face with our innerselves while simultaneously sharing her experiences of perseverance and faith even after suffering severe wounds from her service with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Why is it that some people are able to overcome their fears and persevere through life s adversities? By reading Latoya s story, you will come to understand how a person with faith and determination could rely on that faith when tested during an unbelievable hardship. In The Immeasurable Spirit, Latoya explains that we all have the capability to be resilient, especially when we reach out to God for his wisdom and strength. Latoya encourages readers to seek out the often difficult task of rehabilitating and strengthening the mind and spirit. Command Sergeant Major Terrance McWilliams, US Army Retired and Former 1st Army Division West and Fort Carson Command Sergeant Major says about The Immeasurable Spirit, "There have been many stories written about female experiences in combat, this is the first that focuses on how faith and family values persevere."

Title: I Will Never Give Up On God Again
Author: Derek W. Clark
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Bill McDonald

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0615267351/a>

Have you ever given up on God? Or been close to giving up on Him? I have. This is the story of a spiritual journey: from feeling abandoned by God to feeling embraced by God. For years I'd felt an oppressive weight bearing down on me: the burden of anger against God. Why did it feel like He never stuck up for me? Why didn't He rescue me from the abuse, loneliness, and pain of a troubled childhood? Why didn't He stop my parents from abandoning me to the foster care system? With every disappointment, I became more and more convinced He wasn't there, wasn't guiding me through my struggles. He either could not or would not comfort me during the hard times; the times I needed Him most. I didn't fear God, and secretly despised Him. It was the drowning death and resuscitation of a young girl that forced me to rethink my contentious and unhealthy relationship with God. Knocked hard out of my irreligious complacency, I came to see tragedy, hope, suffering, and overcoming with new clarity and understanding. Adversity, I realized, can be one of God's greatest blessings. This spiritual epiphany has filled me with immeasurable gratitude: for the breath of life, the goodness around me, and even for the sad, troubled past I had to overcome. This is a story about rediscovering God, and gaining awareness of His presence. A former High-Risk Foster Child with thirteen years in the foster care system, Derek W. Clark is an Inspiring Motivational Speaker and Author. As a helpless child, Derek was nearly institutionalized due to erratic behavioral problems and violent tendencies. He is a survivor of child abuse, and was diagnosed early on as mentally retarded. As he developed, it became clear to his foster parents that this diagnosis was without merit. Even against unbelievable odds, Derek never gave up, using music, laughter, will power, and positive decision-making to triumph over adversity. He is the author of the autobiographical I Will Never Give Up, which received the highest rating of 5 Stars from the American Authors Association and I Will Never Give Up On God Again. He is also a recording artist, singer/songwriter and successful business owner. Derek currently resides in Northern California, with his wife of 15 years and their 4 amazing children.

Title: Bible Promises for Soldiers
Author: Jacqueline Barnes
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Claudia Pemberton

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 143433757X

This book is a must read for soldiers and those in other branches of the military who are facing or who will face a deployment. It examines the role of the soldier from a biblical perspective. It examines the lives of some of the greatest warriors in the bible and the strategies they used to defeat their enemies. This book contains over 100 promises from the bible specifically for soldiers. They are promises of protection, deliverance, strength and encouragement for those facing the challenges of deployment and war. This book is powerful, uplifting, and encouraging. Do not go to war without reading this book.

Title: Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II
Author: Larkin Spivey
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Reviewer: Rob Ballister

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0899570402

The purpose of Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II is to strengthen the faith of its readers by showing the power of faith of those under the most extreme circumstances imaginable. This is accomplished through 365 one-page stories from America's greatest conflict presented in a daily devotional format with relevant scripture readings for each day of the year. Additionally, the book presents a unique and concise history of World War II with summaries, maps, and photographs of the major campaigns of the war. On this level, the individual stories provide insights into the war and combat not found in typical historical accounts.