Oh Say Can You See

Standing in front of my truck, an unfamiliar sound traveled through the air. The sixth sense I had developed from war immediately took over as my instincts dropped me to the ground. Debris flew past my body as the roof on the building behind was ripped asunder. I felt the wind of a disabled airplane as its propeller narrowly avoided removing my head. Death had repeatedly knocked on my door but I refused to answer. Once again I had cheated him out of his prize.

My name is Errol. This is My Story of America.

By the Dawn’s Early Light

I fired several shots sending bullets tearing through a living breathing human. He dropped to his knees gasping for any vestige of life, but it was to no avail. Crashing to the ground his last signs of life disappeared. In the middle of it all I felt no sorrow or grief. My mind convinced me he was not really a person; that he had no humanity. Over the years my feelings would change, nevertheless I was still tortured by the memories and I wondered if I would ever find peace. My Country made me a hero, but my conscience told me I was a criminal.

My name is Woody. This is My Story of America.

What So Proudly We Hailed

How could I have been so foolish? How could they have tricked me into singing songs of praise to such a wicked individual? How could I worship a system so vial and corrupt? Thoughts like these were now burdening my soul as my mind journeyed back through my childhood. Innocence and joy were replaced with deceit and betrayal. How do good, hardworking people turn away from morality and decency only to embrace the wickedness of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany?

My name is Sonja. This is My Story of America.

At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming

The pain tearing through my flesh was like a hot bullet cutting me in half. Cold tile pressed against my face as I lay on the floor screaming. What could be causing such agony? Only moments earlier I was ready for a normal Saturday night. Now I laid in the bathroom vomiting and wailing in distress. Nothing I did relieved the misery gripping my body. As a frigid sweat encased me, I had no clue a life was about to be drastically altered.

My name is Todd. This is my story of America.

Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

One might say our meeting was one of chance, but we both knew better. I had stolen two hundred twenty three thousand dollars over the course of just four days. He had been dealing cocaine since the age of fifteen. Our face to face meeting resulted in a powerful new alliance. Partnerships like these usually lead to tragedy but ours is actually a tale of triumph.

We are S.O.G. This is our story of America.

Through the Perilous Fight

Two uniformed officers were standing directly at the end of the street in front of us. Frightened we turned to go the other way and encountered two more hastily coming towards us. Grabbing our two small children we ran towards the small dilapidated building. My fists throbbed as I pounded on the door pleading, “Please open up I am a citizen!” Our only path to safety now slowly opened as I forced my way inside. The cries from my family filled the air as the men grabbed at their legs. With superhuman-like strength I pulled them into the dwelling and slammed the door. We were now safe inside the Embassy, but for how long?

My name is Harald. This is my story of America.

O’er the Ramparts We Watched

I slowly opened the tube of toothpaste and hidden inside was the money my father managed to smuggle out of the country.  The soldiers had thoroughly checked everything over but his ingenuity managed to get past their detection.  Many people would love the thought of running off to an island paradise to live.  Unfortunately our life depended on our ability to flee from one.

My name is Ana.  This is my story of America.

Were so Gallantly Streaming

With the pilot and co-pilot rendered unable to fly, the responsibility would now fall to me. There was only one problem; I had never piloted any type of aircraft in my life. Harvard and Yale may be some of America’s top educational institutions, but no Ivy League school could compete with the immediate education I received eighteen hundred feet in the air and nine thousand miles away from home.

My name is Mackey. This is my story of America.

Incredible

After spending time with the eight people whose stories are chronicled in the book, I realized how fortunate we are to live in America. Sometimes the world around us serves up nothing but negativity, yet there are bright spots all around us if we only will open our eyes. I am in the process of going over my final writing before submitting the book to the editor. Six of the eight teasers are now listed on the website, the other two will be added soon.

Share Yours

I have met many wonderful people and the stories in the book are coming together. If you have an inspiring story about America or your life as an American, please contact me and I will set up an interview to find out more.