Normal.dotm 0 0 1 83 477 LeaderMetrix 3 1 585 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} One of the most gratifying things about writing is creating a story that others find exciting and inspirational.  When I finished writing Escape Through The Wilderness and reread the manuscript, I was amazed that the story came out of me.  I believe I was given this inspiring story as a gift.  If I had chosen not to write and share it, the story would have died inside me and never been told.  But I thank God that didn't happen.  In fact, the opposite is true. The gift he gave to me is now my gift to the world.  I hope the story entertains and encourages all who read it.

Gary was awarded the Silver Star, the nations third highest award for valor, while serving in Viet Nam. He is also still recognized as the youngest drill sergeant in the history of the US Army (Pentagon confirmed) at age 18.