Hello dear readers,

On November 2, 2007, I lost a compatriot, a soul mate in writing and a great friend, Hanley “Doc” J. Harding, Jr. Those of you on the AuthorsDen site know the truth in that which I speak. This Newsletter is a tribute to Doc. My sentiments are aptly expressed, in part, in a song sung by Iris DeMent, After You're Gone

There'll be laughter, even after you're gone.
I'll find reason to play that empty song.

I've memorized each line in your face.
Not even death can ever erase
The stories they tell to me.

I'll miss you, oh, how I'll miss you.
. . .
Doc will be missed on AuthorsDen Round Table where authors login to chat. Doc was loved by all on AuthorsDen because he always had time to encourage, appreciate and treasure each of us and our work. As time passes, I will remember his stories and in this way, he will live on. He will also live on through his interview featured in my book, _Female Suicide Bombers_.

Hanley J. Harding, Jr. was a Nuclear Security Specialist and Founding Board Member of Aurora Protection Specialists, Boca Raton, Florida. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. You may visit his site on AuthorsDen at: http://authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=4649 or the Aurora Protection Specialists at: http://www.auroraprotection.us/intro.html (Where he showcases some of my relevant books). The Aurora Protection site describes Doc this way:

“With his Navy background during the Vietnam War years, including working on some of the Navy's top projects (AFRSF, AFWR, ASCAC, FORACS and SOSUS), and his many years of Nuclear Security and Police Training experience, Mr. Harding has a unique grasp of not only the global picture of Security and Emergency Operations systems but also of some of their most exacting details. His landmark Nuclear Security Training & Qualification Plan was recognized by the USNRC - Region II as a milestone in the industry and raised the level of security protection for Nuclear Power Plant facilities across the U.S.”

Arrivederci, my friend.

__________________

This week I will be traveling to New York City to interview the Ambassador at the Afghan Mission in the United Nations. I am looking forward to meeting him and learning more so that I might write a better book on the status of the women of Afghanistan.

_Women Leaders in Africa_ will soon be published. I’ll keep you posted.

R