I grew up around aviation, with my father serving in U.S. Army Aviation as both fixed- and rotary-wing qualified, specializing in aviation logistics. Life on various Army, Navy, and Air Force bases gave me an early appreciation for aircraft, flight operations, and the people behind them. Unable to fly for the military, I pursued a career in geology, where I spent three decades managing complex projects and learning the value of planning, economics, and human dynamics. That experience, combined with the logistical insight passed down from my father, shaped my analytical approach to studying aviation history. After retiring, I devoted my time to exploring aviation’s past—visiting museums, reading extensively, and engaging with authors and professionals. Over the past decade, I’ve written more than 350 book reviews on aviation and military history, still uncovering new stories within this endlessly fascinating field.