Fly Safe: Letters from the Gulf War and Reflections From Back Home

In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the first Gulf War. Vicki Cody's husband was deployed to Saudi Arabia, and they had to rely on written letters to stay connected. Her narrative and journal entries provide a realistic glimpse of the lives of spouses and families during a war, while Dick's letters give a front-row seat to the unfolding of history and the adrenaline rush of flying helicopters in combat. Together, they weave a clear, insightful, and intimate story of love and its power to sustain us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press

In the summer of 1990, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait ignited a series of events that would ultimately culminate in the first Gulf War. As the commander of an elite Apache helicopter battalion, Vicki Cody's husband was deployed to Saudi Arabia, leaving her and their two children behind. For the next nine months, they would be separated by thousands of miles, relying solely on written letters to stay connected.

From Vicki's narrative and journal entries, the reader gains a vivid and intimate insight into the experiences of spouses and families during wartime. At a time when most people did not own personal computers and the Internet was still in its infancy, communication was limited to letters that took weeks to arrive. Vicki's writing vividly captures the range of emotions she experienced during this period, from the stress and anxiety of being separated from her husband to the moments of humor and joy that helped her cope.

Meanwhile, Dick's letters to Vicki provide a unique perspective on the unfolding of history and the adrenaline rush of flying helicopters in combat. Through his letters, the reader witnesses Dick's commitment to his country and his devotion to his family back home. The letters reveal his fears and doubts, as well as his pride in his work and his deep love for Vicki and their children.

Together, Vicki's narrative, Dick's letters, and the historical context of the first Gulf War weave a powerful and intimate story of love and its ability to sustain us in the face of adversity. The reader is left with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 215 x 141 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647421441