War – What happens to the soldiers who fight them? Do they just go home and ride off into the sunset? Do they return to their families and a normal life? Or do they have an internal war? Trying to come to terms with what happened to them and their buddies in a war that no one wanted. Scars made not only outside but inside. Called baby killer, murderer and so many others vile names. Ignored and sometimes abused by the very system they gave their oath and sometimes their lives to protect. Lt. Colonel Jackson MacKenzie is one of those men. He gave all on many occasions and nearly gave his life to honor his oath and the men with which he served in Korea and Vietnam. Only to be betrayed by those above him. Those who know the truth but refuse to come forward. Honor, Duty, Country, Loyalty aren’t just words to him. They are his life. His problem, does he follow his heart and stand by his duty or disappear into his mind and let his demons take over? His other choice, live the rest of his life as a simple cowboy hiding out on a cattle ranch in Montana? It is a decision both hard and easy. And one he has to make or lose himself entirely.
Targeted Age Group:: Adult
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
The beginning of the 1st book in the series came in a dream and an article in Time magazine. Heroes today are few. And we need more of them. This book is a continuation of that theme.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
My characters come from many places. My friends, people I admire, people I despise. Some are a mixture of traits I would like to see in others and myself.
Book Sample
March 25, 1974
Double M Ranch, Montana
“Get out of my way, Chief. That’s an order! I’m going to the barn to take care of my horse.” Jackson grabbed his coat and took a step toward the door.
“No, sir.” Chief held out both arms to block Jackson’s path. “You have a 104-degree fever from the flu and need to get into bed.”
“Get out of my way, Sergeant Blackwater.” Jackson growled low in his throat like a rabid dog. Spit dripped off his chin.
“No, sir.” Chief maintained his position in front of the door.
Jackson drew back his right fist and threw a punch at Chief’s jaw. It connected, snapping his head back in a violent twist.
“Still not moving, boss.” Chief wiped the blood from his split lip.
“Your choice.” Jackson twisted his hips and launched his fist into Chief’s stomach.
Chief doubled over while his hand gripped his side. “Ouch. I think you broke my rib, boss.”
“Don’t care.” Jackson latched onto Chief’s shoulders to shove him out of the way.
“But I do, sir.” Chief grabbed his friend with both arms and bent him backward into his bunk. “Mikey, get your ass over here and sedate him. I can’t hold him much longer.”
Jackson saw his opening with his feet still on the floor. He aimed his knee at Chief’s groin and connected with a loud pop. The vice grip over his chest lessened, but not enough for him to wiggle free. Someone pulled his right arm straight and rolled up the sleeve. The smell of alcohol filled his nose as a cold cloth wiped his skin. “Don’t touch me, Roberts.”
Mikey shook his head. “I have to, sir. Your fever is climbing.”
“Leave me alone, Sergeant Roberts. That’s an order.” Jackson wiggled like a worm to get free. A few seconds after the sting of the needle, the lights blurred, he fought against the darkness, then a dark hole swallowed him up.
Links to Purchase Print Books
Link to Buy The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles Peace at a Cost Print Edition at Amazon
Links to Purchase eBooks
Link To Buy The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles Peace at a Cost On Amazon
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Author Bio:
I'm many things. And had many different careers. My life has been a learning experience for over 50 years. I have been a bomb dog handler, loaded cargo planes on the cargo ramp. Sat at a computer entering data. Washed dishes at a restaurant and sacked groceries.
I have attended FEMA classes in Terrorism, Suicide bombers, and Nuclear/Biological. I have handled explosives, shot different weapons, from the M1 Garand to the AR-15, and many different pistols.
I am a college graduate with a BA in Political Science and History. I'm a WWII history buff. The P-51 Mustang and F4U Corsair are my favorite planes of WWII. Many people in my family have served. My father, step-father, step-brother, two great uncles, and many, many friends.
I am a musician. I can and do DIY. My kitchen turned out nice as I figured out how to refinish the cabinets.
I love to travel. Been to Europe. My favorite place there. Pompeii. Eerie and exciting at the same time in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius I have seen the battleships Alabama, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri.
My experience is across a wide range of things. A jack of many trades and master of none. Or maybe a few.
