Review of Accidental Soldier of Fortune
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Mehul Pan
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Review of Accidental Soldier of Fortune
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Accidental Soldier of Fortune" by Paul C. Hooper.]
Paul Hooper's "Accidental Soldier of Fortune" is the third book in his series that captures his thrilling career as a pilot.
When I read Paul Hooper's "Accidental Soldier of Fortune," I felt like I was right there with him, experiencing his thrilling career as a pilot. After retiring from the USAF in 1993 with 5,200 flight hours, Hooper didn't slow down. Instead, he jumped straight into commercial aviation and found himself in the thick of counter-narcotics operations in Peru. This was the start of his second, even more dangerous, career. Over the years, he flew missions in places like Colombia, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, racking up over 11,000 flight hours in various aircraft.
The memoir focuses on the SOUTHCOM Reconnaissance System (SRS) operations and the tragic crashes of two aircraft in 2003. Hooper meticulously details the events that led to these disasters, highlighting systemic failures and ignored warnings. His firsthand account of the crashes, the resulting deaths, and the prolonged captivity of US contractors is both gripping and sobering, offering a stark look at the dangers of clandestine operations.
What I found particularly compelling about Hooper's writing is his ability to make complex aviation and military operations understandable. His deep personal experience shines through, making this memoir not just a story but a valuable historical document. One of the book’s strongest points is its raw honesty. Hooper doesn't hold back in critiquing the systemic issues and bureaucratic oversights that led to the SRS disasters, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of such oversights.
However, I felt the memoir could use more detailed accounts of Hooper's personal reflections and emotional journey. While the technical and operational details are thoroughly covered, a deeper dive into his internal experiences would provide a more rounded picture of the man behind the pilot. For this single reason, I'd like to rate this book 4 out of 5. There were no grammatical errors showing that the book went through professional editing and proofreading.
Overall, "Accidental Soldier of Fortune" is a compelling read for anyone interested in military aviation and government contract flying. Hooper’s account pays fitting tribute to his comrades and offers a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those in the field. This memoir not only chronicles the remarkable career of a dedicated pilot but also stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those operating in the shadows of global conflicts.
******
Accidental Soldier of Fortune
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Paul Hooper's "Accidental Soldier of Fortune" is the third book in his series that captures his thrilling career as a pilot.
When I read Paul Hooper's "Accidental Soldier of Fortune," I felt like I was right there with him, experiencing his thrilling career as a pilot. After retiring from the USAF in 1993 with 5,200 flight hours, Hooper didn't slow down. Instead, he jumped straight into commercial aviation and found himself in the thick of counter-narcotics operations in Peru. This was the start of his second, even more dangerous, career. Over the years, he flew missions in places like Colombia, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, racking up over 11,000 flight hours in various aircraft.
The memoir focuses on the SOUTHCOM Reconnaissance System (SRS) operations and the tragic crashes of two aircraft in 2003. Hooper meticulously details the events that led to these disasters, highlighting systemic failures and ignored warnings. His firsthand account of the crashes, the resulting deaths, and the prolonged captivity of US contractors is both gripping and sobering, offering a stark look at the dangers of clandestine operations.
What I found particularly compelling about Hooper's writing is his ability to make complex aviation and military operations understandable. His deep personal experience shines through, making this memoir not just a story but a valuable historical document. One of the book’s strongest points is its raw honesty. Hooper doesn't hold back in critiquing the systemic issues and bureaucratic oversights that led to the SRS disasters, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of such oversights.
However, I felt the memoir could use more detailed accounts of Hooper's personal reflections and emotional journey. While the technical and operational details are thoroughly covered, a deeper dive into his internal experiences would provide a more rounded picture of the man behind the pilot. For this single reason, I'd like to rate this book 4 out of 5. There were no grammatical errors showing that the book went through professional editing and proofreading.
Overall, "Accidental Soldier of Fortune" is a compelling read for anyone interested in military aviation and government contract flying. Hooper’s account pays fitting tribute to his comrades and offers a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those in the field. This memoir not only chronicles the remarkable career of a dedicated pilot but also stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those operating in the shadows of global conflicts.
******
Accidental Soldier of Fortune
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Hidden Realities by T.B.Prowting
