ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to their country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a professional career field where they were not readily welcomed or embraced. The field that these brave men entered was one that was dominated by white males. It is the story about the U.S. military's 600 m.o.l. - Black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam, some making the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also the story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home). The 600 m.o.l. is perhaps one of the greatest stories that was never told, at least up to now.
AUTHOR OF THE BOOK
Dr. Joe Ponds served in the U.S. Army as a combat helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. After he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1975, less than a year later he became the first black Direct Commissioned Aviator in U.S. Coast Guard history. In addition to his induction into Morgan State Univeristy's (Baltimore, Maryland) ROTC Hall of Fame, Dr. Ponds has been a Chapel Speaker for Major League Baseball teams to include the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets. He lives in Beverly Hills, Florida where he is currently the Pastor of Beverly Hills Bible Church, and a Life Member and President of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida.
The Book
