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Ask the Author: Ted Russ

“Ask me a question.” Ted Russ

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A comment rather than a question? - In Spirit Mission, you refer to an honor scandal affecting the class of 1976. The honor scandal actually involved the class of 1977. The investigations began after spring break in 1976 so that is probably the source of the confusion. While the scandal is not a source of pride for the class of 1977, we do own it and I don't want another class to be unfairly tarnished by it.
Ted Russ Thanks for the note, Rich. You are actually the second Old Grad to point this out to me. I'm trying to get this corrected in future editions of the text. I wish I had been more precise. I appreciate you calling it out.
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In Spirit Mission there was a significant feud between E4 and F4. Was that an actual issue when you were at West Point or were the companies changed to protect the innocent? I was in F4 in the mid-70s and I thought of E4 as a kindred spirit.
Ted Russ Great question. I was in E4. I'm not sure what happened between your time and mine but we definitely did have a running feud, or rivalry, with F4 then. It wasn't quite as bad as I portrayed in the book (I exaggerated there a bit for narrative purposes). And you're right, since we were both 4th regiment, we had more in common than not. I was recently back for our 25th reunion and saw a lot of those guys. We had a great time.
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Looks like a good read but why put not put a real helicopter like the OH-58 on the front?
Ted Russ Ha! Great question. I love the OH-58. My first assignment was actually as an OH-58 pilot with an attack battalion in Germany. Then I went over to Chinooks. This story doesn't have 58s in it, though...so, unfortunately, no cover opportunity for them.
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Ted Russ Spirit Mission is based on my experiences as a West Point cadet, Army officer and special operations helicopter pilot.

It took a long time for me to write Spirit Mission, and I am glad. It’s a much different book than it would have been had I finished it in the mid nineties. Time gave me a deeper appreciation of my experiences, the lessons of West Point, and the ideals of duty, honor and country.

I hope it comes through in the book.
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