Inside Marine One: Four U.S. Presidents, One Proud Marine, and the World’s Most Amazing Helicopter

by Ray L'Heureux, Lee Kelley

Col. Ray "Frenchy" L'Heureux always dreamed of bring a pilot. Growing up, he built airplane models and dreamed about soaring over the earth. When he was twelve, his mom treated him to a flying lesson at the local airfield. Taken on a short flight by an instructor and allowed to operate the controls for part of the flight, he was hooked forever. It wasn't until he was running low on college funds and saw a recruiter at his college that he joined the Marines and began the journey towards his dream from Parris Island to Bravo Company and, then, officer training school. One day at an airfield when President Reagan landed on this way to a fundraiser, Frenchy's life changed forever when encountered HMX1, the squadron that flies the President in Marine One. When he saw the white-topped Sea King and White Hawk helicopters, he was determined to become part of that elite group. Inside Marine One is Col. L'Heureux's inspiring story of a young man who dreamed of flying, trained, studied and worked hard to become the pilot who ended up serving four US Presidents - George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. It's also a personal guided tour inside the world's most famous helicopter by a man who knows that flying machine better than any other. Inside Marine One is a great American success story of a young boy who dreamed big, worked hard and finally flew the President of the United States as his number one passenger.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aviation, History, Audiobook, Biography, Military Fiction, Presidents

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retired Marine Colonel L'Heureux writes of his career in the Corps, especially his two tours with HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron. His second tour was as commanding officer . Overall he was involved in the transport of four presidents and gives some human insights into each especially Bush 43.

[Jeff Lenar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read for anyone interested inside the Marine Corps’s largest squadron, HMX-1.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Col. Ray "Frenchy" L'Heureux is a really cool person. Not that I know him personally but I feel like I did get to know him in this book. I would want to hang out with him. This book gave the right mixture of the past with Col. Ray’s childhood and how he joined the military with the present and his job as a helicopter pilot for Marine One.

While Col. Ray does a good job of not getting into politics and where he stands, which I can only imagine would be tricky to maneuver around when you have a different boss every four years. I did notice clear differences in the Bush’s and Clinton, and Obama. The Bush’s seemed really friend…people person. Like when George W. Bush was at Camp David and he played volley ball with the staff or took Col. Ray on a long mountain bike ride. He seemed like just a regular person. Whereas, I did not get this feeling when I read about Clinton or Obama. They seemed to be more above the people. Also, I think some of this had to do with the fact they did not have any military experience so they did not know how to show respect. I liked getting this inside look into Marine One.

[Mike Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a memoir than an autobiography, Colonel L'Heureux tells of his ascendency to the helm of the elite MHX-1 squadron responsible for the coordination of transportation for the President of the United States in Marine Helicopter One and his special relationship with former President George W. Bush. Written in a "gee whiz" manner with the utmost respect for his responsibilities and command, L'Heureux typifies the mission objectives of the Marine Corps. I was hoping, perhaps, for a bit more detail on what makes the Marine One helicopter special, but came away with the sense that it is the staff, not the machine.

This was received as a pre-publication copy from the publisher in Kindle format in exchange for an honest review.

[Justina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a great book for any young person who is thinking of joining the military. The reading level is not very advanced so even junior high aged kids could read it. Although I don't think the book has the greatest organization (it kind of jumps from story to story) it does give a lot of details about flying and what it takes to be the commander of Marine One. What surprised me the most was the friendly relationship between the author and Geroge W. Bush. I enjoyed the stories about the author biking with the president. Col. Frenchy seems like a cool guy and he was very proud of what he accomplished in the military. This is a refreshing read for anyone who is proud to be an American.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I would give it a five star rating but there were a few parts that really lost my interest but overall the book was very interesting. It is always so inspiring to read about someone who had a dream as a child and worked hard to make it become reality. I never really had a dream as a child and am 44 years old and have nothing to show for it. But stories like these really raise my spirits that anything is possible with hard work. I also admire the authors wife as it seems she raised her children mostly alone and I credit her for their success. This book was an easy read and very enjoyable.

I received this book free for goodreads.com.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice man with an interesting life. I found the telling, even with pictures, dull.

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nauseating: a love letter to George W Bush. Who knew?

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been on an interesting kick of people in professions associated with the White House/US Presidents. Frenchy, or as George W called him, "The Frenchman" came up when I read Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat and I decided to read this book. I know little about the Marines and am not particularly interested in helicopters, but I enjoyed Colonel L'Heureux's story. While the book touches on his early life, the majority of it is the story of his military career and how he came to serve two terms with HMX-1, the unit that oversees Marine 1. He met and was in awe of Pope John Paul II when he was serving with the unit under Bill Clinton, but truly got to know Bush 43 and his family when he returned as commander of the unit. It was these chapters that I found most interesting, less day to day Marine life and more great stories of building a mountain bike trail on the Crawford ranch and organizing the logistics of D-Day commemorations as far as getting the helicopters safely to Europe and unpacking them on an Egypt stop that was added late to the itinerary. I found it interesting to see the difference between when they packed the helicopters and when they flew them to their destinations, and while there weren't a ton of photos, I could picture one of the "white tops" nose to nose with Air Force One as Frenchy's writing was very descriptive.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, inspiring memoir.

4 stars overall.

Inside Marine One recounts the life and extraordinary career of Retired Colonel Ray L'Heureux. He has the particular distinction of serving in HMX-1, the Presidential helicopter squadron, not only once, but twice; flying for four separate Presidents - the last two of the 20th century and the first two of the 21st century. He recounts his life and professional accomplishments through concise stories that act as little snapshots in time. And while he is ambitious and extremely serious about his career, he conveys everything with good humor and genuine humility.

Highly recommended for those who love military aviation and Presidential history.

[Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thirty percent is of his training, he then gets to be Presidential co-pilot where they air taxi The Pope. He eventually gets transferred then comes back to be Presidential Pilot, he shares how he would regularly bicycle with the President and they built a bicycle path for the President at his ranch. When they go to pick up Gov. Arnold, Bush has to poke his head into the cock pit and say, "Look, The Terminator." like a little kid saying, "See, I'm important, too. He mentions his son being in the military and that he is proud of him. He flies around. His parents are proud, he gets some pix with the Prez.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up very cheap while on vacation. Have now gotten around to reading it, and as the woman who had always watched the air show aircraft and felt her heart beat fast at the idea of just sitting in the cockpit of any one of those choppers or birds in the sky, I have to say I loved this book. Experiencing Ray "Frenchy" L'Heyreux grow up and live the dream. Finding his way from jets to Helicopters he eventually worked his way to being the C.O. of HMX-1, and flying Presidents, heads of state, and even the Pope along the way. A truly enjoyable read.

[Chris Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder about the Marine standing beside the door of the helicopter as the President leaves the White House, what about those pilots who fly the famous green and white birds?
This book will give you a great behind-the-scenes view of HMX 1, the oldest and most famous Marine Helicopter squadron.
I found the information interesting, but the author’s story is also very interesting; his first ride and the resulting friendship with President Bush is one example of the stories in this great read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique lens through which to look at the presidency. Col. L'Heureux (aka Frenchy) tells an incredible story of a truly remarkable career, all leading to years of flying the president. It's incredible to hear the inside scoop about the logistics behind Marine One's operations, and the journey that a pilot has to go through to get there. The behind-the-scenes stories of each president also brought a unique and human side to each of them.

[Bart Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting inside account of a Marine One pilot

Very enjoyable read describing the day-to-day details of those who fly the President around on Marine One. L'Heureux has an engaging style and recounts many interesting stories during his time as pilot and CO of HMX-1. Highly recommended if you are a aviation geek

[craig hurdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I liked this book because of the story of Col Ray L,Heureux what he had to do to become a marine pilot for the president of the united states the various presidents from Carter ,Bush, and Obama the people he met the missions and the training involved.

[J. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray L'Heureux had an amazing career and his book gives readers an insight into the complex operations and demands on the personal lives of those who fly Presidents in Marine One. The book is a fascinating read, regarless how you feel about any particular President.

[Shecki B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating! From humble beginnings to schlepping around presidents. I really enjoyed his descriptions of interactions with various administrations. And the first bike ride at Camp David story, still makes me laugh.

[Jake Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ego sum laude

A few interesting insights, but goody goody throughout, superficial tone. A pilot’s bio journey with no stumble and no humble. Audio version a bit pontifical, text version smooths it somewhat. Glad to have landed after all the whirling about.

[jazz weisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super interesting look into Marine One and the life of one its main pilots. Learned a lot about the way that Marine One and the squadron that flies and takes care of it work. Also a lot of interesting intimate looks at some former presidents in their off hours.

[Russ Mathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories the author (a Marine and a triathlete) has about riding mountain bikes with President Bush (43).

[Christa Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was a bit difficult to read but the overall story was interesting.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and entertaining look at a demanding position.

[RUDY GAMUZZO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary

Great book, loved every page. Few books hold my interest, but this book not only held my interest but had a grip on it. Was actually sorry that the book ended

[tyRonE hArDing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting. Fun to read about a job that so few people have privilege to experience.

[John Powell]

Outstanding

[Ron Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inside look

A great read for anyone who enjoys getting an up close and inside look at something that you're aware of but don't really understand what it is truly like.

[Bob Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great inside look

I liked how he portrayed himself, humble, excited and just down to earth. Also very insightful of the president's he worked for.

[Q. S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written, informative and interesting book. Maybe, I am biased since I worked in the US Gov in DC. Semper Fidelis!

[Dan Curnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colonel Ray "Frenchy" L'Heureux gives us a wonderful story about his role as a Marine Helicopter Pilot who gets to fly The President of the United States in Marine One. The read is quick and highly interesting. There is plenty of detail and plenty of personal human interest to go along with the technical.

The book actually has four stories, although I'm not sure that was the intention. They are all interwoven together to form one unique biography of a Marine Colonel.

First Part: How a young boy gets fascinated in flying through his mother giving him the gift of a flying lesson. The rest, as they say, is history. He grows up, goes to college, enlists in the Marines and becomes a helicopter pilot.

Second Part: Is about his career as a Marine. We start off with Paris Island and boot camp and work our way up through thirty years of his life as he progresses from boot camp to Officer Candidate School, to Flight School, to every other school needed so that he eventually ends up with HMX-1 the Marine unit that deals with flying the President of the United States around the country and the world in a Marine Helicopter.

Third Part: Details of the type of Helicopter that the President gets to fly in. You learn much of the technical aspects of the aircraft (without giving away any top secret material). You learn about the men who operate it, maintain it, provide security and well just down right have to make miracles happen to get the Helicopter to where the President needs it. This part is fascinating.

Fourth Part: Colonel L'Heureux gives us a glimpse at President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hilary. He shares with us their gracious and grateful attitudes and warm welcome for the Marines and their service. He then goes into a very lengthy section talking about his relationship with President George W. Bush, #43. He became a good friend of the Presidents and spent lots of time with him on mountain bikes, building trails at the ranch and hanging out at Camp David.

I very much enjoyed the fourth part of the story as it gave a great look at President Bush from an angle that most people would never have. It is very warm and fulfilling. Now, I will also say that I was very surprised by his views on President Clinton and how warm and welcoming Clinton was. I never thought of him that way.

This book was fabulous. It is a must read for anyone that loves our country and loves our military.

Thank you Colonel L'Heureux for your service to our country, your service to our Commander in Chief and for your wonderful recollections of the time you spent serving.