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Stinger: Operation Cyclone
A Grunt Level View of Charlie Wilson’s War A Cold War adventure that peers inside the exploits of Congressman Charlie Wilson and CIA’s Task Force Chief Gust Avrakotos . Strange bedfellows they were… their alliance proved to be one of the most successful partnerships in the history of the CIA. Operation Cyclone centers on the results of these efforts. The adventure begins with the election of Ronald Regan in 1979 . This was the same year that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Early in 1982 POTUS called for a plan of action to arm and finance the Jihadi warriors known as the Mujahideen. Operation Cyclone was the code name assigned to this project. CIA Officer Mike Vickers, not a participant in this story, was solicited by Avrakotos to help design and roll out the blueprint to equip the Mujahideen . Included in this Covert Action program was the Stinger guided missile. This weapon system would be credited as the major factor in the Russian withdraw in 1989. General Gerald Bushman returns as the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency. Rick Fontain, who was now a Member, Technical Staff of AT&T’s Bell Labs, is brought in for his expertise with the Stinger technology. His familiarity with the Russian gunship, the Mil Mi24 was just icing on the cake. Rick is re-united with his Redeye instructor, Andy Davis, and together they would lay out a plan to kill buku Russian aircraft. However, the operation stalls in 1982 and would not move forward until Rick thwarts an assignation attempt on one, Maalouf Torki bin Taisei. Mr. Taisei is a Malaysian government official. He is also the largest arms dealer on the Pacific Rim. The KGB gets wind that the Pakistan ISI has agreed to support Operation Cyclone . Their attacks are fierce. However, the result was not what they expected. President Regan issued a change to the original operation requirements. The gloves were to come off. Rick Fontain is told to do whatever it takes to get Stinger into the hands of the Afghan Freedom Fighters . In 1985 President Zia finally OK’s the American plan to provide the Stinger technology to the Mujahideen. American Special Forces, the Green Beret and DELTA, were assigned to the training center at the ISI’s Ojhri Camp. CIA’s, LTC Jim Pezlola and CWO Gary Larson, solicit the Mujahideen Command to provide students for the very first class of Stinger shooters. Rick takes the graduating class into Afghanistan to the Russian airbase at Bagram. The rest… as they say… is history. Operation Cyclone may not have ended the Cold War, but it certainly had weakened the Soviet Union’s resolve. So much so that in 1993 it financially collapsed. Click Amazon's 'look inside' to start reading the first chapter and order your copy of this action-packed, fast-moving military Cold War thriller today.
- GenresFiction
432 pages, ebook
Published February 12, 2018
65 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Bill Fortin
6 books36 followersBill Fortin, a native of Baltimore, Md., retired from Bell Labs in 2001 has served in the United States Army, 3rd Armor Division, from April 1968 to April 1970. Currently he is CEO of IBS Inc., specializing in International Marketing and Systems Engineering. Fortin holds a Master Degree in the Management Sciences from the University of Baltimore. He and his wife, Judy, reside in Westminster, Md.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2018
Accidentally stumbled across this book via my Amazon recommendations and I've never been so happy to be surprised.
Going into it, I didn't realize that it is the second book in a series. I wasn't sure if I wanted to purchase the first one as well, so I went ahead and started reading this one and was pulled in immediately. I never felt lost or confused because the author kept the reader informed and referenced back to the first book seamlessly.
I did end up going back and buying the first book but only because I enjoyed the second one so much and wanted to see what happened to lead to it!
I think I've found a new favorite author. Bill Fortin seems immensely qualified to write an excellent thriller, which added to the atmosphere of the book.
The book centers around CIA operative Rick Fontain and 'Operation Cyclone' a early 80's CIA operation to force the Russian army out of Afghanistan. Rick Fontain becomes involved in the operation after saving the life of an Afghani businessman and must help the people of this embattled nation fight for their freedom.
I am not a person who is highly knowledgeable about military history and stratagems (especially from 30 years ago) so it was surprising to me that I enjoyed this novel so much and was able to keep up. Fortin is a great writer who truly made me feel like I was there with Rick Fontain in the hot Afghan sun and on a Russian battleship.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good spy thriller or military history novel. I feel like you can't get a better hero than Rick Fontain. I will definitely be looking into more books in this series as they come out.
Going into it, I didn't realize that it is the second book in a series. I wasn't sure if I wanted to purchase the first one as well, so I went ahead and started reading this one and was pulled in immediately. I never felt lost or confused because the author kept the reader informed and referenced back to the first book seamlessly.
I did end up going back and buying the first book but only because I enjoyed the second one so much and wanted to see what happened to lead to it!
I think I've found a new favorite author. Bill Fortin seems immensely qualified to write an excellent thriller, which added to the atmosphere of the book.
The book centers around CIA operative Rick Fontain and 'Operation Cyclone' a early 80's CIA operation to force the Russian army out of Afghanistan. Rick Fontain becomes involved in the operation after saving the life of an Afghani businessman and must help the people of this embattled nation fight for their freedom.
I am not a person who is highly knowledgeable about military history and stratagems (especially from 30 years ago) so it was surprising to me that I enjoyed this novel so much and was able to keep up. Fortin is a great writer who truly made me feel like I was there with Rick Fontain in the hot Afghan sun and on a Russian battleship.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good spy thriller or military history novel. I feel like you can't get a better hero than Rick Fontain. I will definitely be looking into more books in this series as they come out.
March 15, 2018
“Those of us who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”- Santayana
Maryland author Bill Fortin has worked for Bell Labs and is now the CEO of IBS, Inc. specializing in systems engineering, having earned his Master’s degree in the Management Sciences from the University of Baltimore. But more pertinent to this, his second novel in the Rick Fontain Series is the fact that having served in the US Army 3rd Armor Division from 1968 to 1970 he understands and has witness the horrors of war and its aftermath on soldiers
This being Book 2 of Bill’s series it is helpful that he brings us up to date with a brief author’s note: ‘Many people forget that during our respective histories with Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan there was another theater of conflict taking place. An almost bloodless combat … a mental combat, but combat none the less. The Cold War, sustained mainly on the European landmass, was fought silently for well over 40 years. On Christmas Day in 1979 the Soviet Union decided to try their hand at genocide in Afghanistan. This attempt at invasion would fail in a full retreat in February 1989. Some historians say that the proverbial beating of their feet back across the Amu Darya River, utilizing the infamous Friendship Bridge, signaled the end of the Cold War. I, for one, did not believe this to be the case. And since 2014, neither have the people living in the Ukraine.’
Bill’s writing style is that of a seasoned war historian as well as a man who understands engineering technology. To provide further background information he opens his book with a Prologue set in the 1960s in Ukraine and then opens the nidus of the tale with a conversation between on Alexi and Khrushchev, moving quickly on to 1985.
The novel is complex and to understand and appreciate the impact of the message, Bill offers a synopsis on his book’s back cover: ‘Rick Fontain is back. STINGER is a Cold War adventure that peers inside the exploits of Congressman Charlie Wilson and CIA's Task Force Chief Gust Avrakotos. Strange bedfellows they were.... Their alliance proved to be one of the most successful partnerships in the history of the CIA. "Stinger: Operation Cyclone" centers on the results of their efforts. The adventure begins with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1979. This was the same year that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Early in 1982 POTUS called for a plan of action to arm and finance the Afghan Freedom Fighters known as the Mujahedeen. Operation Cyclone was the code name assigned to this project. CIA Officer Mike Vickers, not a participant in this story, was solicited by Avrakotos to help design and rollout the blueprint to equip the Mujahedeen. Included in this Covert Action program was the Stinger guided missile. This weapon system would be credited as the major factor in the Russian withdrawal in 1989. General Gerald Bushman returns as the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency. Rick Fontain, who is now a Member, Technical Staff, of AT&T's Bell Labs, is brought in for his expertise with the Stinger technology. His familiarity with the Russian gunship, the Mil Mi-24is just icing on the cake. Rick is re-united with his Redeye instructor, Andy Davis, and together they lay out a plan to kill buku Russian aircraft. However, the operation stalls in 1982 and does not move forward until Rick thwarts an assassination attempt on one Maalouf Torki bin Taisei. Mr.Taisei is a Malaysian government official. He is also the largest arms dealer on the Pacific Rim. The KGB gets wind that the Pakistan ISI has agreed to support Operation Cyclone. Their attacks are fierce. However, the result is not what they expect. President Reagan issues a change to the original operation requirements. The gloves come off. Rick Fontain is told to do whatever it takes to get Stinger into the hands of the Afghan Freedom Fighters. In 1985, Pakistan's President Zia finally OK's the American plan to provide the Stinger technology to the Mujahedeen. American Special Forces, the Green Beret and DELTA, are assigned to the training center at the ISI's Ojhri Camp. The CIA's LTC Jim Pezlola and CWO Gary Larson solicit the Mujahedeen Command to provide students for the very first class of Stinger shooters. Rick takes the graduating class into Afghanistan to the Russian airbase at Bagram. The rest, as they say, is history. Operation Cyclone may not have ended the Cold War, but it certainly weakened the Soviet Union's resolve. So much so, that in 1993 it financially collapsed.’
Bill Fortin places the facts of the Cold War before us in a manner that will prevent us form forgetting that period in history and its impact on global politics today. Not only is he a very fine writer, but he also is a standard bearer who reminds the reader of the atrocities of the Cold War and the manner in which we as a country dealt with it. Very highly recommended.
Maryland author Bill Fortin has worked for Bell Labs and is now the CEO of IBS, Inc. specializing in systems engineering, having earned his Master’s degree in the Management Sciences from the University of Baltimore. But more pertinent to this, his second novel in the Rick Fontain Series is the fact that having served in the US Army 3rd Armor Division from 1968 to 1970 he understands and has witness the horrors of war and its aftermath on soldiers
This being Book 2 of Bill’s series it is helpful that he brings us up to date with a brief author’s note: ‘Many people forget that during our respective histories with Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan there was another theater of conflict taking place. An almost bloodless combat … a mental combat, but combat none the less. The Cold War, sustained mainly on the European landmass, was fought silently for well over 40 years. On Christmas Day in 1979 the Soviet Union decided to try their hand at genocide in Afghanistan. This attempt at invasion would fail in a full retreat in February 1989. Some historians say that the proverbial beating of their feet back across the Amu Darya River, utilizing the infamous Friendship Bridge, signaled the end of the Cold War. I, for one, did not believe this to be the case. And since 2014, neither have the people living in the Ukraine.’
Bill’s writing style is that of a seasoned war historian as well as a man who understands engineering technology. To provide further background information he opens his book with a Prologue set in the 1960s in Ukraine and then opens the nidus of the tale with a conversation between on Alexi and Khrushchev, moving quickly on to 1985.
The novel is complex and to understand and appreciate the impact of the message, Bill offers a synopsis on his book’s back cover: ‘Rick Fontain is back. STINGER is a Cold War adventure that peers inside the exploits of Congressman Charlie Wilson and CIA's Task Force Chief Gust Avrakotos. Strange bedfellows they were.... Their alliance proved to be one of the most successful partnerships in the history of the CIA. "Stinger: Operation Cyclone" centers on the results of their efforts. The adventure begins with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1979. This was the same year that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Early in 1982 POTUS called for a plan of action to arm and finance the Afghan Freedom Fighters known as the Mujahedeen. Operation Cyclone was the code name assigned to this project. CIA Officer Mike Vickers, not a participant in this story, was solicited by Avrakotos to help design and rollout the blueprint to equip the Mujahedeen. Included in this Covert Action program was the Stinger guided missile. This weapon system would be credited as the major factor in the Russian withdrawal in 1989. General Gerald Bushman returns as the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency. Rick Fontain, who is now a Member, Technical Staff, of AT&T's Bell Labs, is brought in for his expertise with the Stinger technology. His familiarity with the Russian gunship, the Mil Mi-24is just icing on the cake. Rick is re-united with his Redeye instructor, Andy Davis, and together they lay out a plan to kill buku Russian aircraft. However, the operation stalls in 1982 and does not move forward until Rick thwarts an assassination attempt on one Maalouf Torki bin Taisei. Mr.Taisei is a Malaysian government official. He is also the largest arms dealer on the Pacific Rim. The KGB gets wind that the Pakistan ISI has agreed to support Operation Cyclone. Their attacks are fierce. However, the result is not what they expect. President Reagan issues a change to the original operation requirements. The gloves come off. Rick Fontain is told to do whatever it takes to get Stinger into the hands of the Afghan Freedom Fighters. In 1985, Pakistan's President Zia finally OK's the American plan to provide the Stinger technology to the Mujahedeen. American Special Forces, the Green Beret and DELTA, are assigned to the training center at the ISI's Ojhri Camp. The CIA's LTC Jim Pezlola and CWO Gary Larson solicit the Mujahedeen Command to provide students for the very first class of Stinger shooters. Rick takes the graduating class into Afghanistan to the Russian airbase at Bagram. The rest, as they say, is history. Operation Cyclone may not have ended the Cold War, but it certainly weakened the Soviet Union's resolve. So much so, that in 1993 it financially collapsed.’
Bill Fortin places the facts of the Cold War before us in a manner that will prevent us form forgetting that period in history and its impact on global politics today. Not only is he a very fine writer, but he also is a standard bearer who reminds the reader of the atrocities of the Cold War and the manner in which we as a country dealt with it. Very highly recommended.
April 6, 2018
It is shortly after the election of Ronald Regan in 1979 that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, but it was not until 1982 that POTUS set in motion Operation Cyclone. The Afghani people are locked in a desperate attempt to avoid total annihilation by an occupying Russian force. Severely out-gunned and with very limited resources they are resisting one of the strongest armies in the world. Embedded within a number of US Corporations such as AT&T are middle management people who serve dual roles as company executives as well as foreign operatives. Protagonist Rick Fontain is one of those individuals. By saving the life of a very influential Arab businessman he becomes the spearhead of an attempt to assist the Afghani people in their fight for freedom.
Senator Charlie Wilson from Texas made it his life’s work to assist the downtrodden Afghanistan people in their struggle to free their country from the Russians. The movie, “Charlie Wilson’s War,” documents his effort. This book is a play by play of the struggle to free and assist the people by arming them with our very sophisticated Stinger Missiles. The weapons are brought into the country using covert sources and operations to distance the US Government from involvement in the affair. Meanwhile, the Russians have developed one of the most deadly and fearsome helicopter gunships ever developed.
This book illustrates the difficulties in supplying arms to foreign countries without the US seemingly being involved and illuminates problems with covert operations.
On the whole, I found the narrative fascinating and eye-opening. My one objection to the storyline is the excessive detail given about some of the military operations. I was given this download by the author and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. This is recommended reading for all to would be interested in history, military action, and those who would seek a position that might make a difference. Additionally, I suggest the read to all who wonder why the US Military budget is so bloated. 4/5 stars - C.E. Williams
See my full review on https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
Senator Charlie Wilson from Texas made it his life’s work to assist the downtrodden Afghanistan people in their struggle to free their country from the Russians. The movie, “Charlie Wilson’s War,” documents his effort. This book is a play by play of the struggle to free and assist the people by arming them with our very sophisticated Stinger Missiles. The weapons are brought into the country using covert sources and operations to distance the US Government from involvement in the affair. Meanwhile, the Russians have developed one of the most deadly and fearsome helicopter gunships ever developed.
This book illustrates the difficulties in supplying arms to foreign countries without the US seemingly being involved and illuminates problems with covert operations.
On the whole, I found the narrative fascinating and eye-opening. My one objection to the storyline is the excessive detail given about some of the military operations. I was given this download by the author and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. This is recommended reading for all to would be interested in history, military action, and those who would seek a position that might make a difference. Additionally, I suggest the read to all who wonder why the US Military budget is so bloated. 4/5 stars - C.E. Williams
See my full review on https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
April 23, 2018
Well, I really like this Book 2 in the Rick Fontain series by Bill Fortin. Bill Fortin is a US Army veteran himself, and has chosen to write some excellent “cold war” fiction, describing the day-to-day implementation of “Charlie Wilson’s War” which described the US assistance to the Afghan mujahideen. I agree with other readers who reported that this book felt like reading history. The first person narrative is as lively and engaging as the depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg in KILLER ANGELS by Michael Shaara. There is excellent dialogue and interesting interplay between CIA operative Rick, along with US Army Special Forces, Delta Force, and the Afghan mujahideen fighting the invading Soviet goliath. The descriptions of the Afghans carrying in the Stinger missiles on the backs of pack mules. It was fascinating for me to read the ground-level description of how this new technology allowed the Afghans, most often fighting from horseback, to level the playing-field with the Soviets, killing indiscriminately from attack airplanes, helicopters, and tanks. I served in Afghanistan 2002-2003, and really appreciated his word pictures of the terrain. I also was interested in this story, because intel then was that some of these “old” Stingers were still around as a threat in 2002 – fortunately the old weapons didn’t survive operationally after decades of storage in caves, with very hot summers and very cold winters. Strong work, Bill Fortin. I look forward to the third in the series.
July 31, 2018
Let me preface my review with the statement that this is a novel that is out of my genre box but with that being said, it was quite interesting as I do like historical fiction. This is a part of history during the Vietnam War that I knew little about so now I feel much more informed about the Cold War with Russia and how our military, as far back as 1986, were trying to train, help and teach survival to the Afghan Freedom Fighters. So, in light of that, Stinger was a good historical fiction novel.
Being slightly familiar with Charlies Wilson's war, this story gave an in depth view of the situation and diffusing the Cold War with Russia. Stinger presented a lot of human interest with its cast of characters that I enjoyed. The continued dry humor of Rick Fontain gained him comraderie with his fellow characters. The relationship between Hanna and Rick gave breaks to the serious-ness and strict militarism in the story. The scenes of battle were well shown as well as the losses that occur during such battles.
I loved how this story honored our military and their efforts to always keep us safe - a tribute to our country. The character of Rick Fontain was very patriotic in the story as I assume is the author of the book. If military history is part of your genre list, this might be a good read to choose.
Being slightly familiar with Charlies Wilson's war, this story gave an in depth view of the situation and diffusing the Cold War with Russia. Stinger presented a lot of human interest with its cast of characters that I enjoyed. The continued dry humor of Rick Fontain gained him comraderie with his fellow characters. The relationship between Hanna and Rick gave breaks to the serious-ness and strict militarism in the story. The scenes of battle were well shown as well as the losses that occur during such battles.
I loved how this story honored our military and their efforts to always keep us safe - a tribute to our country. The character of Rick Fontain was very patriotic in the story as I assume is the author of the book. If military history is part of your genre list, this might be a good read to choose.
June 7, 2018
A guys book. Written by guy. But sometimes girls like 'em too.
Stinger Operation Cyclone was a page turner from page 1.
I was swept in and ended up on a fast paced ride to the end.
Bill Fontin knows how to weave a story with the details, descriptions of people and places to intrigue the reader and keep you engaged. Fontin writes expertly about the Middle East and military topics in a way that your drawn in and unable to put the book down.
I enjoyed Stinger Operation Cyclone much more than I expected to.
A cast of characters from each location of the story is provided at the end that helps keep the reader involved in this fast paced story.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
Stinger Operation Cyclone was a page turner from page 1.
I was swept in and ended up on a fast paced ride to the end.
Bill Fontin knows how to weave a story with the details, descriptions of people and places to intrigue the reader and keep you engaged. Fontin writes expertly about the Middle East and military topics in a way that your drawn in and unable to put the book down.
I enjoyed Stinger Operation Cyclone much more than I expected to.
A cast of characters from each location of the story is provided at the end that helps keep the reader involved in this fast paced story.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
April 4, 2018
This is a docu-drama concerning the time when the Russians were trying to conquer Afghanistan. Most of the characters are drawn from real life. The story combines political intrigue with violent action. The book supplies a depth of detail far beyond what might be required for a good story. It is a great, historically-accurate story told in excruciatingly boring detail. The style of writing makes me wonder why some actions get a broad brush while others go into nano detail. I am happy to have read this book, but a re-read is not in my future.
January 22, 2023
A Live Op
Enjoyed the behind the scenes into a major clandestine op. The fronts the "CIA" operatives become to carry out their missions . Always in danger and a very distinct personality type. Really enjoyed it.
Enjoyed the behind the scenes into a major clandestine op. The fronts the "CIA" operatives become to carry out their missions . Always in danger and a very distinct personality type. Really enjoyed it.
April 21, 2018
Great!I wonder how autobiographical this book is?
Another great read by this author! Fun and funny, historical and well written it grabs you by the neck and doesn't let go.
Another great read by this author! Fun and funny, historical and well written it grabs you by the neck and doesn't let go.
March 7, 2020
An excellent read. Follows the continuing adventures of Rick Fontain. A 3rd Armored Division James Bond!
November 19, 2021
Read a couple chapters but had to give it up. While the story seemed interesting, I could not get used to the style of the writing.
Read
April 6, 2022Cover out dated!
May 12, 2022
Great CIA / Cold War novel!
January 5, 2024
I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series. I really like this Book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews