Praise for Restless Hearts
“If Ernie Pyle had breached the consciousness of war weary Americans with narrative rather than articles and “cartoons”, he would have done so much in the context of RESTLESS HEARTS. For those many patriots, past and currently serving, who have crossed into the line of fire and returned home, especially those bearing the scars of conflict, Dennis Baker’s uniquely woven and reflection provoking story of service and sacrifice will be an emotional and satisfying read. We were all changed by our experience in the combat arena, no matter how brief that experience. RESTLESS HEARTS speaks to the humanity of every American warrior, and the countless motivations that lead a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman to shield a comrade in mortal combat.”
– Rear Admiral James H. Flatley III, US Navy (Retired)
(One of three generations to command a carrier fighter squadron in combat, a Navy test pilot and a recipient of the Navy’s John Paul Jones Award for “inspirational leadership”.)
“On Restless Hearts… Who amongst us would not want to be offered a second chance to correct a previous mistake? Who amongst us would not want the support and participation (even in a dream) of national heroes to help us turn a failed mission into a mission completed? Writing in a smooth, easily reading style, Commander Baker weaves a complex, but almost plausible story of a group of modern day heroes who use a dream to gain the support and participation by a group of earlier national heroes to turn a failed mission into a mission completed. Drawing on his own experience as an enlisted man and then an Officer in the Navy, he learned about living right as you go, making amends if need be and the importance of second chances. I commend this book to your reading.”
– Lieutenant General Lawrence F. Snowden, US Marine Corps (Retired)
(General Lawrence Snowden is the highest ranking survivor of the battle of Iwo Jima.)
“Mr. Baker,
I am not often at a loss for words. However, I find myself tongue tied and feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Sir, thank you for writing this book.
I not only thank you for those who did not return, but for their families as well.
Ricky Wood is my uncle. I am [Ricky’s brother’s] daughter.
I never had the pleasure of knowing my uncle and I have always felt a tremendous loss and emptiness due to that fact.
Yet, at the same time I feel that there is a very strong connection from beyond the heavens that I have with him.
My heart breaks for the pain that my dad endured when Ricky was killed and for the many, many years after, when the ache of that reality was so real.
On Veteran’s Day, I will be honoring you and all of our nations heroes.
I wish you the very best and again thank you!”
– [The niece of Ricky Wood, one of the real heroes whose names were used in the story]