THE BOOKSHELF

ABOUT THESE BOOKS

I have been writing articles on a variety of subjects for a number of years.  Most of these dealt with either military training, military history, or church administration related subjects.  I also wrote one full length novel and have a second novel in in progress.  Several of my short books were done in eBook format, which is simply a book presented in a "Digital" form rather than being in printed on paper.  Some of these are available here for your use.

On this part of my web site, I offer you a few works that have the advantages of an eBook.  I use the well known Adobe PDF© format eBook format to provide easy and immediate computer access for you the reader.  To open the book to read and/or print it out, just click on the .pdf title at the end of each description.

Enjoy!

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AMATEUR RADIO and COMMUNICATIONS ( Adobe PDF file format)

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR LICENSE...WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? - This 40 page book is written for the "Brand New" Ham Operator who just got or is about to get his/her General or Extra "ticket", but who still has questions about setting up a station and actually making that first contact on High Frequency (HF).  Written in conversational language that newcomers can understand, this book explains all the "Ham terms" used and assumes the new Ham is in fact, 'brand new'.  It provides some suggestions and thoughts on assembling a comfortable station.  Topics include how to select your first HF rig (as well as your first FM rig), what  antennas might work well for several situations, what to say in your first contact, and how to QSL.   It also will provide many good links for a world of additional information on these subjects that you can find on the Internet (if you know where to look).  This book won't help you get a license since it assumes you already have your ticket, but it will certainly help you get your station set up on HF and then start making contacts.  Think of it as having your personal "Elmer" at hand to help you along.  This eBook is free for personal use as a contribution to Amateur Radio.  ENJOY and PASS IT ALONG!    WHAT NOW.pdf    Also look for this book to be available soon at the Kindle Bookstore as an eBook for the Kindle Book Reader device.

HOMELAND SECURITY COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK  - Most of us say we "Remember 911", but for the Amateur Radio Operator, there is much more we can do beside just remembering.  We can prepare.  Even if you don't don't get really pro-active in emergency communications, there are things you can do...things you should do to prepare in case you are needed.   Just showing up with a radio in hand or on a frequency during an emergency is not enough, you need to know what to do and you need to be prepared and trained.  Designed to be an Amateur Radio Operator "Think Piece", this little booklet can give you some ideas of what you can do on your own as an Amateur operator in your local community.  This eBook is free as a contribution to Amateur Radio.     HOMELAND SECURITY COMM 2008.pdf

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MINISTRY RELATED (Adobe PDF file format)

WELCOME TO THE BOARD - A Manual for newly elected Church Board Members - For many church members who are elected to serve on their church board, it is their first Board membership experience of any kind.  They don't really know what is expected of them and they don't know how they should serve in this new important position.  Not specific to any one denomination, this manual can help most anyone seeking to know how to help the Pastor and serve the church.  This small 25 page book has been used by state districts and local churches.  Many churches and Pastors give a copy to every newly elected board member to help them get started on a good course.   This eBook is free as a help to all who might wish to read it.)    WELCOME TO THE BOARD.pdf  Also look for this book to be available soon at the Kindle Bookstore as an eBook for the Kindle Book Reader device.

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FICTION AND NON-FICTION

A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE FOR KINDLE   A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE THAT GOES WITH YOU FOR SCHOOL, STUDY, WRITING, OR RESEARCH…

Almost like having a Civil War expert on call, A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE FOR KINDLE contains hundreds of items of information on multiple areas for the historian, student, teacher, re-enactor of the Civil War period. This reference work gives you information that’s easy to access and fast to find.

A WAR THEY SHALL HAVE   A Novel -  OUT OF THE SHADOWS OF ANCIENT TIMES... THERE IS A STIRRING...

Attacks have intensified across the world and a new level of violence has been declared by radical Al Qaeda terrorists.  Suddenly, the people and organizations behind these attacks find themselves being targeted from an unknown quarter. Targets thought inaccessible are attacked...meetings, hotels, airliners, homes...they have no sanctuary. These blows quickly grow more numerous and even exceed the intensity and ruthlessness of the terrorists themselves. Who is doing this? From where have they come and why?

Clay Faulkner, member of an FBI counter terrorist team, is working to stop terrorist attacks when he learns that there is more to this than what is seen. A long forgotten, mysterious organization has awakened to reek a terrible vengeance on those who have declared war on the world outside themselves. Faulkner walks a tightrope between the terrorists he seeks and those who target them. He becomes ever more entangled, as he becomes sympathetic to those who are fighting the same enemy. Where will this take him? How will he respond?

Enjoy the book's opening, CINCINNATI. Look for this novel to be available soon for the Amazon KINDLE book reader. Your comments and reviews are welcome.

SAMPLE CHAPTER EXTRACT

CINCINNATI

Faulkner’s hands adjusted on the grip of the .40 caliber Glock as he inched his back along the barrier. He took one deep breath and then in rapid motion he spun to the left, lowered his gun down to the silhouette of a man before him and quickly fired 3 rounds…two in the chest and one in the head. He knew he had good hits and as an inward smile of satisfaction came to him the whistle blew followed by the range master’s call to “Cease Fire…Clear all weapons”. He had finished another enjoyable session on the range and shot another perfect score for his efforts.

He cleared his pistol and returned it to his holster and began policing up his empty brass. Then his cell phone rang. The voice on the other end was Sid Stokes. “Clay…you need to come to the office…we have a situation.” There was the sound of seriousness in Sid’s voice.

“On the way” was Faulkner’s simple reply. He quickly picked up his few items and as he passed the range officer he said, “I’ve got to run, Bill…office called” and he was on his way as the range officer waved him on. The thirty minute trip to the office took about twenty five minutes and he was soon parked in front of a neighborhood Stein Mart. He walked past Barnes’s and Noble Booksellers and entered the upscale strip mall through a set of glass doors that led to the offices upstairs. A large accounting office, several attorneys’ offices and a nice architect’s office took most of the office space on his floor, or so it seemed. He continued to the end of the hall and a stopped in front of one of two offices marked Private. After holding his ID card up to the magnetic access pad next to the first door, the lock clicked and he Faulkner entered. An attractive middle aged receptionist was typing a letter on her computer that sat next to the color TV monitor that had monitored him enter the door.

“Hi Clay…Conference Room B…they are waiting for you,” she said with a little smile.

“What’s up, Carol?” he said in a low voice…

Carol raise her eyebrows and whispered...”Don’t know, but it’s a hot one!”

As he entered the conference room, there were four other agents already in the room. Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brice Williams was sitting at head of the table with Assistant SAC Roy Cassin and Agent Sid Stokes on either side and Agent Doug Garrison seated next to Adam. Garrison, the computer guru of the office, was intently working on his laptop that was plugged into the table.

“Sorry to take so long, boss…I was at the range” Faulkner said as he took a chair next to Agent Stokes.

“No problem, Clay,” said Williams. “Sorry to cut your training day short, but there has been a couple of incidents and I need you pack your bags for a few days.”

“Roger that…When and where,” replied Faulkner.

“Now…and Germany,” said Williams. Here’s the situation. Just over three hours ago, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle into a Catholic seminary just outside of London. Almost at the same time, another suicide bomber attacked the US military hospital at Landstuhl, Germany.”

“The first bomber drove right into the front of the seminary during a chapel service and exploded what was believed to be a UPS van full of explosives. Casualties among the students and teachers at the seminary are heavy. Doug is trying to get more details as they become available.”
“And Landstuhl?” queried Faulkner.

That guy wasn’t so lucky,” replied Williams. He tried to crash the gate with a civilian ambulance to get to the main hospital but the gate barriers worked and the guards engaged him. Unfortunately, he set the bomb off and two Air Force personnel were killed and a number of people were wounded, but at least he was stopped.”

“Al Qaeda’s work no doubt,” said Faulkner.

“Has all the marks of their work, but nobody has claimed credit.”

“You said you want me enroute to Germany?

“Yes,” answered Williams. “Bureau called and needed someone to go to Landstuhl to gather details on that situation. They are sending an agent from the New York office direct to London to do the same there. Your name came up for Landstuhl because you speak German and lived in Germany when you were in the Army.”

“OK. When you want me to take off?

Well, Carol is set to book you out of Cinci International for you as soon as you touch base with her. I think the first flight is later tonight. I asked her to book you into Frankfurt and I’d like you to roll out ASAP. Can do?

“Can do.” said Faulkner.

"Williams looked at Doug Garrison. “Anything else coming through on the Germany attack?”

“Negative. Nothing yet.”

“Alright…Doug, if you get anything else on either of these attacks, send what you have to Clay by text message on his phone . OK?

“Yes sir. I will stay on top of it till Clay gets to Germany and then keep him posted on anything significant.”

Williams nodded, “Good.” He turned back to Faulkner… “Find out as many details as you can on this bomber and talk with the Germans…see what, if anything they can pass along. I’d plan for a stay of at least a week…maybe two, but take as much time as you need to get anything you can out of this. Pass info to me...I will get it to Bureau. Oh yes, we will have someone meet you at the airport from the Consulate with transportation and they will also arrange quarters for you. The Bureau’s Legal Attaché’ ...our LEGAT…will make contact with you at the Consulate. You know the drill… That’s about all I have. Questions?” Williams began to rise.

“No questions. I'll touch base with Carol, run by my condo and be on my way on the first available flight.”

After a bit of conversation and a fast chat with Carol who supplied him with a briefing folder of names, places, background info and other details, and the meeting was over. As Faulkner drove to his home he was thinking…”Clean my weapon, get the charger for my Blackberry, pack the digital camera…” The quick mental checklist was forming.

Three hours till wheels up. Just time to grab a Ham sandwich before getting to CVG.

Look for A WAR THEY SHALL HAVE soon in the Kindle Store!

DEO VINDICE   A Novel -  Could events in the Civil War have changed to allow the Confederate forces to avoid the disaster at Gettysburg while England moved ever so closer toward joining the South in its war?  It could...and it did...  

In July 1863, Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia collided with the Union Army of the Potomac under George Meade at a little town named Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Both Generals knew this might be the decisive battle that could influence the outcome of the Civil War. After talking with General James Longstreet, his trusted subordinate, Lee had apparently decided that he would attack the Federal line in the center in an all out effort to break the Union forces once and for all. Longstreet had argued against this, but his argument was in vain. Lee’s mind was made up.

Very early the next morning General Lee’s commanders gathered for the briefing that would outline how the coming battle would be fought. Longstreet knew it would be a difficult day.

SAMPLE CHAPTER EXTRACT


..."Good morning, gentlemen,” General Lee looked over the assembled officers with an already intense face. "Everyone here?” he asked.

Generals Ewell and Hill nodded that they were as Lee looked around to confirm that the key officers were indeed present.

Then he began, "Gentlemen, as you all know, destruction of the enemy force in the field remains our primary purpose. We must defeat the enemy once and for all.”

Lee paused for some time. “However, after careful review and consideration, I am convinced that this is NOT the place to accomplish this task." Ewell looked noticeably puzzled, if not somewhat disappointed. A.P. Hill was likewise surprised, since his conversation with Lee earlier had convinced him that there would be an attack and a major battle here today. Longstreet slowly put his unlighted cigar in his mouth holding back a smile. He had convinced Lee after all it seemed.

General Lee began to explain his plan, now pointing at the map before them. "I propose to disengage the bulk of the army and move in this direction." He ran his finger behind his own lines southwest through South Mountain, then south, then turning east through the Catoctin Mountains toward Frederick on the road to Washington. Several officers openly smiled and looked at each other. Washington! At last! Now they would let the Federals experience what Richmond had experienced these past two years!

Lee quickly brought them back to focus, "I do not expect that we will actually attack the Federal city. Instead, I plan to destroy the enemy reserve corps here at Frederick. The enemy will move quickly to stop us and when he does, we will use his haste, our good plan, and our superb army to destroy him once and for all!" He waited for a response.

"Sir?,” General Ewell spoke. Lee nodded. "We won a substantial victory here yesterday. Might it not be counterproductive for morale and spirit of the troops to move away from the Federals when we have such an opportunity here?"

The commander of the Army of Northern Virginia seemed to have been waiting for this question. It was one he had pondered over and over. He responded, "It is true that we won an impressive victory here yesterday and I have considered that. However, General, this victory is out of proportion to the battle that is surely to come. I must say honestly to you all, I feel we could very likely defeat the Federals today…right here. But we must be certain of this victory. A near victory will not do, nor will just any victory do.”

“Consider the facts. The enemy grows stronger each day. If we fight now and win, but in doing so we take heavy losses, we cannot look for help. We are in enemy territory and it is no secret that the South has little left to send us. If we win a victory without completely destroying his army, the enemy will again move away to replenish and refit. We will be unable to pursue and continue the fight. No, we must plan carefully to assure total victory as much possible. This next battle must be decisive. We must completely defeat these people."

The generals now understood. They would indeed fight, but their commander wanted as much in his favor as he could get. He would not trade his army away for a victory; he wanted to end the war if he could! How exactly did he plan to defeat the Federals? The Army of the Potomac was just over the tree line and they had no intention of letting Lee's army just walk away to fight another day!

"The plan to defeat the enemy in the next few days will require the greatest effort of all of our forces. Timely movement without hesitation or delay is a primary factor here." Lee was looking at his Corps commanders, particularly at Longstreet. "For this plan to succeed, coordination and control will be paramount. At times we have been slower than necessary and coordination has suffered. For the coming days we must move quickly and in a timely manner." He placed his spectacles on and looked at the map, "We shall proceed in this manner."

"General Longstreet, you will demonstrate this afternoon before the Federal left here, near these two hills. Give the enemy great reason to believe you will attack momentarily. Your demonstration should start after lunch toward early afternoon today. The days are long this time of year, so early afternoon will do well for us."

Lee continued, "You should give the appearance of preparing for an attack, but I want you to look disorganized. Get some of your troops into position late in the afternoon, but make it appear that owing to the now late hour, you decide to wait for an attack early tomorrow morning. You should make use of cavalry, artillery, and wagon movements to appear that you are strengthening here-in the wood line west of the Emmittsburg Road. Then, well after dark, as soon the enemy settles in and continues to prepare for your attack in the morning, you will disengage the bulk of your Corps. You will move southwest through Fairfield and then rapidly towards Boonsboro, turning to go through Turner’s Gap…here. Proceed toward Frederick looking for a suitable location west of the Catoctin Mountains where you can hold until the rest of the army can assemble with you. I stress that you must give the appearance that your main body is still in place at Gettysburg even as you move south." Lee looked at Longstreet, "Is this clear so far, general?"

General Longstreet paused, then responded, "Yes Sir…you mentioned cavalry."

Lee replied, "Correct, General Stuart will provide cavalry elements from his command for this work. I would suggest General Imboden, who is already detached, join General Jenkins’ brigade for this duty." Lee looked at Stuart who was still smarting from his little talk with his commander about being gone too long and being out of touch.

Stuart quietly voiced a simple, "Yes Sir". Longstreet indicated understanding by nodding as the generals all looked again to the map.

"General Hill, when General Longstreet's main body moves south, you will immediately fall in behind him and follow in close order with most of your Corps. This will place you second in the movement. The cavalry elements from General Stuart that I mentioned will remain behind when you depart. They will keep up campfires and the appearance that there is a strong force before the enemy lines. They must appear to be infantry and not just cavalry." Lee was looking over his spectacles waiting for confirmation of understanding from General Hill and General Stuart.

A.P. Hill responded, "Yes Sir, I follow immediately behind General Longstreet." He was thinking that this was a lot of people to be moving at night, but if it could be done, the Army of Northern Virginia would do it. Moving south would certainly help the men to move smartly, as everyone was ready to get out of Pennsylvania and get on home soil.

Lee nodded and now looked to Richard Ewell, "General Ewell, you will follow General Hill immediately as he moves to follow General Longstreet. In like manner, detached cavalry elements will stay behind as you depart. As you move through the mountains past Fairfield, you must watch to your rear and be prepared to turn and hold up any enemy elements that might try to follow us. I do not foresee this happening, but if it should, you must provide us time to get the army south and in place to fight.”

"Very well, Sir," Ewell answered. “But should the enemy follow us through the mountains, rather than move south from Gettysburg, or if he does both, how will we address such a move?”

General Lee responded, “I do not think the enemy will follow you in any real strength. If your rear guard is alert and strong enough, it will be able to handle any cavalry units he should send against you. I fully expect that General Meade will be late in moving, and by the time he realizes we are disengaged, we will make sure he knows we are now south of his main force. General Meade will be forced to move due south directly toward us to cut us off from attacking Baltimore or Washington.”

Dick Ewell replied with a nod of his head and a “Very well, Sir.”

"General Stuart, the main body of your cavalry will be out in front of the army as we move south. You must maintain contact with the main body and keep me informed as we proceed. I want to be very clear about this. I must know what is to our front. The Army will be advancing in column and we cannot engage piecemeal.” JEB Stuart was looking almost embarrassed at the specific guidance he was being given. Lee continued pointing at the map, "Just southeast of Hagerstown, we will turn east and move through the mountains here.” He pointed toward the small dot on the map called Middletown. The enemy may well be on his way to close on us by the time we reach this point, but if not, we will continue south toward Frederick. You must also have elements of your cavalry take and secure the bridges across the Potomac at Williamsport, as well as the fords there and here at Falling Waters for our possible use.”

“The bridge here across the Monocacy southeast of Frederick may need to be destroyed, so be ready for this order should it come. Do not, I repeat Do Not, destroy this bridge until you receive orders from my headquarters to this effect.”

Lee continued, "General, after you have cleared the way to Frederick, be prepared to turn north to contact the enemy and determine just where he is and how he is approaching us. At this point, you must delay him and gain us as much time as possible without becoming decisively engaged."

"General Stuart," Lee smiled warmly as he removed his spectacles, "as a cavalry officer you are unsurpassed. You must find the way for us and then provide us some time as we prepare for the enemy." Stuart was deeply moved at the compliment given to him before his fellow officers. In an instant he knew that all was truly forgiven. He returned the smile, "Yes Sir, I will get us some time."

Lee again continued to Stuart, "Once you have accomplished this last task, return directly to the main body by way of Frederick City. By then the enemy will surely be following you, and I want you lead him right to us. Once you rejoin us, you must quickly move to protect our rear and flank from any approach from Washington or Baltimore. By this time, Washington will be in a panic and the Meade's forces will be moving as quickly as possible to try and stop us."

General Hill raised a question, "Sir, reference to Washington, do you think the Yankee troops there will be sent against us?"

"No,” Lee said as he leaned on the table looking at the map. "The troops in Washington are not prepared to meet us in the field, and the government would never leave the city undefended. I expect they will man defensive positions in or near the city and wait for us to attack.”

“And pray to the good Lord all the while that we do not do so!,” loudly interjected George Pickett. Everyone laughed as Robert E. Lee smiled. Spirits were high.

Lee hesitated as the seriousness of the moment returned, "I expect the enemy to move south out of Gettysburg by forced march as rapidly as possible. He will surely lead with his cavalry. Meade will want to fight us immediately, hoping to catch us strung out as we move toward Washington. The enemy will probably want to catch up to us at Frederick, only we won't be moving, we will be waiting. He will be trying to stop an attack that we never intended to make. They will be the ones that are caught. Gentlemen, we have the army and we will have position. Here!" Lee was pointing at the hills of Monocacy just south of Frederick. "Here we shall defeat the Federal army once and for all."

The assembled commanders realized this plan was bold, just as were always the plans of Robert E. Lee. They also realized the Army of Northern Virginia had a reputation for accomplishing such bold plans. This one would be no different. They were going to make a long and dangerous night move. Then place themselves between the Federal army and Washington. The enemy will surely come at them like a charging bull!

For the next half hour or so, details were discussed and the commanders looked at the maps, asking questions, making plans, and coordinating their efforts. They discussed the need for being seen to prepare for an attack at Gettysburg, but at the same time, not being too obvious. The need to avoid observation as they prepared to move, the need for quiet but fast movement, the need for route reconnaissance before dark, the need for troops to rest while looking as if they were preparing to attack, these were but a few of the topics of discussion. The coordination would continue through the day as preparations were made, but they had to start now before the Federals might decide to attack. But there was very little chance that the Federals would attack. They had the good positions and were not about to give them up.

Shortly, General Lee dismissed his officers from the formal briefing. He talked individually with his Corps commanders alone before they left, stressing the need for rapid and steady movement. He encouraged them, pointed out specific details and wished each of them well as they left. Longstreet was the last to take leave of his commander. Lee walked with him to his horse.

"Pete, your counsel yesterday was important in helping me reach this decision."

Longstreet was uncomfortable and immediately replied. "General, I hope I did not step out of line with my comments, I would never...."

"No," said Lee, "I asked you to speak up and you did. I need officers who will give me their honest opinion. Now, our plan is in place. As I mentioned to you, I have not been well physically. Should anything happen to me, you must see this plan through. One thing I do want to mention to you. I have noted that of all my Corps commanders, you in particular tend to get too far forward and place yourself in greater danger than necessary."

"Sir, nothing will happen to you. You will outlast us all!” Longstreet was trying to speak and not seem dramatic.

"Well, you take care of yourself and stay well clear of the front line. That’s an order," said Lee as he smiled and they walked a few more steps. Then he stopped and faced Longstreet, "General, for this plan to succeed, you must move quickly, be bold, strike hard, and you must win decisively. I am convinced that this battle could well determine the war. That’s why I have your Corps leading in this march. I want you to help me end this terrible conflict."

Longstreet realized just how much Lee really had come to depend on him since he had lost Tomas “Stonewall” Jackson. He was deeply moved, "My Corps will give you everything we have, General."

As he mounted up and rode back toward his headquarters, James Longstreet had much on his mind. It was shaping up to be a very long day just as he had thought it would be, but it was certainly different than he had expected. When he looked toward the Union lines, he felt relieved that there would be no fight there today.

For a moment, he wondered what would have happened if the two armies had indeed fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.


DEO VINDICE, A NOVEL ISBN: 1-58500-297-6 Available from www.AuthorHouse.com , Amazon.com, or as a special order from your bookstore - Soon to be available as a KINDLE BOOK.

For more information about these novels or to leave a review/comment, please go to my Bookshelf Blog at:

http://RWPPSBOOKSHELF.BLOGSPOT.COM 

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Not familiar with the KINDLE 2 Book Reader?  If you really enjoy reading, you must check this reader out at:

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00154JDAI/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3336909235&ref=pd_sl_46c1ycpdij_e

Kindle v.2.0 !   As a very satisfied owner of a KINDLE 2, I am convinced that Amazon got it right with this latest version of their book reader.  KINDLE 2 is no thicker than most magazines and has a screen as clear (or clearer!) than newspaper print with selectable print size options.  It weighs just 10.3 oz. with a new button control arrangement that most folks seem to really like.  A selection of over 300,000 books is available for downloaded directly through Kindle's included free wireless connection (like your cell phone).  Most books sell from $9.99 for best sellers to 99 cents and many are free.  Once you are set up with your new KINDLE, you simply browse the bookstore listings, press a button, and the book you selected is downloaded to your KINDLE for your access.  No cords, no waiting, no hassle!  KINDLE 2 can hold up to 1500 books in its memory giving you a library in your hand!   A battery charge lasts from 4 days (wireless on) to 2 weeks (wireless off).  To top it off, the  new lower price ($259) makes the product even better.  I used to read a LOT...now I read even more!

There is just to much to say about the KINDLE 2 for this webpage, so why not go to the website shown above and click on the Guided Tour and the Kindle Users Comments videos to learn more.  Again, if you really  like to read, KINDLE 2.0 is a real winner!