Scrapbook

At the museum store at USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

"Manning my table" at the start of two days of book signing at the USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. It was a great trip for me: I met many aviation enthusiasts from the area and from around the world, and the staff made me feel welcome. April 2012

In action at the Intrepid Museum, New York City

Talking to a potential customer. One of the most enjoyable parts of being an author is talking with your audience -- in my case, aviation fans like me. April 2012

Prairie Aviation Museum, Bloomington IL, Dec 3, 2011

Nice little sign to let people know about my speaking and book-signing event. The Prairie Aviation Museum has an impressive display of aircraft and loaded with exhibitis. Their enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers add the final touch to make it a great resource.

Capacity crowd at Prairie Aviation Museum

The museum did a fantastic job on advance publicity, and I enoyed talking to the crowd about flying the F-14 Tomcat, being a Topgun instructor, and making the movie "Top Gun."

Signing copies of TOPGUN DAYS at Prairie Aviation Museum

It was a pleasure for me to meet so many aviation enthusiasts.

With my agent, Robert Astle

Robert saw potential in the manuscript for TOPGUN DAYS, a key step in getting a publisher.

Interacting with a great crowd at Warwick's bookstore, La Jolla, CA

Visited San Diego in April 2011 and spent an enjoyable evening with readers and aviation enthusiasts at Warwick's bookstore in La Jolla. For an author and a (former) Topgun instructor, it's great to meet and interact with enthusiasts. Special thanks to Kiril for the photo and Petro for helping out on a few questions.

Debriefing with members of the Indy Aero Club

After speaking to the members of the Indianapolis Aero Club, I answered some great questions and learned about their aviation interests. They're real enthusiasts.

Speaking to the Lions Club in Clifton, Virginia

It's great to get out and meet so many different people.

Meeting Tomcat and Hornet pilot Lou Schager's family.

It was a surprise and pleasure to meet some of Lou Schager's family in Chicago. I flew with Lou in VF-211, my last flying tour.

Massive Chicago crowd excited about TOPGUN DAYS! Or was it?

Wait a minute...this was the crowd celebrating the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup. I just happened to be there on the same day as the victory parade.

Green room

Waiting in the "green room" before my interview with Don Wade and Roma at WLS, Chicago. They were great! Their son was a Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet pilot and a Blue Angel...they asked very good questions!

Longtime friend Stu Strother came by.

I met Stu during a "Fleet Week" event in San Francisco in 1988 and we've kept in touch ever since. Stu is a real aviation fan who became a charter pilot.

Outside my neighborhood Borders.

Before a book signing.

Kansas City Barbeque in San Diego.

Located in San Diego, the Kansas City Barbeque was the site of the "sleazy bar scene" in the movie "Top Gun," and location for several social events for the real Topgun school. The owners and staff have been enthusiastic supporters of San Diego's military community since their earliest days, and it was great to have a book signing there July 4th weekend, 2010.

Friends and Sunshine.

Signing books at the Kansas City Barbeque for long-time friend Renee and her daughter. Former Topgun instructor Sunshine is in the background, talking tactics with another visitor to the event.

Bio and Laura.

My wife Laura wouldn't miss a trip to San Diego, and joined me at the book-signing at the Kansas City Barbeque.

ReelzChannel interview

Bio on the show "Hollywood Dailies" on the ReelzChannel, September 6, 2010. The segment focused on his experiences with the actors and crew working on "Top Gun," and generously mentioned his book TOPGUN DAYS. In the intro, the hosts said that producer Jerry Bruckheimer stated there will be a sequel to "Top Gun." The full clip is available on the ReelzChannel site, you may have to search for it....

Thank you letter from President George H. W. Bush

I figured TOPGUN DAYS might bring back some memories of his own Navy flying....

Thank-you card from President George W. Bush

I sent him a copy of TOPGUN DAYS and received this card.