"Life is a package deal." These words were spoken by my dear

friend, Ed Allen, in a speech delivered at his fortieth high

school reunion. In this moving and compelling memoir, we

learn that behind all the success, achievements, and accolades

earned along the way as a very accomplished Naval Aviator,

his is a story of a kind, courageous man who has endured loss

and grief and personal and professional challenges to reach

a place of grace and joy. Success and achievement are found

not only on the medals displayed on one's chest but also in

the hard work involved in overcoming life's struggles and

challenges. In this memoir, we are privileged to share in the

remarkable journey of a truly successful man.

-Vice Admiral John Craine, USN (Ret.)

I am delighted for all of us that Ed Allen has written his

story. His wisdom, related in these pages and as a business

advisor, helped to guide our company through rough waters

to smooth sailing a decade ago. He mixes common sense,

with lessons from extensive leadership experience and a deep

sense of responsibility to help everyone he meets to be their

best, and the results are a legacy of people who are very glad they know Ed. Stephanie and I have been blessed not only

to know this man of faith but also to call him friend. I hope

you will also get to know him as he tells his unlikely story

that takes us from hard scrabble South Texas to the highest

halls of power in our country. Only in America can Oh Yeah?

Watch This! happen.

-Bill Boisture, Former CEO, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Partner, AE

Industrial Partners

Join me now as I briefly-all too briefly-paint the portrait of

an oneirocritic man who has a reserved place in the pantheon

for American heroes. Eddie Allen's genius in turning abstract

theories into practical realities, his audacity in attempting

what appears impossible and then succeeding, his perseverance

in the face of adversities, his lofty family values, his

indomitable faith and belief in God and country, his intense

dedication, his infectious inspiration, and his demonstrated

faith in blazing a path into the unknown are widely known

and admired. Success is self-perpetuating-and you wrote

the book on how to succeed and have many years of tremendous

success behind you.

-Vice Admiral Jerry O. Tuttle, USN (Ret.)

(Note: Provided by his daughter, Vicky Tuttle, Admiral Tuttle has passed

away. This excerpt is from his speech upon my Navy retirement.)

Knowing Ed Allen has been a life-changing experience for me.

I've had the distinct privilege of working together with Ed

on executive coaching and leadership development projects.

Those projects were among the most gratifying of my career.

We saw teams transform, and we marveled at how rewarding

it was to be a part of that experience. And the best part was

getting to do that work with Ed. I could not have found a

more competent, caring, completely authentic, humble, and

absolutely hilarious compadre to work alongside. To this day,

I continue to be inspired by Ed. I'm certain you will, too.

-Jane Creswell, Executive Coach and Mentor