This has to be one of my favorite letters of all-time; normally I’d clean up typos, etc., before posting, but this one is perfect as it stands; not sure of the age, but I’m pretty certain this is the youngest firepower fan to write in…

your books are really intersting. I'm reading iron tigers right know at school but i have to say that there is a lot of swearing to your books. The swearing dosent really add to your books. Your books are really good and I hope you will continue to write such great books. Bye hope to hear from you soon

Dear Major Farmer:

I applaud the excellent writing you have done on both your novels, sir. As a former paratrooper (82nd Airborne Division, 1/325 Infantry), I enjoy reading good military techno thrillers. I have to tell you, sir, that IRON TIGERS was outstanding!

Begging the Major's pardon though, I was wondering if it would be possible to bring back the hard-charging African American officer and other armor officers? It would go a long way toward showing the readers that any one can make it in this new "Army of One". Also that character nicked named Arnold was the man!

Kudos on the story line and I can't wait for your next novel. As we say in the Airborne community, "All the Way, Sir"!

James Ross

Another keeper (PS: to all my Air Force friends, apologies for the below-mentioned “puke” remark regarding my Brothers in Blue, but hell – I meant it endearingly; really) -- Farmer

Dear Mike:

I stumbled on Tin Soldiers a year or so ago, and liked it so much that I ordered Iron Tigers from Amazon as soon as I was aware of its existence. It arrived yesterday, and I finished it this evening, earning much displeasure from my Wee Irish Lass. Ticking off the things undone on my honey-do list, she says that she will name you as a co-respondent in the divorce papers.

I’m a former Air Force type. It was 50 years ago last June that I was handed my silver wings and gold bars after Aviation Cadet Training. As you can imagine, prior to Tin Soldiers, I knew as much about 4th Century Chinese latrines as I did about tanks and Tankers and armored warfare. It was an educational book, to say the least.

As for Iron Tigers; it seemed to me like Tom Clancy meets W.E.B. Griffin, except that you write a helluva lot better than Griffin. Obviously, I liked it, or I wouldn’t have devoured it so quickly; but I would have liked it even more if it had more military and less political and spook stuff in it. There are several authors who can write the political and spook stuff pretty well, but they can’t begin to match you when you write about military folks. Your dialogue is humorous and realistic, and your characters are simply great. Your imagination is terrific. Phantom was a nice touch. Now my wife wants a Jack Russell terrier. After reading about Phantom, I guess it could hold its own against my 90-pound Doberman.

I took a little umbrage, however, when the colonel in the beginning referred to USAF types as “pukes”. I remember one Army PFC whose ass I helped save as an Air Rescue helicopter pilot in Korea in ’55; he was hemorrhaging internally and needed evacuation, as in Right Now. I was young and fearless, but I was still scared shitless, stooging through the Korean hills on a night as black as the bottom of a coal mine in my prehistoric H-19, without any navigation aids, looking for an Army camp I’d never heard of until the phone woke me at oh-dark-thirty. Anyway, I don’t think he or his buddies would call me a “puke”. I would like it better if you don’t use that expression again when referring to AF folks.

I’ll be waiting for your next book; keep up the good work.

Good luck in your new assignment!

Woody

Major Farmer,

I recently completed Iron Tigers and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was stationed at Ft. Bragg until I ETS’d in 2001. What I enjoyed most about your book was the beginning. You captured the bullshitting and the grab-ass and all of the little details with such ease that it brought me back to my shit-talking days in the platoon command post.

It has been my greatest privilege to be an American soldier and paratrooper. I was part of something special, something bigger than myself. I have seen and done things that I can talk about with friends and family, but no matter how detailed I get with them, something is lost in the translation. In hindsight, the big things don't really matter much to me. Everyone's done something bigger, better and badder. What I hold closest to my heart are the small things that made being a soldier and a leader the most memorable experience of my life. You know, like bagging on the cherries (note: that’s the new guys, firepower fans -- Farmer), or playing spades on an MRE box at Jungle School; the eternal battle with the stupid decisions your soldiers seem to make and never-ending paternal concern for their welfare.

Even though I'm out and done, I can't help but feel I never really left. No matter how close I get to people, those sorry shit-talking bastards will always be my real family. Even my damned dirty rotten nasty LEG buddies (another note firepower fans: there’s nothing stupid about saying, “I think I’ll stay on the plane until it lands, thank you very much -- Farmer ; ). I guess my point is that those first chapters struck a chord in me and no matter what I do or where I go, I can look back on that part of my life with pride because it was the people that truly made the experience what it was. Thank you for "reuniting" me with the ghosts of my friends for that brief span.

All the Way, Charles C. Rosenfield (Ex-Buck Sergeant and 1LT)

Major,

I just finished Iron Tigers and wanted to thank you. Outstanding, even better than Tin Soldiers and that's saying a great deal. I'll be looking forward to the next one. Thanks again.

Jeff Barrish

Major Farmer,

I was a tanker for many years. We are a breed apart from the rest of the military. No other unit has the pride tanker units have. No matter if its armor or cavalry, the pride always shines through. Thanks for writing great books about us. I was in Desert Storm with 3/8 Cav, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Armored Division and I am very proud of that. My girlfriend loves your books too.

Rocko

Hi Michael,

Just finished Iron Tigers and I can breathe now. It was just as good as or better than Tin Soldiers. The characters are great and I hope some will come back in your next book, as they are part of the family now. I will be sending you a book to sign soon and can't wait for the next installment.

Mark D. Martin

Forest Grove, Oregon

Sir;

Your latest is OUTSTANDING! I'm a retired senior NCO with over 23 years of Ranger Service! From Vietnam to Desert Storm and everything in between. My son is with the 101st Airborne and has been in Iraq. Your book is a real page-turner and I couldn't put it down! It is very clear you know your subject and have the ability to put into words what it is the military life is all about. I can hardly wait for the next book. “Charlie Mike” (note: that’s “continue mission”, firepower fans – Farmer) and & “Ranger On”, my brother!

Dave Wildes

SFC, Retired

Mike,

I just read Iron Tigers and wanted to tell ya, from a former 0311 in the Marines, I really enjoyed your work. Reminded me of Harold Coyle’s Team Yankee novel, as well as his follow up novels. And I wanted to say thanks to you and our troops over there. None of you are forgotten. Keep up the good work, watch your ass, and be well. Semper Fi.

Chris Harris

EMT-Paramedic

Cpl. USMC (90-96)

Dear Mike,

I just finished reading Tin Soldiers. I was drawn into your story, as it was captivating and realistic. I hope you continue to write many more. I was especially impressed with the comments from W.E.B. Griffin. I have read most of his books and very much like his style, especially his manner of developing the characters. I figured if he were willing to endorse your book, it would be a good one. I was correct. Keep up the good work. Write faster!! THANKS.

Jim

Mike,

I just finished TIN SOLDIERS and loved it. Now it's on to IRON TIGERS. Keep them coming.

God bless you for all you have done for this country. Thank you.

Striker

Mike,

Just finished Iron Tigers and I have to say you outdid yourself on that one. I really enjoyed Tin Soldiers, but feel Iron Tigers was even better.

The only downside is that now I don't have anything to read. I started Iron Tigers on Sunday at 3:00 am as Hurricane Jeanne came blowing through Georgia. I didn't have power and had to read by flashlight, but I was hooked. My only question is: when will your next book be out?

Thanks and keep up the good work.

Gib

Mike,

Just read Iron Tigers and it was great. And I was raised around a man just like Rolf Krieger!

Also…I do believe I am going to get a Jack Russell. Anyway, great book, looking forward to your next one!

Steve Kinser

Another tour de armored force by bestselling author Michael Farmer. The Franks Combat System, or “Tommy Gun”, has been designed by the U.S. Army to be twice as light as the Abrams tank it will soon replace, and at the same time more lethal and survivable. But on the eve of the Tommy fielding, the prototypes have been stolen and spirited from the United States, along with the project’s military lead: Major Patrick Dillon. And now President Jonathan Drake has laid down the law…he wants his tanks, and Patrick Dillon, back. And Drake doesn’t care how his military and intelligence agencies accomplish the task.

From Iraq’s Sunni Triangle, to the American Southwest, and into the pine-covered forests of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, WAR DOGS showcases what Farmer knows best - America’s fighting men and women.

BUY WAR DOGS At Amazon.Com

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