My Brother Jack - Paperback

by Bill Knight (Author)

This is a story about a family of warriors led by the oldest brother, Jack. The growth of this high spirited brood occurred during post WWI, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and WWII.Their parents were second generation pioneers of North Central Texas and still farmed the overused land. Their sense of duty to raise seven sons and a daughter to be stalwart citizens transferred to their offspring and became manifest at the appearance of war clouds in the late thirties and early forties. Their grit forged the determination to do their dreadful duty. Their mother would suffer from a firm opposition to killing. The story follows Jack through the years of WWII as he led his brothers in spirit and his men into battle. His final actions would lead to both death and glory. One brother would join him in the Battle of Knight's Hill. His other brothers were inspired to fight with great courage in this and future wars. Much later his nephews would serve with distinction in Vietnam, Kobar Towers in Saudi Arabia and in Germany. This book on its face, is about heroes, but at its heart is a plea for sanity in world politics. It was written for the edification, enlightenment and amusement of its readers.

Author Biography

Soon after Jack was killed, I formed this notion that somehow, to show my devotion to Jack's memory, I would think about him at least once every day of my life. I was shocked a few years later when I realized that it had been days or perhaps weeks since I had given him any thought. I had become too involved in my own life to spend time on obsessions. Since my retirement, I rediscovered the obsession. As a child, I was the fortunate recipient of a lot of positive regard, much of it undeserved. I actually thought that I was supposed to excel at the things I did. Mixed with this was no small amount of entitlement. However, as soon as I started college in a larger pond, these notions were knocked out of me. I kept plugging along, going to college, spending two obligatory years in the army, and working. I had little natural inclination toward warrioring. I received four degrees: the A.A. from Weatherford College, B.S. and M.S. from North Texas State University, and a Ph.D. in school administration from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M, Commerce). I married Shirlene Leach, a great, bright and beautiful little blonde who thought she could do anything I could do. She did, except her last degree is designated ED.D. in Special Education. I taught, was a principal, and spent 27 years as a school superintendent. Shirlene has taught for 36 years, getting a late start after serving as my blonde scholarship, working in a bank as a bookkeeper, teller and secretary to the president. We have three sons, Matt, Scott and Joe. Scott, who also served in the army for four years, has a M.S. degree in school administration and is a school principal. Joe has a B.A. in English and is a graduate of the National Shakespeare Conservatory of New York City. He worked in management at Arena Stage Theatre in Washington, D.C. He is married to Andrea Maida, an actress/Pilates instructor and in general a highly talented, delightful lady. Scott and his beautiful wife Denice, a master teacher, have given us three beautiful and bright granddaughters, Becca, Bethanne, and Hannah. Shirlene spoils them. I just love them. Matt is a heck of a golfer and a great lawn care specialist. He is also one of the bravest men I have ever known, having battled schizophrenia-induced demons for more than a quarter century.