When I was just a kid flying missions in Desert Storm, I first came across your amazing book Redcoat in a pile of gifts from the Any Servicemember Mail. I remember grabbing it and devouring it in a night, by flashlight. Pretty soon all the guys in the squadron had read it and were clamoring for all the Bernard Cornwell books their friends and family could get their hands on. It became a tradition, and during the four trips we’ve made back to Iraq since then, between us all we’ve probably read every book you’ve written over there. I just returned from my last visit, and this time we all read The Saxon Chronicles. Our new ctachphrase? Eyeing someone who has supposedly displeased us and channeling the spirit of Uhtred: “I never liked you either.” Thank you for a wonderful body of work that made some tough times bearable and some good times wonderful. You’re a member of our family, and we salute you. AT2 Kris Vicheski, Naval Aircrewman (barely retired)