Mr. Cornwell – I was a Lt Col in the US Marines and an AH-1W, I just retired in October of 2010. I did 5 deployments to Iraq. I got a hold of Sharpe’s Tiger back in 2004 at FOB Kalsu in Iraq off a used book shelf, and was hooked. Sharpe carried me through 4 more combat deployments and some very tough times indeed. I feel like he’s an old friend. I am now rereading his novels on my Kindle. I also read the Starbuck Chronicles. Just wanted to say “thank you” for giving your reading public such a wonderful escape from the realities of some tough times. I must admit you do a great job of capturing much of the emotion of combat, and some of the interesting complexities of the officer/enlisted relationship. On a final note, my last job before retiring was as Commanding Officer of HMLA-269, a light attack squadron on the east coast. I took them over to Iraq for my final combat deployment and it was the highlight of my career, there is no greater experience than to command in combat. Anyhow, I probably sold more books for you during my 18 month command tour, I managed to fit Sharpe in to several ready room discussions to my young officers and staff NCOs. Well, a week prior to my retirement I gave a farewell dinner to my officers, 46 in total, and their wives. In what will rank among the most wonderful surprises and treasured moments of my career, my XO presented me with a hand made and fully firing replica of a Baker rifle as a gift from the officers. It came with all the trimmings and accessories to take it right to the range. I was truly overwhelmed, and that Baker rifle is among my most treasured possessions, I haven’t had the heart to fire it because it is so gorgeous. No real point to the story other than to let you know that your work is appreciated, and has had a significant impact on many of Sharpe’s modern contemporaries. My best regards and wishes for a continued long career!! Semper Fi, Jon “Blade” Hackett LtCol, USMC(ret)