WALLKILL- The Wallkill East Rotary was honored to host more than 60 guests for a presentation with Author and Military Veteran Alan Mack on Wednesday evening at Destefano’s Olde Erie in Middletown. Attendees included community leaders from across Rotary District 7210, Region 5, representing clubs from Port Jervis, Monticello, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Minisink Valley, and Wallkill East.
Host and moderator Kelly Bassett Buono led a dynamic discussion with Mack. “You bring new meaning to our motto: Service Above Self,” said Buono, referencing Mack’s near 36 -year career in the Army. Today the veteran serves the residents of Orange County as Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management.
Mack recently published a book, Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars. The book details never before told stories of “combat from the cockpit” as a US Special Operations aviator. He highlights missions including the hunt for Osama bin-Laden at Tora Bora, being shot down during Operation Anaconda, chasing Bowe Bergdahl, rescuing hostages in Iraq and the Lone Survivor from the Kunar Valley. He also openly shares a different kind of war he experienced: the devastating and tragic impact of his wife’s opioid and alcohol addiction and succumbing to death. Finishing his military career at West Point Military Academy, Mack shares his thoughts on overcoming challenges, the importance of a good attitude, and the redemption that led to enjoying life in the Hudson Valley.
To learn more about Razor 03 A Night Stalker’s Wars, and read the first chapter free, click here, and to learn more about Wallkill East Rotary, click here.
