"Life is a package deal." These words were spoken by my dear
friend, Ed Allen, in a speech delivered at his fortieth high
school reunion. In this moving and compelling memoir, we
learn that behind all the success, achievements, and accolades
earned along the way as a very accomplished Naval Aviator,
his is a story of a kind, courageous man who has endured loss
and grief and personal and professional challenges to reach
a place of grace and joy. Success and achievement are found
not only on the medals displayed on one's chest but also in
the hard work involved in overcoming life's struggles and
challenges. In this memoir, we are privileged to share in the
remarkable journey of a truly successful man.
-Vice Admiral John Craine, USN (Ret.)
I am delighted for all of us that Ed Allen has written his
story. His wisdom, related in these pages and as a business
advisor, helped to guide our company through rough waters
to smooth sailing a decade ago. He mixes common sense,
with lessons from extensive leadership experience and a deep
sense of responsibility to help everyone he meets to be their
best, and the results are a legacy of people who are very glad they know Ed. Stephanie and I have been blessed not only
to know this man of faith but also to call him friend. I hope
you will also get to know him as he tells his unlikely story
that takes us from hard scrabble South Texas to the highest
halls of power in our country. Only in America can Oh Yeah?
Watch This! happen.
-Bill Boisture, Former CEO, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Partner, AE
Industrial Partners
Join me now as I briefly-all too briefly-paint the portrait of
an oneirocritic man who has a reserved place in the pantheon
for American heroes. Eddie Allen's genius in turning abstract
theories into practical realities, his audacity in attempting
what appears impossible and then succeeding, his perseverance
in the face of adversities, his lofty family values, his
indomitable faith and belief in God and country, his intense
dedication, his infectious inspiration, and his demonstrated
faith in blazing a path into the unknown are widely known
and admired. Success is self-perpetuating-and you wrote
the book on how to succeed and have many years of tremendous
success behind you.
-Vice Admiral Jerry O. Tuttle, USN (Ret.)
(Note: Provided by his daughter, Vicky Tuttle, Admiral Tuttle has passed
away. This excerpt is from his speech upon my Navy retirement.)
Knowing Ed Allen has been a life-changing experience for me.
I've had the distinct privilege of working together with Ed
on executive coaching and leadership development projects.
Those projects were among the most gratifying of my career.
We saw teams transform, and we marveled at how rewarding
it was to be a part of that experience. And the best part was
getting to do that work with Ed. I could not have found a
more competent, caring, completely authentic, humble, and
absolutely hilarious compadre to work alongside. To this day,
I continue to be inspired by Ed. I'm certain you will, too.
-Jane Creswell, Executive Coach and Mentor
