Best Selling Author, Reservist, Takes Patriotic Stand

"We will not be defeated as Americans. We have been attacked not just for who we are and what we are, but we have been attacked for what we have accomplished in this world." The instant was frozen as all eyes focused on Lt. Col. John Nance as he uttered these words. Then the audience came alive with clapping.

The eyes of the people in the audience were of every color possible, as were the faces. Some were shouting patriotic sentiments over the applause, while other faces expressed sadness and pain. Whatever emotion played across the features of those gathered to hear John Nance speak, not one person remained unaffected.

The audience consisted of attendees of the Southwest Writer's Convention recently held in Albuquerque, N.M. John Nance, Air Force Reserve officer, celebrated aviation analyst for ABC television, and author of many best-selling books, two of which have been made into television miniseries, was the featured speaker.

I was lucky enough to share a lunch table with Nance, so I was able to observe him closely. Despite his international renown, Nance's attitude is down-to-earth. He soon had his dining companions relaxing and chatting like friends. On the lapel of his sports jacket was a simple pin with the design of the American flag. It gleamed with homespun, patriotic pride.

As pleasant as he was to talk to in person, John Nance's real strength of character manifested itself as he took over the podium to address us all. His words swept through the room like a refreshing wind, and we were all breathing deeply.

"Right now, we're going to go through a tremendous amount of cultural changes in the near future," he said. "We are at war. I don't say that lightly, but I say that with determination."

Heads around me nodded in agreement. As a country, Nance urged, we must rally together with the same spirit that sustained our mothers, fathers, and grandparents during World War II. "The things that they've shown us -- about intestinal fortitude, about courage, about the ability to move on through adversity as a country… We haven't lost that at all. That's what makes us American."

Nance reminded us that "we are a nation of immigrants," and we must never forget to celebrate our diversity as one of our strengths. Throughout the audience, rapt with attention, there were tears in the eyes of many. Some listeners shared comfort, their hands finding a way through the clutter of the forgotten lunch to clasp.

"We are going to do something for humanity, not just for us, that has to be done, and that is take this terror, this reign of terror that has been created over time by people who use a 'have-not' situation to be in a position of power and to intimidate people…," he continued. "This has got to be stopped, and we're the country to stop it."

The looks of helpless sorrow that had shadowed so many had faded. As those who had benefited from Nance's healthy boost of patriotism and spirit moved to their feet in a standing ovation, they did so with a defiant air rather than one of defeat.

In this time of need, John Nance has stepped forward to inoculate his fellow Americans against the wasting disease of resignation. He urges all of us to follow suit and aid our national and global brothers and sisters however we are capable. For that we thank him.

ANGELA YURIKO CATO has been an Air Force Wife for more than 10 years. Her mother is a Naval officer stationed in Alaska; her father was an enlisted Marine disabled in Vietnam. She has been writing professionally since 1996.

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