Here are some of the personal comments I have received from civilians. As time goes on I will be adding more.
President Bill Clinton--Washington, DC:
Thank you so much for the inscribed copy of Memories of Maggie. I was proud to award Martha Raye the Presidential Medal of Freedom and your book is a wonderful reminder of her valiant work on behalf of America's armed forces. I appreciate your generosity and kind words and send my best wishes.
Melodye Condos, Martha Raye's daughter--Burbank, CA:
You did a wonderful job. It is easy to read and follow. I am really impressed with the work you did. Mom's life was so scattered, I'm amazed at how well you put it together. It's like a gift from God.
Ed McDonald--San Francisco:
Started reading and was up all night. Had to finish the book cover to cover. You did a first-class tribute to our Martha. Interesting use of photos...I am so very proud of you. Now the book is out there for the world to know a truly great American.
Virginia Pauley, mother of a deceased Veteran--Orchard Park, NY:
I love the book and thank you all for the job you did.
Here are some comments from Veterans about the book:
William C Westmoreland, General, USA Retired--Charleston, SC:
Your's is an interesting book about an American Legend--at least in the memory of thousands of military Veterans--Martha Raye. Indeed, it is well done. Martha was a real trooper in every respect. Thank you for telling an important story--in fact recording American history.
Jim Tucker, OCSA, The Pentagon--Washington, DC:
I, obviously in my position, read quite a bit. This is the first one in a long time that gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling. It was positive, upbeat, and told it like it was.
Richard Goldsberry, US Department of State--Washington, DC:
I just completed your wonderful biography Memories of Maggie. Very well done. Thanks for writing about this truly remarkable woman. It's sad she has passed on, but this book will keep her spirit alive as long as there are wars to be fought and Vets to care for.
Chris Noel, Armed Forces Radio Vietnam 66-71--West Palm Beach, FL:
Martha Raye, my hero! Maggie introduced me to my Green Beret love. In Vietnam, I watched her, in awe, as she sang songs, gave love, and said "God Bless" to her guys. Noonie Fortin, a wonderful writer, leaves us with memories of the good that was America in Vietnam.
Ronald Winkles, Major, USA Retired--Whitesboro, TN:
I highly recommend this book...The author did a wonderful job at capturing Ms. Raye's frontline dedication to entertaining our military men and women as well as providing them with nursing care. If I could, I would see that every Veteran's organization had a copy. I know this book would have been Martha's greatest gift.
Gil Woodside, Jr, Sergeant, USMC Retired--Seekonk, MA:
She visited our sniper-filled jungle around Chu-Lai in 1965...you'll never know what that visit did for morale.
Bill Hoffman, USA Retired--Longmont, CO:
God love Miss Raye, Colonel Maggie, for all she did for us, and Noonie as well for a book that has brought tears of gratitude several times already.
John "Top" Holland, President of AFFA (Americans For Freedom Always), USA Retired--Arlington, VA:
It's wonderful and really tells her story. Wonderfully done.
Lloyd Simpson, Colonel, USA Special Forces Retired--Phoenix, AZ:
My personal copy was read and greatly enjoyed the same day it was received. My compliments on a job well done.
Mike Karr, USA Special Forces Retired--Bothell, WA:
You made an old soldier happy.
Joe Bristol, USMC Retired--Potterville, MI:
A great book. If only Maggie could have read your book.
Charlie "PJ" Coulter, USA Special Forces Retired--Gahanna, OH:
You've done such a great job as far as Maggie is concerned...I take my hat off to you...thank you.
Unsolicited comments about Potpourri Of War
Dee Chambers, WAC Assn--Apache Junction, AZ:
I think it is a good book and well worth reading. The part that has really grabbed me and not let go is Susan Christiansen's story...this story [and others included] will help people understand not only the women's problems but also the men's problems with memories...as a result of the Vietnam War. You wrote to the readers, not "down to " them. The section you devoted to the history of the Vietnam War...is a necessary part of your book. There are young people today who have no knowledge whatsoever of that War or that period in our history. You have done a good, professional job of writing.
Faith Shorey, Veteran's spouse and mother--Fort Hood, TX:
I really loved reading about women who put their lives on the line, they are true hero's.
Joseph Wilson, Jr, The Assn of US Army Transporters in Thailand--Colorado Springs, CO:
I have read both books. They show tremendous insight about Martha "Colonel Maggie" Raye and those she came in contact with....the information collected and arranged were both compelling and interesting. I suggest these books be required reading by people of all ages. They will find out more about Maggie, the nation and themselves by what they read.
Joan A Marcotte, WAC--Bensalem, PA:
It is a great joy to see someone recognizing the work that women did for this country. It is equally sad to read of the many lives that were lost. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront and making us aware of their sacrifices. I for one have never been aware of "Colonel Maggie's" extensive contributions to entertaining and working with our troops. I will spread the word. Thanks Noonie.
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