Here are some reviews about Memories of Maggie from military and Veteran's publications:
The Stars and Stripes, Washington, DC--review by William West, Fort Myers, FL:
This volume records, in chronologically-ordered anecdotes, how Raye accomplished this unique and monumental mission and left her distinctive sensitivity with three "generations" of Veterans.
As a poem is supposed to do, this book begins in delight as we follow Maggie's development as an entertainer and ends in wonder, as we marvel at her self-sacrifice and committment. It is worth reading.
Army-Air Force-Navy Times, Springfield, VA:
Her gravestone reads "civilian," but with the nickname "Colonel Maggie," one would think Martha Raye was a soldier. She dedicated her life to serving her country and the needs of her fellow man.
VIETNAM magazine, Leesburg, VA--review by Al Hemingway, Waterbury, CT:
In Memories of Maggie, retired Army Reservist Noonie Fortin has captured the essence of Martha Raye.
First Cavalry Division's Saber, Copperas Cove, TX--review by Art Junot:
Noonie Fortin...has completed a labor of love in this book. It makes interesting reading as it also traces the trials of the author and her friends in the pursuit of appropriate recognition on a national scale for a real Trooper, Colonel Maggie.
The VVA Veteran Washington, DC--review by Mark Leepson:
Noonie Fortin offers a heartfelt tribute to Martha Raye...as well known for her unwavering loyalty to America's fighting men and women as she was for her work on stage and screen.
Veterans' Voice, Lombard, IL--review by Meribeth Jones:
The description of how much warmth and caring could come from this woman offers readers a book that begs to be held in your lap and read, like a puppy who wants a few moments of your love....This is not a definitive buffet of all she did. It is one big chunk of story and you have the time and the fork. Go for it!
The NCO Journal, Fort Bliss, TX--review by Jim Collins:
This is an inspiring book about a remarkable woman whose heart was bigger than her nickname of "Big Mouth."
The book has also received reviews from civilian publications. Here are some of their comments:
The Silver Valley Voice, Silverton, ID--review by Belvina W Bertino:
This remarkable book by Noonie Fortin details the incredible legend of actress-comedienne-humanist Martha Raye.
Once the Medals for Maggie project, including the highest US honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, had been accomplished, Martha's daughter Melodye felt that all the letters from the Veterans who voiced their staunch love and admiration for Colonel Maggie should be published in book form. This became another task for Noonie Fortin, and one she graciously accepted. The result is this book. It is a book that needs to be read. The letters, and Author Fortin's masterful inclusion of bits of Martha's life, will give the reader an appreciation of the tremendous importance of Martha's life's work which cannot be forgotten.
Needless to say, Noonie Fortin has done an outstanding job of amassing and arranging the seven years of research and information contained in this book.
Fortin's articles have been published in numerous newspapers, journals, and magazines. Memories of Maggie, rated fourth among the ten best sellers about military affairs, is classed as a collector's edition along with such books as Colin Powell's My American Journey, Scott O'Grady's Return With Honor, Gen Perry Smith's Assignment: Pentagon.
Spring Lake News, Spring Lake, NC--review by Tom Squire:
Martha Raye is chiseled in marble on a Veteran's headstone at Fort Bragg's military cemetery and burned into the hearts of untold legions of Veterans and other admirers. Her stories and theirs are entwined here with plenty of photographs, making this a must have book.
The Post, Fayetteville, NC--review by Faye McLemore:
This book is a biographical tribute to a woman whose life, when examined, makes her seem almost incredible....This is a great reading experience. It moves along easily...The outcome is a beautiful portrait of the kind of person we all need in our lives. The lives she touched will never be the same. She was a friend to the frightened and lonely, a mentor to the young, a nurse to the infirm, but most of all, she was, and is, "Colonel Maggie."
Copperas Cove Leader-Press, Copperas Cove, TX--review by Sharlene Bell:
Fortin has done a credible job in telling Raye's story from the perspective of the soldiers and civilians who knew and loved her.
Amazon Books, Internet--review by Leon Fletcher: Rating 9 [out of 10 high]:
Fortin's book is written in a clear style, moves rapidly, is packed with facts and fascinating stories about Martha Raye...A book you will long remember.
Letter to the Editor, TN--Ronald Winkles, Major, USA Retired:
I highly recommend this book....The author did a wonderful job at capturing Ms Raye's front-line dedication to entertaining our military men and women as well as providing them with nursing care.
Here are some reviews about Potpourri Of War from military and Veteran's publications:
Amazon Books, Internet--review by Leon Fletcher: Rating 5 [out of 5 high]:
Potpourri Of War is indeed a perfectly worded title for this new book. It is a "potpourri"--"a miscellaneous collection," as Webster states....Author Noonie Fortin writes in a charming, personable, enthusiatic, readable style. She writes with authority and experience...has traveled more than 35,000 miles to help "keep Martha Raye's memory alive...to urge students to learn about...the Vietnam War and its Veterans; to help renew a sense of patriotism..., to help keep the POW/MIA issue alive, (and) to honor women and men who served and died in Vietnam." Those elements of her "mission"--as she puts it--are indeed attained in her newest book.
The VVA Veteran, Washington, DC--review by Mark Leepson:
Noonie Fortin's Potpourri Of War contains profiles of men and women who served in the military and as civilians in Vietnam.
The Midwest Book Review:
Noonie Fortin's Potpourri Of War is a collection of personal experiences and reminiscences of women who have served in or with our military forces. It is about unsung and uncommon heroes, a heartfelt tribute to those who served their country in wars' worst places. These women included military personnel, USO members, Red Cross workers, Hollywood stars, and the relatives of Veterans. Of special note is a spell-binding chapter written by columnist Susan Christiansen telling of her own experiences with post traumatic stress disorder. Potpourri Of War also covers POW/MIAs, "The Wall", memorials, "Colonel Maggie" (Martha Raye), Veterans groups, Gold Star Mothers, Rolling Thunder, community organizations, and even questions asked by high school audiences. As Potpourri Of War so aptly demonstrates and documents, war is not gender specific.
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