Gulf Between Us (H)

I am compelled to write you tonight. I just finished a book that was a long time in the making, but one that clearly NEEDED to be written. It is the story of a couple of friends of mine -- real American heroes -- and I don't use that word lightly -- and how the strength of their love got them through some mighty tough times. Many of you are former or current military; several have served in Vietnam or Desert Storm, as I did. But I would hazard a guess that none of us has experienced what Cliff Acree has -- a man a deeply admire, respect, and hold dear. In the book "The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm," Cliff's wife, Cindy details a gut-wrenching diary of war, torture, incredible endurance and the inseparable bonds that love and Freedom carved into the very souls of Cliff and Cindy. For those of you who don't know what REALLY happened to the POWs in Baghdad, or what the wives of men at war REALLY have to put up with, or what being a hero REALLY means, I encourage you to get this book and read it. This book helped me bring closure to my unsettling experiences in this brief war. It has helped my wife just to talk to me about what it was like back home for her as a de facto CO's wife -- making numerous casualty calls to wives and girlfriends whose husbands had just died -- struggling with young enlisted wives who had sunk so low into depression that they attempted suicide, having infants thrust into her care by strangers who were admitted into the hospital and had nowhere else to turn.... Anyway, I am NOT "Mister Tact," so I can say this without fear of insulting any of you. You are making a terrible MISTAKE if you do not take the opportunity to read this labor of love, honor and courage. There are some things that just MUST be done. Every one of us takes Freedom and life in the United States for granted. You may not after you read this book. Many of you don't know Cliff and Cindy, but you will recognize his face from the CNN re-broadcast of Iraqi TV. You will remember the glare of his eyes, and learn why he couldn't hold his head up. You will see the war through Cindy's eyes, ride the same emotional roller coaster that they did, and if you are like me, you will shed some tears of pain, and some of joy. Buy it. Read it. Honor them both. You will not regret it.

If you'd like an incredible, dose of patriotism, this is the book to read. Sometimes, we become so complacent about the freedoms we practice in our great country. This book puts everything we take for granted into perspective. Let me share a brief story with you that summarizes my feelings concerning "The Gulf Between Us". As a teacher of fifth graders, I was becoming increasingly aware of a decline in patriotism as we would say our daily Pledge of Allegiance, this year. Even though I would demand standing straight and tall, right hands over hearts, and eyes on the flag, about halfway through,a shuffling of feet,slouching,and some grinning at each other would begin. After many of my Pledge lectures, I decided to try something else. I sat down with my students and shared some of the ordeals Col.Cliff Acree endured as a POW. I shared how his strong patriotism,his strength of character, and his faith in God, carried him through inhumane experiences most of us will never be able to comprehend. I also shared how his wife and other family members and friends took action through their strong commitments of love, faith, and patriotism. I ended my lesson that day by challenging my students, each time they said the Pledge, to think of Cliff Acree and all others who have so courageously enabled us to enjoy our many freedoms. From then on, my students took the challenge. I did not have to correct them another time. Hopefully, they will carry this renewed sense of patriotism throughout their lives. I know I will. Thank you so very much, Cliff and Cindy.

To those among you who seek a poignant and candid story of two people--one a newly-wed "bride" of some two years; the other, a career Marine Aviator husband and squadron commanding officer--you have to read the story of Cindy and Cliff Acree!It is a fast-moving description of events in Southwest Asia and in the U.S. in 1991 by a pair of people who rose to the occasion--and prevailed over--the lightening-like and tumultous deveopments of that year. It is not a "kind and soft" sort of story.Cindy--naive, but tough--in her role as founder of the "Liberty Alliance," had to learn quickly that the expressed concerns of the "bracelet sellers" on behalf of the well-being of Cliff and the other POWs was but one of a number of entreprenurial schemes to make a buck from the unquestioning support of thousands of Americans.Cliff--dedicated and tough--learned the lesson of past POWs: If your captors really want the information, they can torture every POW in every war beyond his or her limit to resist. He is not the first--nor will he be the last--POW to be tortured beyond: "Name, Rank, Serial Number and Date of Birth," trust me!Together, upon Cliff's "Return to Freedom," sadly, they both learned the lesson endemic to America, that within a family, the public and media identification of a member as a "hero" is often more difficult to deal with than the events that led to the identification.Cindy,herself, describes her family as "ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances." The joy in reading this book is in learning the limits--through Cindy and Cliff--of which we are all capable.

Cliff and Cindy Acree are heroes in the truest definition of the term. They showed true allegiance to one another through the most trying of forced seperations, encouraged emotional restraint when tried by the media to the breaking point of most humans and have come out of the entire experience of captivity - for both of them - stronger than before and in tune with one another and their God. What better heroes could we ask for? A must read for all those with ties to the US military, and for anyone who wants a hopefull, up-lifting story of love, faith, courage and strength!

This story should be read by every student in school. Students are always looking for "heros", Colonel Cliff Acree is one. His faith in God, loyalty to his country and the love he has for his wife, all Americans should have. Cindy Acree's account of her devotion and fortitude during the war is one that surpasses anyone. The media took undo liberties with her, and "she" won, taking her strength and positive additude to start up the Liberty Alliance writting campaign, the many volunteer's around the world supporting her effort. She made a difference! Their story is compelling and hits the heart and soul of the reader as we see them both struggle with each day as the war continues, not knowing what is happening with each other. Their faith in God, and the love they have for each other gave them the strength to get through the struggles they faced each day and night. People are always looking for heros in this world, to many look to hollywood movie stars or sports figures, these individuals could never walk the same path or endure what this Marine or his wife has done. A story that should be read by all Americans.