My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS
by Sarajane Giere
Review:
I met Sarajane Giere at a book fair in NJ. She had a modest table setup with only this book for sale even though she has written more. I was about to walk by with a simple smile thinking there was nothing about a military story I’d necessarily go after. Then I saw she had pamphlets about ALS. Having lost a friend to that heinous disease, I was stopped in midstep.
I started a conversation with Sarajane and listened to her talk about her heroic husband who lived through having his plane go down in Vietnam, to having a blessed life, but then to get ALS and die too young.
Sarajane Giere tells Bernie’s story in detail with all the important people from their lives. As an Air Force Wife, Sarajane had to “be trained” with the other wives about what was expected of them. They were trained in etiquette, socializing on base, using the facilities, how to support their husbands, and of course, having children. The manual for the wives was first something Sarajane resented, but later she has a moment of respect for it. No spoiler, but it’s important.
Ultimately, this memoir is about family and love. I gave it to my father to read before I did. I’ve never heard him talk about a book the way he talked about this one. He said the war scenes (which aren’t graphic like a war movie or even like a Tom Clancy novel) were accurate and captivating. There are really only two chapters about Vietnam specifically, but Bernie and his squadron mates’ experiences are a long thread throughout. It’s cliche, but there is truth to serving with people in a war that kind of bonds you for life. My father was also moved by the strong bonds between the family and friends.
Bernie does end up being a commercial pilot while also serving in the Air National Guard. These were the days when Pan Am was the largest airline in the US, but had cracks in its shiny veneer. The National Guard work included rescue operations and kept Bernie sane.
Maybe you’ll be brought to tears, maybe not. I was more riveted than emotional as I took a week to read this short book. By the last 25%, I refused to put the book down and stayed up past my bedtime to find out what life was like for Bernie, Sarajane, their kids, friends, and parents when the ALS diagnosis cast a shadow upon this unshakeable couple.
Needless to say, My Pilot gets a high recommendation.
Rating: 5 stars
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AmberUnmasked.com and Vodka O'Clock Podcast. Author of The Farrah Wethers Mysteries, comic book short stories, prose, and non-fiction. Cosplayer and figure model.