by Jim Nantz
First published 2020
Dan Rooney defines patriotism through action rather than words. The Oklahoma native flew F-16 fighters through three combat deployments in Iraq while pursuing a professional golf career. Between missions and tournaments, he built a nonprofit foundation that awards scholarships to children whose military parents died or suffered disabilities in service. Rooney raises five daughters with his wife and credits his Christian faith as his constant companion in cockpits and on fairways. During his final Iraq tour, he felt called to share how seemingly random encounters shaped his path. He calls this phenomenon "chance with a purpose" and sees these moments as divine guidance toward discovering his true calling. The memoir traces key experiences that forged his character as a fighter pilot, golfer, father, and advocate for military families.
Genres: military-fiction, autobiography, action, biography-memoir, american-history, christian-living
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: divine-guidance, found-family, redemption
Setting: Iraq, Oklahoma
Period: 21st-century
Audio CD · HarperCollins