Alvin Townley - About Alvin





	<!-- startprint --> <span class=default><p align="left"><strong><em>Telling stories of purpose and triumph that truly inspire America</em><em></em></strong></p> <p>Best-selling author Alvin Townley risked everything on a dream when he embarked on a personal odyssey to discover stories of purpose, personal triumph, and adventure.  His travels have taken him around the world - from the halls of Congress to the infamous Hanoi Hilton; from African villages to Australia's Great Barrier Reef; and from Rocky Mountain peaks to five aircraft carriers in three oceans.  On these trips, he has uncovered inspiring stories of human spirit. </p> <p>In 2007, St. Martin's Press released his acclaimed first book, <em>Legacy of Honor</em>.  <em>Spirit of Adventure</em> followed in 2009, and St. Martin's released his newest book, <em>FLY NAVY</em>, in 2011 during naval aviation's centennial celebration.  Readers have purchased more than 100,000 copies of his books and his anticipated fourth book - <em>Defiant</em> - will be released in February 2014.  </p> <p>Alvin has discussed life and leadership with leaders like Michael Bloomberg, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Hank Paulson, Ross Perot, J.W. Marriott, Jr., Bill Gates, Sr., Jim Lovell of Apollo 13, a host of naval aviators and respected admirals, POWs from Vietnam, Peace Corps volunteers, Olympic athletes, young entrepreneurs, seasoned CEOs, and members of Congress.   </p> <p><strong><em>Defiant </em></strong>(2014)<strong><em> </em></strong>Alvin's fourth book is fast-capturing readers of every stripe.  It reveals the amazing and untold true story of eleven POWs in Vietnam, known as the Alcatraz Eleven - eleven Americans the North Vietnamese identified as their most uncooperative and subversive captives.  The book also tells the story of the "Alcatraz wives," who fought for their husbands' safe return when it seemed nobody else would. This epic story - which takes place over eight years - has inspired praise from all corners of America and deeply affects everyone who reads it. <strong><em><br> </em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Fly Navy </em></strong>(2011) explores the extraordinary people and enduring spirit of naval aviation, defining the deeply-held virtues that have marked aviators and their supporting cast during naval aviation's first 100 years.  His round-the-world journey took him to five aircraft carriers in three oceans and to most major bases in the United States.  He met present-day Blue Angels, young crew chiefs, and admirals, along with POWs and heroes from conflicts past. <em> FLY NAVY</em> lends an important new perspetive to one of America's greatest traditions.   <a title="" href="/page/4753">Learn More ></a></p> <p><strong><em>Spirit of Adventure</em></strong> (2009) introduces America to a new generation of leaders - young Eagle Scouts who are leading lives of purpose and adventure.  NFL MVP <strong>Peyton Manning</strong> commented, "Alvin Townley showcases the spirit of our young generation...<em>Spirit of Adventure</em> tells a compelling story about America's future." <a title="" href="/page/4753">Learn More ></a></p> <p><em><strong>Legacy of Honor </strong></em><em>(2007)</em>, his first book, explores how Scouting has influenced American life.  About<em> </em><em>the book</em><em>, </em><strong>President Jimmy Carter</strong> said, "These Eagle Scouts will inspire readers to become leaders in serving others." <strong>Defense Secretary Robert Gates</strong> called <em>Legacy of Honor</em> "inspirational." <a title="" href="/page/4752">Learn More ></a></p> <p><u>Additional background</u></p> <p>Alvin grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and found a life-long love for adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch, the Northern Tier Canoe Base, the Florida Sea Base, and countless other wilderness spots.  </p> <p>Alvin graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and has worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, helped manage global strategy for a $9B international consulting firm, and coached track and field.  To write his first book, he sold his house and quit his job and began an odyssey that continues today as he tells America's great stories.  He lives in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, and has shared his message of inspiration, adventure, and purpose audiences across North America.</p> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="/graphics_custom/db_03.gif" height="33" width="16"></td> <td background="graphics_custom/db_05.gif"><strong><font color="#ffffff"><a class="dlink" title="" target="_blank" href="/uploaded_files/alvin_townley_bio_2012_Sx7C3A.pdf">Download Alvin's Biography</a></font></strong></td> <td><img alt="" src="/graphics_custom/db_07.gif" height="33" width="16"></td></tr></tbody></table></span> <!-- stopprint -->