Quotes

Selected Reviews

 

"DEFIANT is a riveting tribute to the unyielding men who ensured years of brutal captivity as POWs in Vietnam and the families they left behind. The men of the "Alcatraz Eleven" are true American heroes and their extraordinary stories will serve as an inspiration for generations to come."

Senator John McCain
POW, Vietnam, 1967-1973

"These heroic men and women remind us how courage, devotion, and faith can triumph even in the darkest of times. In DEFIANT, Alvin Townley masterfully tells the inspirational and unforgettable story of our Vietnam POWs and the Alcatraz Eleven."

President Jimmy Carter
 

"Riveting. Powerful. Authentic. I had tears in my eyes reading Defiant. And if I can still cry, others will, too."

Mike McGrath
POW, Vietnam, 1966-1973

 

"Alvin Townley's story of the courage, valor, and honor of eleven indomitable POWs and their wives is a new American classic that will be read as long as the breezes kiss Old Glory. As I read it I wept."

Stephen Coonts
New York Times best-selling author and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient

 

"Defiant is a must read for those who seek to understand and honor the very best of America and its heroes. Alvin Townley's exhaustive research shows us how our prisoners of war in Vietnam served with inspired bravery and unrelenting courage."

Melvin Laird
Secretary of Defense, 1968-1971

 

"In his new book, Alvin Townley showcases the spirit of our young generation....Spirit of Adventure tells a compelling story about America's future."

Peyton Manning
NFL quarterback and MVP

 
"The stories captured in Legacy of Honor hold valuable lessons for our country as we face new challenges at home and abroad. These Eagle Scouts will inspire readers to become leaders in serving others."

President Jimmy Carter
39th president of the United States and founder of The Carter Center


"Legacy of Honor will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of boys and their families. Think what a great country we would be if we all lived the principles of Scouting. We would all be honest, trustworthy, and loyal. We would help other people at all times. We would keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. And finally, we would always be prepared! If everyone in our country lives the principles of Scouting, the best years in our country's history will be in the future."
Ross Perot
Founder of EDS and Perot Systems


"Alvin Townley's book reveals the legacy of the Boy Scouts. He relates the adventures and deeds of Eagle Scouts living by the Scout Oath - On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight - while contributing to the success of America. An excellent story that will inspire all of us."
Captain James A. Lovell
Commander of Apollo 13


"The unique leadership role in America over the past century of men who earned their Eagle Scout award as boys is unparalleled in business, the professions, politics, the military and national security. Legacy of Honor explores this extraordinary phenomenon of Eagles' leadership through individual stories, both informative and inspirational."
Robert M. Gates
former Secretary of Defense


"Alvin Townley's book, Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts, describes how the Eagle Scout program can shape a life. He demonstrates this by providing examples of many former Eagles who have succeeded in life in no small part because of their experience in Scouting. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."
Bill Bradley
Former Senator, NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist


"Commitment and devotion to the bedrock principles of our country -- optimism, fairness, determination and preparedness - are inseparably intertwined with Scouting. Alvin Townley does a superb job of portraying how Eagle Scouting helps shape these everyday yet incredibly powerful values that serve our families and society so well."
J.W. Marriott, Jr.
Chairman and CEO, Marriott International

"Whether you choose to become a teacher, a police officer, a doctor, or even the mayor of the greatest city in the world, your experiences as an Eagle Scout will prove invaluable. Alvin Townley's Legacy of Honor does justice to the proud history and bright future of the Eagle Scouts."
Michael Bloomberg
Mayor of New York City
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