The Gulf Between Us : Love and Terror in Desert Storm

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Summary: How Precious is Freedom to YOU?
Review: 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.

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Summary: ONE OF THE BEST POW/WAR STORIES
Review: I have read many POW stories since WWII and this is one of the best. The perspective is a little different as the wife talks a chapter about what is going on at home and then Col. Acree talks about his ordeal while a prisoner of war in Iraq during Desert Storm. The internal fortitude and resolve of Co. Acree is astounding and what he went through is heart rending. At the same time his wife did much in creating a force of help and an attitude of compassion among the entire citizenry of the U.S.A. You will rally 'round the flag after reading this and appreciate the downfall of Hussein!

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Summary: The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm
Review: I just finished this book and highly recommend it! Both Cliff and Cindy provide a well-written, candid and detailed account of his situation as a POW in Iraq and her actions at home to try to obtain the release of all the POWs. How they each coped in their particular situations as well as their journey together once he returned home is an eye-opener, particularly from the psychological standpoint. Their unique love story is interwoven throughout the book, which adds a very warm, personal touch. I am from San Diego so recall vividly when two of our own -- Cliff Acree and Guy Hunter -- were shot down in Iraq on the second day of the war. I have often wondered what happened after tney returned and it was well worth the 9-year wait to find out! Cliff deserves tribute and recognition for the brutality he endured for us as Americans and for remaining true to his ideals. An excellent book which all Americans should read. P.S. I am not a friend or relative of the Acrees!

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Summary: Patriotism At Its Best
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm
Review: This book reads very easily. Although Cindy Acree and I have never met, it seems she and I have been life long friends, just separated for some years. Then when we are reunited she is telling me the story of her life as a Marine Wife. As I read page after page, it is as if Cindy is sitting down next to me, sharing her story in person. I vividly remember Desert Storm, and the terror I felt just for Our Country to be at War. I can only imagine through the book what Cindy and Cliff had to endure. I Can say that I did not begin to grasp the Dedication of Our United States Marines and Their Families to Our Country. I have learned much from this book and will be telling friends and family about it.