Tuffy's Heroes 

Rating:
Summary: Walk-the-walk and Talk-the-talk
Review: As a former Military Training Instructor (MTI/TI) I had the honor and pleasure of previewing Tuffy Tofuri's book 'Tuffy's Heroes'. I enjoyed the manuscript so much as soon as I was notified the book was available, I ordered it. The book chronicles the adventures/misadventures of young civilians going into Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT). Tuffy describes in graphic and profane language the trials and tribulations of basic trainees; the pressures on the TI by peers, supervisors and officers, and family. It is at times funny, outrageous, unbelievable, and very down to earth. As a TI that 'walked-the-walk' I got very immersed in the book as I related to all the incidents described. I remembered things I had forgotten but now were refreshed as I kept reading. This is a must read for all past and present MTI's/TI's; and although present TI's can't do many of the things Tuffy describes, it will give them some insight of the TI mindset at that time. Civilians who have never served in the military, much less in the MTI career field, might cringe at some of the things happening, but will also have compassion with the trainees and TI's as the weeks pass by. Tuffy details vividly the exasperation of the TI trying to meld civilians into a cohesive unit. When the TI gets some time off, he takes the work home or to the bar with him as he has a few beers with his friends. The most poignant portion of the book, in my opinion, is the last chapter as Tuffy is winding down after his flight graduates from BMT and he is contemplating the new flight coming. I can't describe in a few words how I felt, as I read and remembered my exact feelings during this time, when I too contemplated my graduates. I verily empathize with Tuffy during this point in the book, so I leave you with the thought I now can 'talk-the-talk' about this great book!