Air Force Veteran Honors Role Models in New Book

MIDWAY, Ga. (January 21, 2010) – Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Wayne are considered inspirational men of our era, but to one young boy these three men served as personal mentors. Delve into a world of angels, warriors and wise men in Theodore Harris’ new autobiography, The Three Mentors: Warrior Theodore of the Spartans—The Battle for the Soul (published by AuthorHouse).

The Three Mentors is the moving true story of Theodore Harris, a man who—much like his role models—lived a life of selflessness, servitude and poverty for the greater good of his nation. The book follows Theodore’s life from childhood to adulthood, through devastating tragedies and awe-inspiring triumphs.

At the age of 11, Theodore was christened “Warrior Theodore of the Spartans” by the national president of Hell’s Angels in the spirit of his three mentors. In 1972 Theodore worked to end gang violence and bring peace to Buffalo, N.Y., an act that caught the attention of President Nixon. While in the Air Force from 1973 to 1978, Theodore helped to increase mission completion through F-4 maintenance. Then, a failed engagement to a congressman’s daughter plunged Theodore into depression. He was singled out by the Reagan administration and asked to work on highly experimental missions to open extra-terrestrial contact, and later refused to denounce Reagan or his country. Harris writes of his experience touring Air Force One:

“You are the third American citizen given the honor of a private tour of one of the SAMs, the presidential aircraft known as Air Force One. You’ve been given this unique honor for significant contributions to the armed forces during times of war and peace…You can add another 700 volunteers to that 250. This year your story of patriotism has brought in more volunteers from 49 or the 50 states, more than top recruiters for the army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard combined.“ I asked him how he knew it was due to me and he said, “They checked ‘other’ and put your name there.”

A patriotic odyssey full of the rugged individualism that represents America, The Three Mentors explores the power of forgiveness, civic responsibility, honor, duty and sacrifice.

About the Author: Theodore Harris was born in Hinesville, Ga., but grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. At the age of 19, Harris joined the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country, Harris was owner and operator of a machine and tool company where he specialized in prototype development and design. His company built the first successfully test-fired multi-compression warheads. Harris is a disabled veteran who volunteers with various organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Boy Scouts of America and ABC Kids for Liberty. Now he visits veterans hospitals and military installations as the ”Flag Man,” distributing American flags to veterans and dependents. He resides in Midway, Ga. with his wife.