ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I know that readers often skip the acknowledgments when they breeze through a book, but I urge you to make an exception here because this project was a true team effort. Unlike our last book, George Washington’s Secret Six, which was on a subject I had been studying since 1988, this book had a shorter runway, but the passion and intensity of the research were even greater.
First, I have to credit my role models for this project and for GWSS, beginning with the most vital: Roger Ailes. I always sectioned off my love of history from my passion for news, but talking with and observing Roger Ailes shape Fox News, it became clear to me that the only way to truly appreciate how special this nation is is to understand our past and the hurdles we had to clear to even exist. There are two other people I have to credit for inspiring me from afar: Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck. They were the first news hosts I saw soar to success while always providing a sense of history and relevance. Glenn often did it as an element of his show and Bill has completed a series of American history books that have sold tens of millions of copies. This helped me realize that there is a need for books like this and that so many of our viewers are passionate readers as well!
Now in terms of this project, it’s always a thrill working with Don Yaeger, one of this nation’s finest authors, and his incredible cohort Tiffany Yecke Brooks. Tiffany has an unmatched work ethic; she is smarter and more humble than anyone I know and was indispensable in this book’s completion (and—dare I say?—success). I must mention that Tiffany had the wisdom to marry a Marine, so maybe that explains the passion she had for telling this great story.
Special thanks to Adrian Zackheim, president and publisher of Sentinel, for believing in us to tell the story and for editing and encouraging us over the last three years. Of course, nothing happens without our amazing agent, Bob Barnett. Without the respect Bob has earned in this business we would not have had the good fortune to work with Sentinel on our first project, let alone come back for this one. He works hard, is available almost anytime you need him, and always sports a smile. Thanks, Bob!
If you can keep a secret let me also tell you about one of the stars of the book business, Bria Sandford. She defines the word “indispensable.” You rarely get to work with someone who is so deadline oriented but never shows stress or sacrifices creativity. Bria has all those skills. Her ability to help us find our voice in this project and put it on the page was almost magical. Her assistant, Kaushik Viswanath, was also a big help in the process.
As for research, the first person I called when we were considering doing this book was University of Virgina’s director of politics, Dr. Larry Sabato. His blessing was vitally important, as was the introduction and meeting with Jim Sofka. Jim might just be the most respected scholar on the Barbary War period and UVA must be thrilled to have him; his kindness and insight were truly needed and appreciated. Hugh Howard was also a huge ally for this book and his encyclopedic knowledge of American history is mind-boggling.
I can’t overstate how moving it was to see the great lengths the Marine Corps History Division took to make this book complete. The department is led by Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, a great leader and just a great all-around person. He’s surrounded by an incredible can-do team that includes Ms. Annette D. Amerman (Historian, Marine Corps History Division), Mr. Gregory L. Cina (Archivist, Marine Corps Archives), Ms. Beth L. Crumley (Historian, Marine Corps History Division), and Colonel Peter J. Ferraro, USMC, Retired (Historian, Marine Corps History Division).
It is with great admiration that I would like to thank Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. She helped clear my path in Washington, opening doors and guiding me through the National Archives/Jefferson Collection.
The best place to research Thomas Jefferson will always be his estate in Monticello and that’s where Anna Berkes stepped up big for us. When you research our third president, you are dealing with a man who accomplished enough for ten lifetimes and it can be overwhelming, to say the least. As a research librarian at the Jefferson Library, Anna has knowledge of the president’s work that was invaluable, along with her patience! Special thanks, too, for the great tour of the grounds.
Of course, this project wouldn’t get off the ground without the support of the Fox News family and no acknowledgments section would be complete without saluting their loyalty. VP Bill Shine has to keep two networks rolling, but still finds time to advise and guide me on my books and I love that he has a special affinity for great American stories. Suzanne Scott and Shari Berg have been sensational supporters, despite their wide swath of work responsibilities.
Since 1997, I have had the chance to cohost Fox and Friends, which is the foundation of my eighteen-year stay at the channel, and knowing the morning show team was behind me was extremely humbling. Despite being in charge of twenty-eight hours of LIVE TV a week and having families of their own, Executive Producers Lauren Petterson and Jennifer Rauchet constantly expressed great enthusiasm for a book and topic they knew little about, but showed boundless curiosity to support. Senior Producers Gavin Hadden, Sean Groman, and Megan Albano have been vital to my completing this project and their skill in weaving the book into our show is noted and appreciated.
I also have to salute my Fox and Friends cohosts, Steve Doocy and Elisabeth Hasselback. Their preparation, performance, and patriotism have been inspiring to me through the construction of this story and I look forward to introducing America to this slice of American history with both of these pros by my side. As viewers know, I am always privileged to appear alongside superstar Friends anchors Heather Nauert, Ainsley Earhardt, and Heather Childers, and weathercaster Maria Molina. And, of course, the Fox and Friends franchise would not be complete without the weekend ratings champs Tucker Carlson, Clayton Morris, and Anna Kooiman.
I look forward to bringing the story to my radio family and fans on Kilmeade and Friends as well. First, I have to thank Alyson Mansfield. As senior producer she goes above and beyond on a daily basis, and when the book launches it gets four times as hard—yet she somehow always makes it work. She has heard the play-by-play of this book from concept to completion and her feedback along the way has been invaluable. Harry Kapsalis and Eric Albeen, you have also heard me talk about and work through this book and watched me sign thirty thousand copies. I appreciate all your support and hard work every day.
On the planning and promotion front, Will Weisser and Tara Gilbride at Sentinel showed leadership and enthusiasm that set a great tone for the rollout. Taylor Fleming is a true pro and innovator who seems to never rest when it comes to working on our behalf. Preparation for this promotion began six months ago and George Uribe, founder of Guest Booker, has been endlessly creative and innovative; in fact, I think he likes the book even more than I do (which is a great feeling)! His secret weapons, Molly Polcari and Victoria Delgado, have made it their mission to spread the word on this project and are often the most spirited on our weekly conference calls. As you know, so much of today’s sales are done over the Internet and heading up that operation are Paul Guest and Lindsay Wallace, two talented and vital cogs in the wheel of success. I cannot thank them enough.
Last and most important, thanks to the world’s best family. My wife, Dawn, and children Bryan, Kirstyn, and Kaitlyn—this is why I have been working late and spending hours reading, writing, and reviewing instead of playing or spending more time with you. Thanks for understanding or at least pretending to. I hope when you read this you will decide that it was worth it!
In conclusion, this book (like George Washington’s Secret Six) features historic figures of huge importance playing supporting roles to relatively unknown, unsung patriots. This book is dedicated to all those who fight our wars and never seek or receive the credit they deserve. It’s up to the next generation to tell their stories, because without the Americans fighting in the trenches and on the seas, we would not be able to enjoy life as citizens of the world’s greatest economic and military superpower.