Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter:

• Barb’s BIG Surprise Birthday Celebration
• “At First Light” – 77 days and counting to the April 19 release
• “At First Light” – World Premier on April 6
• “At First Light” – Fabulous Endorsements
• “Ask Dr. Walt” in Today’s Christian Living

1) Barb’s BIG Birthday Surprise

I was able to pull it off with the help of some great friends. Barb thought we were going to Orlando for a book signing. Turns out it was a surprise 70^th birthday party. Our kids and grands, Barb’s sister, and two dozen dear friends (several who flew in from around the country) all were waiting for her. She was shocked.

Several events over the weekend allowed her to be honored and affirmed for her decades of service and ministry while she also received almost 500 digital greetings and over 60 video tributes. It was a wonderful birthday for The Honey.

2) “At First Light” – 77 days and counting to the April 19 release

As of today, the WWII book about my father and his exploits, “At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse,” was sent by the publisher (Knox Press) to the printer. You can click here (Cover – FL Complete) to see the final approved dust cover for the hardcover edition.

The book will be released on April 19. You can pre-order it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, BulkBookstore, ThriftBooks, and others.

3) At First Light – World Premier on April 6

A potential World Premier for At First Light is tentatively scheduled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Thursday and Friday, April 6-7, to coincide with the opening of the renovated LSU WWII Museum in the LSU Memorial Tower. There’s also a strong possibility of a book signing that weekend at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. I’ll have more details in next month’s newsletter.

4) At First Light – Endorsements

I’m so blessed to have nearly 40 amazing endorsements for “At First Light.” Here are some of my favorites:

• “As the son and nephew of several World War II veterans, I never grow tired of reading about their heroics. The story of Phil Larimore is the most compelling and riveting of them all. At a time when we need real heroes more than ever, this story should inspire, bless, and encourage every American.”
  • —Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist
• “At First Light is an amazing story of a remarkable young infantry officer. Phil Larimore embodies all the attributes we associate with “Duty, Honor, Country.” I was extremely impressed that such a young officer commanded with bravery and courage beyond his years. Phil Larimore’s courageousness is only surpassed by his extraordinary selflessness and concern for his troops. This book is a must-read so that we never forget the sacrifices of this greatest generation.”
  • —Gen. Gary Luck, U.S. Army (Ret.) four-star general and former Commander of CFC/UNC/USFK in South Korea (1993-1996)
• “The children of America’s wounded warriors share a special bond. We know firsthand what that red stripe in Old Glory means and respect every bloodstained story of valor behind it. Whether or not you come from a patriotic home, Walt Larimore’s masterful and moving account of his father’s sacrifice in World War II will make you proud to be an American.”
  • —Tara McClary Reeves, daughter of Vietnam War hero Clebe McClary and author of Is Your Dad a Pirate?
• “I teach writers that readers love to be entertained and educated, but that they never forget when they’ve been emotionally moved. Walt Larimore’s true tale of his own father’s exploits in World War II scores in spades on all three counts. Exhaustive without being exhausting, At First Light may just keep you up till first light.”
  • —Jerry B. Jenkins, twenty-one-time New York Times best-selling novelist and biographer and founder of the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild
• “I love World War II books, and none is better than At First Light. It’s like a combination of Band of Brothers and War Horse—or perhaps a mixture of Unbroken and Seabiscuit. A mesmerizing page-turner not to be missed.”
  • —Pat Williams, co-founder of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and former general manager of NBA teams in Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers

5) “Ask Dr. Walt” in Today’s Christian Living

I enjoy being able to answer questions from the readers of Today’s Christian Living magazine in my “Ask Dr. Walt” column. Here are my Q&As from the January 2022 issue. I hope you’ll consider getting a subscription:

• Fish Oil for Heart Health
  • Dear Dr. Walt, What’s your take on fish oil capsules to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease? —Pescatarian in Massachusetts
• Red Yeast Rice for High Cholesterol
  • Dear Dr. Walt, Our natural food store recommends red yeast rice instead of prescription statins for high cholesterol. I’m guessing it’s a cheaper option than a prescription. —Hypercholesterolemic in Connecticut
• Fiber for Cardiovascular Health
  • Dear Dr. Walt, My family physician diagnosed that my husband and I both have high cholesterol and has recommended diet and exercise for us. He’s also recommending we increase the fiber in our diet. Why? —Wondering About Fiber in Florida

6) Answers to Last Month’s Prayers

• Jan 5, Barb and I flew to Orlando to spend several days in Kissimmee where we celebrated her 70^th birthday (Jan 6) with a number of dear and long-time friends (see above).
• Jan 12, we began our 6^th semester of directing the ReEngage Marriage Ministry at Academy Christian Church. We’ll have three leader couples facilitating 17 couples through the end of winter and through the Spring. Prayer for us and them will be greatly appreciated!

7) Prayer Requests for Upcoming Events

• Feb 1-7, Barb and I will be in Atlanta to visit with Scott, Jen, and our precious granddaughters.
• Feb 4, I’ll speak twice at the “Faith and Medicine Conference” near Atlanta.
• Feb 17-23, Barb and I will be traveling to make a swing through South Florida:
  • Feb 17-18, I’ll be speaking at Palm Beach Atlantic University at Annual Gregory Center for Medical Missions Forum.
  • Feb 19-20, we’ll be visiting friends in Naples and Bonita Springs. Sunday night I’ll be at a book signing at First Presbyterian Bonita Springs.
  • Feb 21-22, we’ll be visiting with friends in Bradenton and we fly home Feb 23.

8) Past Issues of our family newsletter

January 2022

• Last Day of Patient Care
• My Heart Catherization
• Book(s) Report (At First Light, The Best Gift, The Natural Medicines Handbook)

December 2021

• “The Best Gift” released November 16
• Great Reviews for The Best Gift
• “Ask Dr. Walt” in Today’s Christian Living

November 2021

• The Best Gift releases November 16
• Debbie Macomber’s Foreword to The Best Gift
• Super-Early-Bird sign up for “The Ultimate Writer’s Conference” I’m MC’ing ends November 19
• Cute Halloween Decorations

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2022. This blog provides healthcare tips and advice that you can trust about a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.