What's It All About, Alfie?

About the Book

What's It All About, Alfie? describes the Elser's combat experiences as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam in 1967-68. It describes the intense battles he took part in and the fear, terror, elation, joy, sadness, and guilt he experienced. In the last part of the book he shows how these emotions affected his life and how he's dealt with them and the conflicting emotions he still feels. Elser writes the book to Al, his son, because he asked, "What did you do in the war?" and because he's been a key to the author's emotional recovery.

About the Author

Art Elser has been a writer, editor, manager, and writing teacher for over 35 years. He has plied his trade in government, in the electronics, software, and computer industries, and at six universities. He manages a group of technical communicators for a telecommunications IT department. Earlier, as an Air Force officer, he flew 411 combat missions as a FAC in Vietnam in 1967-68 and retired in 1979. He graduated from the Air Force Academy and has an MA and PhD in English. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Denver. His hobbies are writing, fitness, and hiking.