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My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS

My Pilot cover art

In My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS, Sarajane Giere offers an unflinchingly honest and deeply moving memoir of her life as the wife of fighter pilot Bernie Giere. A Vietnam War veteran who flew 214 combat missions and served for over 25 years in the Air National Guard’s renowned 106th Rescue Wing, Bernie’s life was marked by bravery, sacrifice, and love.

Sarajane takes readers behind the scenes of a military marriage, recounting the harrowing moments of separation, the struggles of life on the homefront, and the challenges of raising a family amid the looming shadow of war. With searing love and vulnerability, she paints an intimate portrait of Bernie’s heroism in the skies and his battle with ALS—a relentless disease that tested their commitment and faith.

The book has earned widespread acclaim, including the Independent Press Award for Military Nonfiction, the NYC Big Book Award, and the Military Writers Society of America Silver Medal. Readers have praised My Pilot for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling. One reviewer describes it as "a powerful story of devotion and resilience," while another commends Sarajane's ability to honor her husband’s legacy with “unwavering courage and grace.”

My Pilot isn’t just a story of war and illness—it’s a celebration of enduring love, the strength of the human spirit, and the bonds that sustain us through life’s greatest trials. Perfect for readers of military memoirs and anyone seeking an inspiring tale of love and perseverance, this award-winning book will leave a lasting impression.

Discover the journey of a lifetime and a love story that soars above adversity in My Pilot: A Story of War, Love, and ALS.

The NYC Big Book Award stamp
Silver medal stamp
Independent Book Awards stamp
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