Transitions: Heaven and Helicopters in the Life of Russ Planck

In 1937, amid rumblings of war, a life began in Ohio. It would be a life full of struggle, sometimes turmoil, and sometimes joy, but an extraordinary life the likes of which most of us could only imagine. From orphanage to Army, to Navy, to Air Force, to civilian life, helicopters have taken Russell E. Planck all over the world. Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Iran, Antarctica, Iraq, France, Italy, all over the USA, and more. When he wasn’t a gunner, he was a flight engineer, a teacher, or a mechanic. Occasionally, he was a pilot.

This is Russ’s story. It is one of service to our country, of struggle to find true companionship and love, of a spiritual battle being fought within and without, and finally, of peace within and the stability and purpose he so longed for in life.

This is Hollywood movie material! God, guns, guts, girls… Included are interviews with Russ about gays and women in the military, PTSD, cultural differences, and more, all fascinating and thought-provoking. We also hear from Russ’s wife, Mary, about how she and Russ met in Italy, and their journey together for the past 35 years. There’s humor, too, as only Russ can convey it. Once you begin reading, you won’t put this one down!