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Addressing the memoir "The Gulf Between Us" by Cynthia and Cliff Acree is a bit difficult. His wife is also a hero because despite her own pain, she fought to get better recognition of POWs and their families. Since I am a moderate Democrat, I kind of have a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of the Bushes. Col.
Well Bush 43 is certainly worse than that for treating de facto POWs in Gitmo the way he has, but again Acree couldn't have forseen that, so he gets a pass. The stuff that Col. For that, I salute him. Recommended reading. The book also makes a good move in mostly avoiding political matters(both parties seem to be portrayed well), but Acree should not have kept mentioning how he wouldn't even give in to the demand that "he call [President George H.W] Bush a donkey". It came out around 1998, and thus a completely different era than our current misadventure(aka quagmire) in Iraq.
Acree had to go through is heartwretching, and it is a miracle in itself that he lived to tell us. Should be read by any who believe torture is a good way to get intelligence(Acree never gave up anything that was good) and by those who believe in the Geneva Conventions, and of course by those who want to admire true American heroes: our soldiers. However "Gulf" is really the story of the Acrees, and thus I do recommend this because these two are great people. Acree is a hero because he withstood torture and would not reveal critical intelligence to the Iraqis during the first Gulf War.
The MWSA gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS. The background story gives us a look inside their relationship and what kind of people they were prior to the life changing experiences of the war. They chronicle the compelling emotions and the events surrounding the Colonel's capture and his time spent as a POW during Desert Strom. Working from a base of great faith and personal strength she takes positive actions and organizes a movement to get world attention focused on the fate of all the POWS and MIAS. Cliff Acree have written a duel storyline that is more than just about war--it is a love story. They both have this underlining strength and faith that comes through very loud and clear. And maybe, that was one of the divine purposes that the universe had in mind for all that they went through. I truly believe that there are never any random accidents of fate at work in our lives--everything happens to us for a reason, even if we do not understand why.
No matter what you have read about the experiences of the POWS in Desert Storm there was much more to that story that was left untold --or incorrectly reported. Her personal and emotional journey did not come without its own form of pain. It is a story that will inspire many others and perhaps change a few lives along the way. This book is more than a war story it is about their own personal spiritual journey. Some of them were subjected to brutal beatings and life threatening treatment. Reading the inspiring memoir "The Gulf Between Us: A Story of love and Survival in Desert Storm" you cannot help but believe that prayers are truly answered; and that there must be a divine purpose to our lives even if it is not understood at the time of the events. One thing is evident; this book is about the power of faith and love. It is a well-written, easy to follow story.
I think this adds greatly to the power of their story. We learn a lot about who the authors were and how they met and became high school friends. He would not give an inch or compromise on his core values and for those reasons he had to endure the brute force of his Iraqi capturers. The authors share a huge part of themselves with the reader and that honesty comes through and makes you feel good about them as people.
I am a better person for having read their book. I also add my personal endorsement and recommendations that you buy and read this book. I know that I was touched by their story on many levels. The Husband and wife writing team of Cynthia and Col.
These two individual souls seemed destined to become spiritually connected in the very fabric of their lives. Truly an American hero.Equally courageous and inspiring is the corresponding story of Cynthia's experiences, as she has to face all the uncertainties of the situation. It is a triumphant tale of courage from both Cliff and Cynthia as they endure, survive, suffer and embrace once again. Colonel Acree was subjected to a harsher treatment than others for various reasons, including his strong loyalty and patriotism and the fact that he was a Marine pilot and company commander.
One of the comments in the book also made me think of Captain Scott Speicher, since he is the American air man that Saddam Hussein most likely kept. The bombers didn't bomb the part where the cells were sited. Another reason he is alive is: When Saddam Hussein used the captured pilots, as well as members of the SAS and a CBS TV crew as human shields, only two instead of five bombers attacked the building they were kept in.
He was tortured; badly beaten, denied food and in so many ways humiliated and ill-treated. When he refused to share any of this information with his captors, it made Saddam Hussein's men treat him harsher than many others.Col.Cliff Acree decided he had to lie to Saddam Hussein's men, and that may be a reason he is still alive. I found it hard to read much of what Cliff Acree wrote, because he tells us how badly he was treated while he was in captivity.
If he had kept on refusing to speak, the ill-treatment may even have been worse. Still, he never lost his faith and dignity.
Since Cliff Acree was a higher ranking officer, it was obvious that he was better informed than his fellow prisoners of war.
The internal fortitude and resolve of Co. At the same time his wife did much in creating a force of help and an attitude of compassion among the entire citizenry of the U.S.A. I have read many POW stories since WWII and this is one of the best. Acree is astounding and what he went through is heart rending. You will rally 'round the flag after reading this and appreciate the downfall of Hussein. The perspective is a little different as the wife talks a chapter about what is going on at home and then Col. Acree talks about his ordeal while a prisoner of war in Iraq during Desert Storm.
A story of triumph and most of all an enduring love; Cindy and Cliff's story is one that will touch anyone.It is written in perfect format as Cindy chronicles her daily life in unison with what happened to Cliff thousands of miles away in captivity. It truly is one of the best investments I have ever made. Being a new Marine spouse in a post-9/11 world, the story was, at least, an intriguing one, and any new information I could get was a bonus.
It certainly has for me.I am a better person for having read this book. It demonstrates, beyond a doubt, the Honor, Pride and Commitment that signifies the Marine Corps, and all our servicemen and women. I am better Marine spouse after reading this book.
When I first bought this book, I thought it would be something I MIGHT pick up and read.if I didn't have something better to do. From a military point of view, their amazing story can also serve as a reference for families on how to handle difficult situations, when their loved ones' lives could be at risk. I appreciate the Acrees sharing their story with the world.
I had NO idea what was in store.This is a story of patriotism, of survival, of fear, of strength, of new and old friendships, of new and old adversaries. It demonstrates how even in the most grim of circumstances, the spirit perseveres and is, indeed, made stronger.
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