On September 6, 2001, I was at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, attending a military function. That night I had a heart attack. I was released from the hospital on September 10 and my wife and I were scheduled to fly home the next day. That day was September 11, 2001.

On September 11, 2001, I remember driving across Texas and not seeing a single aircraft except those of the Air National Guard. That attack was designed to weaken us. It was designed to frighten us. What it did was make us mad and give us focus. Sadly, many Americans have returned to the mentality of the pre-9/11 days. But for a moment, a brief moment…we stood together.

When I started Retribution, we were still searching for Osama bin Laden. In fiction, the TAC Team found him. In reality, it was the SEALs. In both cases, he got what he deserved.

The way of the warrior is to be judged by whom you call friend, and by the worthiness of your enemy. One loved, one hated; hopefully, both respected. So here is TAC Leader-Retribution. It is from the warrior in me to the warrior in you. —Bob Anderson