Dedications

From Professor Randall K. Nichols:                                                                            

I dedicate this book to All USA serving and retired military personnel, and federal, state and local law enforcement for keeping our blessed Country safe; to my Angel wife of 39 years, Montine, and children Robin, Kent, Phillip (USA Army), Diana (USA Army), and Michelle who have lived with a Dragon and survived; to our newest family members Kira Nichols; grandson Greyson Kent Nichols; and finally, to all my students (over 52 years ~11,500 Dragons / Dragonesses in the field) who are securing our United States from terrorism and evil.

It is my sincere wish that our Cyber and Space technology writings may be used not only to defend our Country but to envision humanitarian ways to more efficiently feed our expanding global population. Just dream – if we could increase agricultural production by 1-1.5 %. Think how many millions of families we could improve living conditions for!

In addition, in 2017, 17 sailors died because of two separate collisions involving US Navy warships in the South China Seas, the USS Fitzgerald, and the USS John S. McCain. In my professional opinion, the US Navy’s official response was insufficient regarding real causes. Since 2017, I have dedicated my research to giving purpose, closure, truth, and voice to the families of these Honorable sailors. God grant them and their loved ones peace.

I dedicate my writing to the Ukrainian people suffering and fighting with such bravery against overwhelming Russian savagery in a war they did not choose.

Lastly, my deepest gratitude to my wonderful, talented KSU Wildcat writing team. It has been a real Honor. My chapter on this earth is closing, and I have been truly blessed to work with you all. My cup runneth over. I cannot thank you all enough for your dedication.

From Dr. Suzanne M. Sincavage:

I want to dedicate my research to the men and women who are devoted to biodefense intelligence and the non-proliferation of WMDs, To Professor Randall K. Nichols for his leadership, mentorship, integrity, and significant contributions to uncharted spaces and for bringing together once again the WILDCAT team in our pursuit of excellence; To Julie J.C.H. Ryan for devoting an incredible amount of time to supporting me in my work;  To Trevor Muehlfelder, my esteemed co-author for whose unwavering commitment, expertise and collaboration have been invaluable in the creation of this book and its cover. To my sons Trevor, Cole Muehlfelder an (Aspiring ERAU Professor), and Jacquie for bringing Callum into this world, and David a (Master Machinist) for their loving encouragement, To Dr. Steve Herrick, and the entire Herrick family for their belief and support in me, To Candice Carter, a loyal colleague and friend, & Co-Chair for “The Foundation for Biodefense Research”, her devotion and support are invaluable, and to Mila Bonner, a life-time friend who is an expert in Life-work balance.

From Dr. Hans C. Mumm:

I dedicate this work to my students and colleagues and all those innovators, those dreamers who race against time as they create an ever-changing and evolving future in ways that we cannot even imagine today. Your dedication to the field of autonomous systems will bring about positive change to the world landscape and humankind.

From Wayne D. Lonstein, Esq.:

I dedicate this work to my wife and best friend Julie, my sons Ethan, Ari, and Sam, extended family and co-workers, and co-authors from whom I have learned so much. To all those brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving this nation and those who have, are, or will serve in our armed forces, police, fire, and other emergency functions and their families who silently sacrifice. May our work in some way help you perform your duties more effectively and safely, and through your service, may the world become a more peaceful and harmonious place for all.

From Dr. Julie J. C. H. Ryan:

I dedicate this work to my husband, Dan, and my students, who have taught me so much.

From Professor Candice M. Carter: 

I dedicate this work to an exceptional leader, mentor, and master of Bushido, Professor Randall K. Nichols. His commitment to training dragons to succeed in asymmetric warfare and life is unprecedented. For Dr. Suzanne Sincavage, co-author, a guiding mentor for biodefense research and life. To Treadstone71 for being a guiding light through the dark parts of the web. Finally, to the Los Libros, I love you immensely my shining stars.

From CPT John-Paul Hood: 

I dedicate this work to my loving and supportive wife, Katie, my two daughters, Evelyn and Gwendolyn, and my extended family. They continued to support me through this journey. Thank you for your love, encouragement, and presence in my life.

From Dr. Mark J. Jackson:

I dedicate my chapter to my wife, Deborah, and the memory of my great-uncle, Captain George Richards, a founding officer of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the British Army. After initially serving in the British Expeditionary Force (Royal Engineers) in France from 1940 – to 1941, he quickly rose through the ranks, promoted to captain in 1942, initially serving as an officer in the Royal Engineers, then transferred to the newly formed Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers specializing in the construction of Bailey bridges in North Africa. Captured in Libya by the German Afrika Corps, he became a prisoner-of-war at Oflag IV located in Colditz, Germany. After demobilization, he became a chartered mechanical engineer working for Imperial Chemical Industries but continued to build model Bailey bridges with his children and nephews.

From Dr. Robert McCreight:

I dedicate my chapter to all US service personnel who fought in, or supported, combat operations with unflagging thanks to their families for the sacrifice that cannot be measured. Honorable military service must be acknowledged and respected as a tireless effort to keep our nation safe and secure tomorrow’s peace as a sacred duty. The American warfighters are the heart and soul of the fight against evil oppressors.

There are sincere thanks to serious professional and dedicated members of law enforcement whose daily routine involves our first line of domestic security and societal stability. These unselfish warriors and police never get the full thanks and gratitude they genuinely deserve. Thanks, and a salute from a grateful nation. 

From William Slofer:

As usual, I would like to thank God for the opportunities and pathways he has made available and the inspiration that led to the crafting of this work. A thank you to all the service men and women past and present for their commitment and service. To Dr. Korn, Dr. H. Bell, and Charles Marrow for their inspiration resulting in the physics and math principles used in this content. Also, a special thanks to Charlene Jones for her support and technical editing and my daughter Jessica for her continued support, encouragement, and partnership in lifelong learning which helped with this research. 

From LTC Jerry V. Drew USARMY CAC (USA):

I would like to dedicate this work to my son Jerry. He will be 39- the age I am now – in 2048. The future will be different than we can know, but we are trying to make it a good one.

From Trevor Muehlfelder:

This work is dedicated to the support and opportunity provided by Dr. Suzanne Sincavage, Professor Randall K. Nichols, and the many friends and family that encourage me to go farther. It is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the tireless efforts of scholars, researchers, and authors who have contributed to the vast wealth of information found in print encyclopedias, non-fiction books, academic journals, and dictionaries. 

From John Toebes: 

I dedicate my chapter to my wife, Mary Ellen, who tirelessly works with me to coach the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams that our daughter, Margaret, had the amazing foresight to start.  To our other daughter, Ann Marie, I am grateful for keeping me apprised of the latest in medical technology. To all of the students who have come through the FIRST program, we challenge you to use what you have learned to make the world a better place. 

From Dr. Siny Joseph:

I would like to dedicate this book chapter to my parents Colonel A. V. Joseph (retired) and Lisa Joseph, without their sacrifices and dedication, I would never be what I am, my best friend and brother George Aikara, who inspires and amazes me every single day, my mentors on whose giant shoulders I stand, my students who motivate me to give my best, my biggest cheerleading twin daughters Sanya and Tanya Namboodiri who breathe life into me and make it all meaningful, and lastly, my husband Dr. Vinod Namboodiri, who challenges, pushes and enables me to do and be better, and takes greater pride in my achievements than his own!

From: Dr. Saeed Khan:

I would like to dedicate this humble work to my big sister, Dina Sultana, who recently passed away leaving an emptiness in our hearts. She was great at mathematics, winning performance awards at school and also found time to be good at painting. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

From Max Farcot: 

I dedicate my chapter to my fellow Dragon teammates from previous KSU academic projects: Justin Redetzke, Jeff Harris, and Professor Randall K. Nichols. I would also like to give special thanks to the rest of the members of our KSU author’s team. 

From Major Carter Diebold: 

My chapter is dedicated to the Soldiers of Echo Company, who have continuously motivated and inspired me through their relentless commitment to America’s Joint Forces operating far from home. Additionally, this chapter could not have been possible without the love and support of Megan, who stood by me through years of late nights and time away from home. Finally, I would like to thank Professor Randy Nichols, my instructor for the last year and leader of this project. Without his personal motivation, leadership, and guidance, I would never have attempted to tackle such a complex topic, much less attempt to write about it. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team.

From Peter D. Johnson: 

I would like to dedicate my chapter to the Soldiers, Civilians, and Law Enforcement Professionals who are diligently serving and protecting our shores, stepping into the arena to keep us safe at night. To Carter D, for support and guidance on Prof Nichols’ wild ride. To Prof Nichols for providing the confidence, the challenge, and the push outside my comfort zone. And most importantly to my wife Laura and children Jillian, Christopher, and Avery for providing me the confidence and support in my professional and personal endeavors, often sacrificing more than anyone will ever know.