Dedications

From: Professor Randall K. Nichols

I dedicate this book to three groups: All USA serving and retired military personnel, USA Coast Guard, and federal and state law enforcement for keeping our blessed country safe; to my Angel wife of 37 years, Montine, and children Robin, Kent, Phillip (USA Army), Diana (USA Army), and Michelle who have lived with a Dragon and survived; to the newest family member Kira Nichols (Phillip’s wife); and finally, to all my students (over 50 years ~10,000 Dragons / Dragonesses in the field) who are securing our blessed United States from terrorism and evil. Lastly, to my wonderful, talented writing team, my deepest gratitude. It has been a true Honor.

From: Dr. Suzanne Sincavage

I would like to dedicate this book to: My beloved Joseph D. Duffie for giving me his legacy and intelligence for all things Unmanned. To Randall Nichols for his leadership, mentorship,  and opening the door for all things possible. Words cannot be expressed in one paragraph that addresses my gratitude in believing in me. I’m so grateful to you for this opportunity. To Candice Carter, a true colleague, friend,  researcher and patriot for uncovering all the unknown unknowns to protect our country and her special abilities to put our “outside the sphere” thoughts to paper.  Your support has been invaluable. To Dr. Steve Herrick, “A Coach for Life” who intersected the time and space in my life to make this research possible.

From: Dr. Hans C.  Mumm

I dedicate this work to my students and colleagues and all those innovators; those dreamers that race against time as they create a future that is ever changing and evolving 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

I dedicate this work to my wife and best friend Julie, my sons Ethan, Ari, and Sam as well as my extended family and co-workers and my co-authors from whom I have learned so much. To all those brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving this nation, as well as 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 becomes a more peaceful and harmonious place for all.

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

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

From: Candice Carter:

I dedicate this work to an exceptional leader, mentor, and master of Bushido; Professor Randall Nichols. His commitment to training dragons to be successful in asymmetric warfare and in life is unprecedented. I am honored to be a lifetime dragoness trained by the master of Nito Ichi Ryu Ni To.

From: CPT John-Paul Hood:

I dedicate this work to my loving and supportive wife Katie, my two daughters Evelyn and Gwendelyn as well as my extended family who continue to support me through this journey. Thank you for your love, encouragement, and presence in my life.

From Mark J. Jackson:

I dedicate my chapter to my wife, Deborah, and to 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 – 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 Randall W. Mai:

I dedicate my work to my late mother Dorothy M. Thrasher and my two daughters, Courtney J. Mai, and Katherine M. Mai.  My mother’s never-ending support and care kept me going.  She was my biggest cheerleader.  Without her encouragement my life would have taken a much different trajectory.  My daughters impacted my life and now my heart will forever go walking around outside me.  They are my true mark on this world.  I hope they will always believe in themselves and know they can accomplish whatever they set their minds on.  And lastly, Professor Nichols has become a valued mentor and true friend.  He has helped me to establish balance and pulled from me accomplishments I never thought possible.  Thank you Professor Nichols.

From Bart Shields:

I dedicate this book to my five children, Kyle, Tiffany, Taylor, Terra, and Marysia, as well as my wife, Hanna, and my mother, Pam, for allowing me to pursue my dreams and the sacrifice they all made as a consequence of that.  They are all incredibly important to me and I hope they all know that.  I could not have done any of this without them.  It has been long, difficult, and unfortunately, I am still in transition, but thankfully, it will be coming to a close soon.