Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty to host book signing
and discussion by former soldier Jan. 13
Book “Dear Diane: Letters from the First Gulf War” shows
emotions of a deployed soldier missing his wife
(SAVANNAH) – As we approach the 20th anniversary of the First
Gulf War, former Savannahian, Stephen R. Bradshaw will discuss his
book, "Dear Diane: Letters from the First Gulf War." Celia Dunn
Sotheby’s International Realty will host the book signing and
lecture Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International
Realty, 17 W. Charlton St.
This book is a timely and fitting reminder of the sacrifices made by
our service members and their families. The book tells the story of a
soldier who missed his wife and the depth of that emotion as well as a
first-hand account of engagement in Operation Desert Shield/Desert
Storm.
As the U.S. is engaged in two significant conflicts in Iraq and
Afghanistan, the nature and scope of those conflicts has not only
taken a tremendous toll on the soldiers but on their spouses and other
loved ones as well. And it is the loved ones who carry the pain of
longing and uncertainty almost without notice, except to those who
carry that pain as well. Nearly 20 years ago America was engaged in
another conflict in the Middle East. And because of the success and
relative popularity of The First Gulf War the suffering endured by the
soldiers and their loved ones is easy to overlook.
In the days before the prevalence of email and texting, Facebook and
Twitter people separated by circumstances actually wrote letters to
each other. During several months deployed in Saudi Arabia and Iraq
1990-1991 Bradshaw produced a volume of handwritten dispatches that
shared his innermost feelings with his wife, Diane.
These letters are at times funny, angry, fearful and deeply personal.
Through them the reader follows the arc and array of emotions
associated with deployment, then the waiting and uncertainty and
finally the clarity in knowing that participation in armed combat was
inevitable.
For anyone who has a loved one in harm’s way or for anyone who
just misses someone that they love, these letters may offer some
measure of comfort through difficult times.
Bradshaw was born on in Charlotte, N.C. into a military family. As a
young child the family lived in various locations in the southeastern
United States. Upon his father’s retirement from the Navy in
1977, the family moved to Savannah, GA. Bradshaw attended his last
year of junior high school, high school and college in Savannah, and
he considers Savannah his hometown.
Bradshaw holds a BA from Armstrong State College (now Armstrong
Atlantic State University) and an MPA from Georgia State University.
Upon graduating from college in 1986 Bradshaw entered military service
as a Second Lieutenant, formally trained as a tank commander. Over a
seven year military career Bradshaw served in various line and staff
positions of increased responsibility including a tour as a leadership
instructor at the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. His various duty
stations included tours in Ft. Knox, KY, Ft. Benning, GA, and
Kitzingen, West Germany. Bradshaw also served in the Middle East
during the first Gulf War. He resigned his commission in 1993 to
pursue opportunities in the private sector.
For more information please visit www.deardianebook.com
Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s
International Realty specializes in residential and commercial
properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South
Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty
is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of
Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in
addition to having one of the region’s top property management
departments. Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is a member of
Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. The owners are natives of
Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real
estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street
on Madison Square in Savannah and and 336 Buck Island Road in
Bluffton, S.C.
For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty
at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the
Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.