Review: Touching the Face of God, A Fighter Pilot’s Story, by Travis Vanderpool

Touching the Face of God, A Fighter Pilot’s Story, by Travis Vanderpool, tells the story of a decorated combat Vietnam pilot who, after his tour, returned stateside to briefly serve as a flight instructor, who then resigned his commission to attend law school. He illustrates the influences of his family and faith and shares how he grew up in Texas and the cultural influences that impacted his life, which led to his military service. The book is enriched by photos from his life and includes additional explanations for the images. Travis reflected on his lived experiences so that in reading the book, it is as if you were sitting with him and having a conversation about life, why he became a pilot, why he stopped flying and pursued a law degree, and meeting his wife and their life together. This book provides a window into Baby Boomer cultural influences and gives a personal glimpse into the life of someone who desired to serve in the military through the years leading up to and during the Vietnam War; moreover, the healing journey and reflections on modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan that came later in his life. There are some moments when his reflections may be dissonant with the readers without military or combat experience.