Richard Hess, born John Patrick Aliano, began life in a typical middle-class household. His parents divorced when he was just a toddler, and after his mom remarried, she gave him her new husband’s surname, further distancing him from his paternal roots. Growing up on New York’s mean streets with an abusive stepfather taught Richard grit at a very early age.

This grit followed him into the United States Air Force, which became his surrogate patriarch for the next twenty-eight years. During his service, from the cockpit of high-performance jet aircraft, Richard learned to leave his scars behind. Now, after fifty years of marriage, raising three kids, fighting in nine war zones, and traveling to countless countries, he’s gained a certain perspective on life.

Richard’s years spent as a military pilot, airline captain, and businessman have given him an education in life, love, and faith-an education that begs to be shared.