The Aurora Navy League Council 247 will hold its Tuesday, May 16 dinner meeting at the private room of the Riverview Diner, IL-25 and Mill Street, Montgomery.
A reception will begin promptly at 5 p.m. followed by a meeting at 5:30 p.m. with dinner afterward. The cost is $25 all-inclusive if an entree is ordered, or $20 for the dinner salad featured that evening. Free entry without food. The meeting will conclude no later than 8 p.m..
The after-dinner speaker will be Mr. Eric Wentz whose topic will be “Knighthood and the U.S. Military from the Little Big Horn to Today,” or, “How the U.S. Military Inspired my career as a Writer With Synchronicity and Serendipity.”
You do not need to be a member of the Navy League, or have a reservation, to attend the in-person meeting. The general public is welcome.
Mr. Wentz’s presentation consists of three distinct parts: The first part revolves around the influence of his family’s military history going all the way back to the French and Indian War, the second to his incorporating of those myths into his own military career, and the third concerns the manifestation of those features into his becoming an award-winning novelist. All of his novels epitomize the concept of knighthood in the contemporary world with the exception of his most recent which is political satire.
Mr. Wentz is the recipient of a variety of writing awards for his novels dealing with terrorism from Clive Cussler’s Adventures Writers Association, Reader’s Favorites, and the Military Writer’s Society of America. Two of his works are being scripted for possible release as film adaptation. Wentz has appeared on radio and television discussing issues related to the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism. His remarks have been broadcast on Radio Free Europe, WGN, and at various public and private venues.
His 27-year career as a United States Navy officer, reserves and active duty, have given him opportunities to present in front of both military and civilian audiences which have resulted in awards for his skilled analysis of military conflicts and subsequent threat analysis. For these endeavors and others he has received teaching awards from both the Departments of Commerce and Defense. Recognition of Wentz’ writing mastery have resulted in articles in distinguished publications such as the Chicago Tribune and USA Today, the latter referencing his Zero Two Hundred Hours as a work that would do for our understanding of the War on Terror what those of Tom Clancy did for our understanding of the Cold War. Additionally, Wentz has published a number of poems under different pen names.
Mr. Wentz’ teaching and writing manifest not only a life time honing of his skills resulting from his military background and subsequent world travels but from his contributions as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Formerly, a finalist for the James Woolsey award for best espionage writing, Wentz has successfully broached the divide among different genres as a result of extensive world travels with academic and military credentials that are still unfolding. The author possesses a B.A. in history and English literature from Cincinnati’s Xavier University, an M.A. from Ohio State University in English literature and Applied Linguistics. He has an M.S. in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice from American Military University. He earned a doctorate in educational administration from Northern Illinois University.
To learn more about the author go to the following: www.jgalt.info and ericwentz.net. On YouTube you can see his short presentation in front of the Military Writer’s Association entitled Eric Wentz Open Mic in which he discussed the subject matter for his forthcoming book entitled Spezz, the true story of one of the most highly decorated Marines of World War II.
All are invited to this event. Only those who order a meal are required to pay for the meal. Others may attend at no-charge.
The Aurora Council is having a membership drive, and will pay half of the first year’s dues for new members. This is an excellent opportunity to attend an interesting event, and determine whether you would like to join permanently.
—Aurora Navy League Council 247