Pilot Describes 8 Near-Death Jet Fighter Experiences in New Memoir

The following was submitted by the City of Mission Viejo:

Retired Marine Colonel Gregory Raths will discuss his new memoir "Nine Lives of a Fighter Pilot" in Mission Viejo on Tuesday, October 1.

Raths, who lives in Mission Viejo, will appear in the popular Writers Present program at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.

"Nine Lives of a Fighter Pilot" is Raths’ story of growing up in a large family in Phoenix and going off to flight school in 1975 after graduating from college. He became a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps flying the RF-4B Phantom II and F/A-18 Hornet. He deployed on the USS Midway and the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Raths is a 30-year Marine Corps veteran who fought in Desert Storm. The book's title is the result of his eight near-death incidents in jet fighters.

“Nine Lives of a Fighter Pilot" covers his personal life, military flying career and time spent working at the White House as assistant chief of staff to the White House military officer.

Profits from his book will go to the Semper Fi Fund www.semperfifund.org to support wounded Marines.

To make a reservation for this free program, call 949-830-7100 ext. 5105.