It's a long and proud history, the history of the Corps, and I've tried to do my part to preserve it.

I remember being out in the field with my company in Vietnam when Nov. 10 rolled around. After we had our c-rations, we had Australian steaks to celebrate the birthday of the Corps. How they got that beef in to the jungle, I'll never know.

For me, this is the dream job. Meaningful work for an institution I care about. What more could you ask?

History has shown that political and religious freedoms go hand in hand with economic prosperity, ... The pace and scope of Vietnam's future success depends on a strong commitment to reform in both of these areas.

I taught English and history, so my education for that really helped prepare me for writing historical fiction.

I learn about history and religion and politics. It keeps me tuned in. If I hear something on the news, I'm like, 'Oh my God, this is what somebody is talking about in the play that I'm about to do in two hours.' The act itself - of rehearsing, failing, and still persisting and trying to create - keeps me curious, keeps me searching.