Barron M. Broomfield

To Tell the Truth (Introduction)

Hi, my name is Barron and I’m a writer. How do I know I’m a writer? I love to read! As a toddler, I remember my Uncle Carl, who lived with us off and on, would always read something while he was eating breakfast. The Youngstown Vindicator, or the latest novel he was on, comic books and, if nothing else was available, the back of cereal boxes. The local library was a block away, and it was one of the few places we could announce we were going to, and receive a smile and a nod, as we walked out the door.

My library card was my passport and transportation to every destination in the world, and beyond. By the time I entered Jr. High, I had read most of the Classics, studied all the major religions and myths, and learned more about History and Geography, than I would glean from the rest of my pre-college education.

Reading inspired me to choose French as a seventh grader and continue through High School. There were few opportunities to practice the language growing up, and the next time I heard it, Patti LaBelle was singing. If you follow along, you will find that my early intuition proved to be valuable, But I’m getting ahead of myself. Although English was boring and tedious, I exceled in putting my ideas into words and my writing skills were honed by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in History, two months after turning fifty.

My interest in sports, and its reporting, had me considering a career in the field, but the overuse of cliches and lack of editing in the local papers turned me away. So why now? While serving in the USAF during the 70’s, I was involved in an international incident that received worldwide attention. When the military recognized PTSD as a credible determination for receiving VA assistance, I filed a claim, and it was denied. The reason for the denial was the lack of any military records of the event ever taking place.

During my research for evidence to support my disability claim, I discovered a YouTube video that covered the event, numerous newspapers, and TV news reports. All to no avail. The military insisted the incident never happened. I took all my research and dusted off old memories and started writing a book. The incident occurred in a foreign country and took place nearly 50 years ago. The magic of the internet was very helpful in recreating memories, some good, most not so good. The fifteen years it took to complete a manuscript taught me a lot about the writing process, and a whole lot about me, and how I got here. Should I have taken the other fork in the road, should I have done what I wanted, instead of what others told me?

Over the next however long it takes, or until my loving sister kicks me off, or until I become too famous to just give all this away. You will be hearing snippets of my past life, the places I’ve been, the people who helped me and those who hindered or took from me. The names will not be changed, for the innocent or guilty. One of the benefits of growing older is outliving your accusers, thus giving you the last word. Ok quickly, ten reasons for you to continue to follow along.

1) I was one of the first recipients of the Equal Opportunity Scholarships that were part of the Civil Rights movement of the 60’s. (It didn’t work).

2) One of the first crossroads I stumbled upon was to enlist in the service or go to work for the DeBartolo family. (Google it).

3) I spent 3 months in a Turkish jail, details to follow. (YouTube).

4) I owe the government a million dollars. (Go Fund Me?).

5) If you have watched the movie “Oh God”, I used to work for the guy whose hands are shown in the opening credits. Our secretary was Joe Louis’ daughter. (Yes, that Joe Louis).

6) I have flown in multiple aircraft including the F16 fighter jet and Black Hawk helicopter.

7) I have successfully passed a polygraph on multiple occasions, without the use of tacks. (The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth).

8) One of my four wives has a famous daughter in the movie industry. (Sorry you’ll have to wait for the sequel to the first book).

9) My first mission trip was to Piedras Negras, spending three days with Nicky Cruz. (I know, I know, Google it.)

10) This is not the complete list, but I can’t decide and I’m on a tight deadline, (right Sis?).

To be continued……….