BAGHDADDY is a coming of age memoir that honestly and colorfully depicts his journey through a turbulent youth and into a challenging adulthood that’s driven by crisis, unexpected friendship, and military operations across the Persian Gulf.
It examines the rape of Kuwait, provides a first-hand look at what came after, and shines a bright light on the unique challenges of trying to rebuild a foreign country while its people are trying to kill you.
This very human account of living in some of the least humane environments delivers the message that no matter how different we seem, we are all trying to make the best of life and learn how to be the best versions of ourselves.
Baghdaddy is a critical success:
2019 Military Writer’s Society of America – Founder’s Medal For Literary Excellence
2019 Military Writer’s Society of America – Gold Medal – Memoir
2019 American Bookfest – Gold Medal – Best New Nonfiction Book
2020 Independent Book Publishers Association – Ben Franklin Award – Silver Medal – Best New Voice in Nonfiction
2020 National Indie Excellence Award – Silver Medal – Best New Nonfiction
2020 Next Gen Indie Book Award – Silver Medal – Memoir – Overcoming Adversity
“In the air force, it’s often said that ‘every airman has a story.’ Bill Riley’s story is extraordinary: intensely personal, raw, candid, searing, insightful, and inspirational. Flashing from a tough childhood to challenging service in our nation’s defense, Bill’s narrative demands close attention but rewards it with nuggets of great value. Whether he’s talking about living, life, the limits of knowledge, or the drive to overcome obstacles, Riley has painted a compelling picture of what it means to lead—in combat and in fatherhood—and to love. You’ll want to meet him after reading his story.”
—Lt. Gen. Chris Miller (ret.), USAF, Former Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans & Programs
Baghdaddy was reviewed and vetted by nearly every agency in the U. S. Intelligence Community.
ODNI approved BAGHDADDY for public release on March 2018.
Available in hardcopy and eBook.
Bill Riley began his career as an intelligence analyst in the mid-80’s, during the tail-end of the Cold War. He’s specialized in strategy and communications and worked with intelligence and special operations professionals from every service, virtually every intelligence agency, and several friendly foreign governments during surveillance, combat, and combat support operations.
Bill led the Air Force’s largest Network Operations and Security Center. He is a veteran of multiple combat operations in the Middle East, and he was hand-picked to serve as the first U. S. Electronic Warfare Officer for Task Force operations in Iraq. Bill retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, and he was the first Cyberspace Operations officer awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Now Bill writes and follows his interests in space exploration, coffee roasting, global communication, intelligence activities, and ancient ruins.
He is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of BAGHDADDY and has just released Ashur’s Tears, the first book in his upper Middle Grade Cypher series.
Bill lives in Idaho, just outside Boise, with his wife and two sons.
If you’d like to know more click here.
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Background information on early operations in Kuwait and Iraq
This section provides information on Operations Desert Fox and Iraqi Freedom, period images, and other resources that might help augment and frame the events depicted in the memoir BAGHDADDY.
Photos were pooled and shared from multiple photographers from many military units. They are credited where possible.
Operation Desert Fox
MISSION: To strike military and security targets in Iraq that contribute to Iraq’s ability to produce, store, maintain and deliver weapons of mass destruction.
MISSION GOALS: To degrade Saddam Hussein’s ability to make and to use weapons of mass destruction. To diminish Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war against his neighbors. To demonstrate to Saddam Hussein the consequences of violating international obligations.
PRIMARY MISSION ASSETS: The operation employs U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft flying from the decks of the USS ENTERPRISE; U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft operating from land bases in the region; and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from U.S. Navy ships at sea and United States Air Force B-52s.
DETAILED TIMELINE OF EVENTS: Click here.
SOURCE: Defense.gov archives.
