1,500 stand at attention to salute Franks at book event

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 30, 2004 by ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE

He doesn't have to show his Sam's Club card to get in the door.

Being a four-star general has its rewards.

Retired Gen. Tommy Franks was there to talk shop, not to shop.

His mission: Promote his book, "American Soldier."

About 1,500 supporters went to the Woodmen Road store Sunday to see the lanky, poker-faced general who led forces in Afghanistan and Iraq while commander in chief of United States Central Command.

Franks, who retired a year ago, called Colorado Springs "a center of America" because of its military representation.

"It's kind of like coming home for me," Franks said.

He was less the stoic commander and more like everyone's favorite grandfather as he exchanged a warm handshake and friendly chat with each person who stepped up to the signing table.

He thanked veterans for serving and told mothers their children were beautiful.

His 590-page book, which sells for $27.95, is dedicated "To all who serve... and those who love them."

That applied to many people on hand Sunday.

The line of book-toting Franks fans snaked the aisles but didn't hinder shopping traffic. Some used the wait to flip through the book, which traces Franks' humble boyhood in Oklahoma and Texas through decades of military service, including a Vietnam tour where he was wounded three times.

Pictures in the book show him as a happy baby in 1945, an 8-year- old with his mind on a new Daisy BB gun, a teen in a white sports coat with pink carnation -- and as the stalwart leader receiving an order from President Bush to execute Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.

Vietnam veteran John Schumaker said the book is easy to read.

"Great writing, great story. He came across as real. No self- aggrandizement. In fact, he takes a few swipes at himself," Schumaker said.

The Monument resident arrived two hours before the 1 p.m. event to get his copy signed.

"I never stood in line for another man or anybody else," Schumaker said. "He's got it all put together. I congratulated him on his victory and he thanked me for all my service."

Ryan Delashmit, 7, put on a suit and tie to meet Franks.

"I gave him a high-five," the boy said.

His sister, Jessie, 11, was a bit nervous about meeting a big shot.

"I forgot my age," she said.

Nine-year-old Morgan Delashmit summed up the experience as "cool."

The children's father, John, a Peterson Air Force Base officer, gave Franks a 21st Maintenance Group coin.

Linda Bouleige, visiting from Mississippi, bought nine copies of "American Soldier" to give as Christmas presents. Halfway into the two-hour signing session, she was still a long way from the front. She said it was worth the wait.

"For him to come to Sam's in Colorado Springs shows what kind of man he is," she said.

"It's history, and to have a historical figure right here that we can touch is so wonderful."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or abrown@gazette.com