This section lists the various ways that we’re sharing the good news about Captured by Love and its important message of love and resilience.
Captured by Love Introduction
On-Air Recommendation on The Georgia Gang
Wow! What a generous recommendation on TV news program “The Georgia Gang” by radio commentator Martha Zoller about the upcoming new book ‘Captured by Love’. Preorder your copy here.
Associated Press News Release
Associated Press News Release – “New Book “Captured by Love” Shares the Inspiring Romance and Love Stories of Vietnam War POWs”
3 Perspectives to Build Lasting Trust – Jim and Faye Schierman
In this coaching clip, Lee reflects one another story in the upcoming book, Captured by Love. Wes and Faye Schierman faced a life-changing circumstance early in their marriage, but some steps they took built a solid relationship of lasting trust. Watch Lee’s commentary on this special relationship.
San Antonio Media and News (USAA)
Local San Antonio Media related to the Vietnam 50th Anniversary, Lee Ellis, USAA, and the Captured by Love book:
- KSAT.com, “USAA recognizes Vietnam War veterans.”
- KENS.com, “USAA recognizing veterans on 50th anniversary of when last combat troops left Vietnam.” Also published to YouTube.
- KENS.com, “USAA hosts special program for National Vietnam Veterans Day.” Also published to YouTube.
- KABB (FOX 29), “Special ceremony honors 50 years since troops released from Vietnam.”
- WOAI (NBC News 4), “Special ceremony honors 50 years since troops released from Vietnam.”
- San Antonio Express-News: Photographer attended, pending coverage.
Keynote Address at USAA and 50th Anniversary Thoughts
In my visit and keynote address at USAA @usaa this week, they did a spectacular job remembering and celebrating this year’s 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the return of the POWs.
Here are my brief reflections on this special time together and what this anniversary means to me –
News Article (Newsweek)
Radio Interview (WSB Radio Atlanta)
Great to talk briefly with Jonathan Obrien at 95.5 WSB Atlanta about this year’s 50th Anniversary of returning home as a Vietnam POW for more than 5 years. Thank you for raising awareness on this special golden celebration.
Book Review – Kirkus Reviews
“Former prisoner of war Ellis and love expert Godek examine the marriages of 20 POWs from the Vietnam War in this nonfiction work.
“‘Once upon a time…there were 20 airborne warriors who were captured twice—once by force, once by love,’ write the authors. Ellis is one of these warriors, a retired United States Air Force colonel and former Vietnam War POW from 1967 to 1973. The book includes interviews with 20 married couples in which the husbands were prisoners of war, with additional commentary from their children and/or the authors. Each story concludes with a “Love Lessons” list of qualities (such as trust, humor, and optimism) that the couple demonstrate, with a sentence or two about how these traits have
helped to forge successful, long-lasting relationships. Their stories touch on how the wives mobilized for the POWs, pushing back against “keep quiet” policies, as well as the POWs’ own experiences and coping methods. The book also includes informative “Historical Highlights” entries about such POW touchstones as the “Hanoi Hilton” and POW/MIA bracelets.
“This compilation offers engrossing testimony about the “mind-boggling” (as actor Gary Sinise describes in the book’s foreword) levels of pain and sacrifice endured by these POWs. Yet the book is ultimately uplifting, with Ellis noting (and the stories illustrating) that “through that unique experience we learned profound lessons in resilience, camaraderie, and faith.” The book also celebrates the wives’ empowerment, as when referencing a remark from Secretary of State Henry Kissinger about one determined spouse who “caused me so much trouble.” While the “Love Lessons” lists can read
as simplistic and reductive, these stories provide readers with excellent role models embodying endurance and commitment.
“Impressive examples of resilience and an important record of sacrifice, survival, and the redemptive power of love.” – Kirkus Reviews
News Article (Madison Journal Today)
The Return: Madison County POW welcomed home 50 years ago this week
Lee is featured by his hometown newspaper in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of my POW release. Thanks journalist Zach Mitcham for your willingness to share and celebrate my story.
News Article (Newsweek)
Smitty and Louise Harris – A Values Leadership Lesson
In this coaching clip, Lee reflects one of the brand-new stories in the upcoming book, Captured by Love. Smitty and Louise Harris overcame extreme obstacles early in their lives as a couple, and it will inspire you to see your personal and professional challenges in a different light.
1973 Vietnam War POW’s Return – 50th Anniversary (C-Span)
To mark the 50th anniversary of the return of American POW’s from Vietnam in 1973, author Alvin Townley talked about their harrowing experience and the work of the National League of POW-MIA Families to bring them home. The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, hosted this event.
How Companionship Can Excel Your Leadership
In this coaching clip, Lee reflects on the importance of healthy companionship and ways to make it a more effective tool in your leadership toolbox. Those honorable leaders who have employed this idea will agree that their professional work has been enriched and increased in value.
Coaching Article – Listening as a Game-Changer (Leading with Honor Blog)
The art and discipline of listening—what an extraordinary skill for leaders! Honing this skill can strongly contribute to catapulting you to success, because everyone likes to talk and be heard. Read how the Vietnam POWs used this tactic to communicate and connect.
