Ancient Loyalties

During the height of the 2003 Iraqi war, Captain John Russo, a Marine helicopter pilot, risks his life to save the crew of a downed helicopter. He is severely wounded and receives the Silver Star and the Purple Heart award. Subsequently his injury causes him to be discharged from the United States Marine Corps. Unknown at this time, but PTSD will play a big part in his life for several years...Upon returning home to New York City, his mother, who had been ill, dies. His heartbroken...
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During the height of the 2003 Iraqi war, Captain John Russo, a Marine helicopter pilot, risks his life to save the crew of a downed helicopter. He is severely wounded and receives the Silver Star and the Purple Heart award. Subsequently his injury causes him to be discharged from the United States Marine Corps. Unknown at this time, but PTSD will play a big part in his life for several years...Upon returning home to New York City, his mother, who had been ill, dies. His heartbroken father Luca decides to return to the land of his birth: Sicily. John, temporarily puts aside his employment, and marriage to Lisa Pappas, and accompanies his father to the seaside town of Licata, Sicily. John's original intention was to remain only two weeks. But the events that followed ties John to this ancient land for several years.Here in Sicily John finds Justina Merati, the pharmacist daughter of the local Mafia capo. A marriage takes place and a clash occurs between John and his father in law. John is set up by the father in law to smuggle counterfeit money into the USA. John is arrested and sentenced to three years in a US medium security prison. During this time, Justina gives birth to John Luca Rizzo. A series of events take place that cause much misery and heartbreak for John Rizzo. Upon returning to Licata, he becomes vengeful and seeks retribution for the sins that were committed against him and his family. He seeks out the Mafia members involved and a series of violent events occur. The success he achieves is unmatched in bringing down several notorious heroin traffickers and contract killers.This action-packed novel will keep you on the edge of your seat reading it. Through the action and misery, a true love story evolves.PTSD is addressed through the daily life and event of Captain John Rizzo.