Published: May 15, 2008 01:18 am         

McFarland book- recomeended reading by the Air Force

COMMERCE — The book, Louis Johnson and the Arming of America: The Roosevelt and Truman Years, written by Dr. Keith D. McFarland, president of Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Dr. David L. Roll has been selected as one of 10 books as recommended reading material for the United States Air Force.

Making this recommendation is General T. Michael Moseley, Air Force Chief of Staff. General Moseley is a four-star general and the highest ranking officer in the Air Force as well as member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He recommended the book as part of his reading list to highlight military heritage and called it an informative biography.

"Developing airmen remains one of my key priorities," Gen. Moseley wrote. "To that end, I've carefully selected each book on my 2008 reading list."

The book focuses on the contributions of former Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson who, during World War II and the early years of the Cold War, developed a framework for long-term industrial mobilization.

Gen. Moseley said that he makes reading an essential part of his day as Chief of Staff and considers professional reading "an imperative for every airman."

"Victory - whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes - will be determined in large part by the expertise of our airmen," he wrote. "Lifelong education is a crucial part of being a professional warrior and professional reading enhances our warrior ethos."