Award-winning actress Taylor-Grace Davis releases first full-length novel, Destined, Book 1 of The Protector Series on September 1st. This is the 41st release by her mentor, Roger D. Grubbs.

Sixteen-year-old award-winning actress, Taylor-Grace Davis is now adding novelist to her outstanding accomplishments by releasing her first full-length book in The Protector Series entitled, Destined.  She envisions the three books in The Protector Series progressing into screenplays which will be followed by movies where she will star in the leading role.  By adding novelist to her list, she is accomplishing her life-long goals of writing, acting, and production in the filmmaking industry.

In Destined, the battle of Good vs Evil reaches epic proportions.  Unknown to most, the power of Dark has sent in the Reavers, evil creatures that are determined to rule the world.  Our only hope is with the Protectors, sent to us by the power of Light.  Yet, we soon learn that the power of darkness is a formidable opponent and not easily defeated, even for those charged with protecting the good.

For eighteen-year-old Taylor Scott, the main character of the novel, the confrontation hits close to home.  After experiencing a recurring dream, that makes no sense to her, the young lady unknowingly follows a master plan, one that has been set in motion long before her birth.  Yet, she falls in love with a mysterious young man that she knows nothing about.  The forbidden romance soon heats up, and the steamy relationship must be controlled.  However, that’s easier said than done for two young people with normal desires.  But, it is critical for Taylor to refrain from acting on those feelings.

To further complicate matters, she learns that those evil beings are cunning and not easily detected.  They too have a plan, and suddenly the mighty battle is on.  Making it even more difficult, Taylor doesn’t want any part of this encounter; and now it’s up to the Protectors to keep her safe while she attempts to avoid her destiny.

Trained by LA professional J. D. Lewis in addition to Bob Luke of Bob Luke Studios and Broadway Dance Studio of New York, author Taylor-Grace Davis (named after Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly) has achieved 32 combined credits in film, television, voiceover, and theater by the age of fourteen.  She has received the 2013 Best Breakout Performance Award at the First Glance Film Festival for the award winning short film The Box.  She most recently co-wrote a powerful film addressing the issue of human trafficking in which she plays the lead role of a young girl with autism.  One of Taylor-Grace’s notable points of interest is her maturity which has allowed her to star in dramatic roles of characters much older than her actual age.

As a humanitarian, Taylor-Grace is the founder of Teddy Bears and Hugs, an organization which provides teddy bears and school supplies for children displaced due to emergencies.  She is one of fifty students across the nation to be selected in 2011 to serve on the Youth Advisory Board for the Frederick Douglas Family Foundation in Atlanta.  The mission of this advisory board is to educate others about modern day slavery and human trafficking.

Along with numerous awards in the film industry, Taylor-Grace has attained distinction in scholastic achievement, citizenship, and the arts.  When she is not working, she enjoys spending time reading, writing, cheerleading, martial arts, and running.  Taylor-Grace currently resides in rural Western North Carolina.

Join us as we celebrate Taylor-Grace’s exciting new achievement of becoming a published author.  Her book, Destined, the first novel to be released in The Protector Series, will be available on September 1^st in digital format and in print.

http://www.BooksByRogerGrubbs.com

http://www.Dr-Andrew-Rogers.com

The Ghost SEAL – Coming Soon!

It is no secret that human trafficking is rampant, not only in other countries, but it is a big problem right here in our own backyard.  Don’t you find that appalling?  I do and this prompted me to search for a way to do something about it.

Thousands of people have read my SEALs Series outlining the workings of the criminal organization of human trafficking.  This series of books was written as fiction in a way to encourage our young people to read about this problem.  While it is true that older people are sometimes the victim of this crime, the majority are young females.  In fact, 85% fall into this category.

Many of the victims are ordinary people that have been abducted to be used, sold and abused.  The correct term is slavery.  We all know what goes on behind closed doors when this happens; so I chose to spare our young people the gory details.  What I hoped to accomplish was to educate our young people by revealing how easy it is to fall victim to this crime.  This material was written in such a way that parents do not have to be concerned about the language or content.  But, at the same time, we need to humanize the heroes that are willing to fight for the release of the victims.

There are more than 30 million people being held against their will, and the worst part is their lifespan consists of only 5 to 7 years under those abusive conditions.  In the SEALs Series I give people hope when the chips are down.  From the beginning with The Twelve SEALs and continuing through book six entitled The Lady SEAL, I have provided the reader a larger than life hero.  The victims of human trafficking have no way out.  They are drugged, abused, and stripped of their dignity.  In the first story of the series, a team of former Navy SEALs come from retirement to help a buddy find her sister.  Chelsea Steele, the first Lady SEAL, has a younger sister who has fallen victim to human trafficking.  Without giving away the story, Navy SEAL Commander Bart Nelson (the Ghost) is called upon to help her, along with four more survivors of their last mission.  Becoming separated after that tragedy, they now feel compelled to come together to help a friend in trouble.

Over the course of time, the reader is able to see how a crime of this magnitude is allowed to flourish right under our nose.  Our young people are disappearing at an alarming rate as human trafficking is now the fastest growing crime in the world at $32 billion!  How can this be?  What is law enforcement doing to combat it?  Well, not nearly enough!  And that is the reason I would like to introduce the scum involved in this atrocious crime to the former SEALs, Bart Nelson and Chelsea Steele.  They have a message for those who are destroying the lives of our young people, along with countless members of their grieving families.  That message is compelling:  “If the Ghost doesn’t get you, the Hammer will!”

In a few weeks I plan to release a book dedicated to this amazing guy:  Navy SEAL Commander Bart Nelson (the Ghost).  Bart is tough.  He is smart.  But above all, he is kindhearted and would die for you.  It is not about numbers with him.  Every single person, no matter how insignificant they may seem to others, is important to Bart.  He has proven that countless times as he is prepared to die if necessary to save the last victim.

Bart’s skills are innumerable.  He is adept as a helicopter pilot.  While stationed near Miramar California, where the navy trains their pilots to be the best of the best – “Top Gun” as we know them, Bart was afforded another skill.  He was fortunate to become highly experienced at flying an F-16 which is used by naval pilots in their special operations units.  Of course his physical conditioning and martial arts training, along with knowledge and experience using an array of weaponry, has prepared him for anything.  These many skills come in handy as you have already learned from reading previous books in the series.

Book 6 of the  SEALs Series – The Lady SEAL – was devoted to “the Hammer” and how Chelsea Steele’s skills entitled her to become the very first Lady SEAL.  Just as she had a beginning, so did “the Ghost.”  Now we are prepared to reveal how he earned the code name he is so famous for.  Make ready as we are about to release The Ghost SEAL!

In closing I would like to say something to the brave men and women in our armed forces.   We owe you everything and above all our respect.  It is because of you that we have our freedom. 

Networking for Success by Novelist Roger Grubbs

This blog is specifically written for my twitter friends, but I am certain anyone can benefit from it.  The things I would like to share with you apply to all facets of our lives.  In order for us to become successful, we must be willing to help others along this amazing journey in the circle of life.  There is a balance of nature; and as we learn from animals of the wild, only the strong will survive.  But taking that one step further we can conclude that a network of beings is more formidable that any single entity.  When the network stands together, even the strongest opponent against them will fall under their power.

It has been my good fortune to meet many wonderful people on twitter.  Since beginning the remarkable journey during the month of November of 2011, meeting incredible people there has brought me much satisfaction.  I like to think that others have gained from my presence as well.  You see, the meaning of life is much more than our selfish desires.  It is seeking the good of others and placing them above ourselves.  When we do that, we find this kindness coming back to us many times over.

Twitter is like that, whether we understand it or not.  This is an excellent place to network with others.  In the beginning, it was very difficult for me to realize how this powerful social media could possibly be useful to anyone.  It only took a few weeks for me to understand how this could, in fact, be an amazing opportunity to network with people all over the world.

The possibilities are unlimited if a person learns how to use twitter properly.  By properly I mean with kindness, as well as showing consideration for others and their needs.  Within these few short months, I have met people of all walks of life.  It’s to my surprise that many have been watching me and my approach to this process.  To be candid with you, I did not fully understand where it would lead when I first began the journey.  Now it is very clear that there is a network of people in my following and those I follow back.  When we have something important to say, others in our network quickly come to our aid and “retweet” the message to thousands of their followers.  Before long our message has been shared with literally hundreds of thousands of people, all through our network.  There are hundreds of millions of people on twitter, all wanting to meet others with common interests, networking if you will.

In the beginning of my experience, it became obvious to me that many of my followers were authors, all attempting to build their presence in the world of self-publishing.  Since I own a publishing company, they were in essence looking for some sort of guidance as to the process of getting their work recognized.  Some even told me they were hoping for some input from me.  I made the promise to share what I could as I unraveled the mystery of self-publishing.  Some of those ideas have already been shared through my tweets.

Many of you may be of the opinion that I have forgotten about this promise, but not so.  We have been researching and testing our ideas before releasing the details to others.  Most of you know by now that I am not one to offer advice that has not been proven.  Thankfully, after much hard work, we have something very valuable to share with you.

There are distinct differences between self-publishers and major publishing houses.  Our number one concern was to find those differences and see if we could mimic their strong points.  Surprisingly there are some major weaknesses in those powerful giants as well, things that self-publishers must avoid in order to be successful.  This ambitious project has produced some astounding findings.  We have taken those discoveries and written a book about them.  We also feel there are some distinct areas where self-publishers, as a whole, fall short of those giants in the business of book publishing.  But there is a way to use these weaknesses to our advantage.

Even big publishing houses will admit that only 5% of their projects earn back the advance paid to the author.  This would entail that the other 95% fail to turn a profit.  Can a self-publisher do a better job with that?  Of course we can, but we must work prudently.  Most emerging authors do not have the funds or the desire to throw money away on a loser.

One thing that we have learned from three decades of publishing newsletters is that every project must be fully tested before committing a large amount of capital to it, especially to something that is destined to fail.  So, why not test your book in the same way?  It can be done.  If there are flaws, then fix them before sinking thousands of dollars in the project that will never be recovered.

Do not be surprised if many well-known authors soon move into the field of self-publishing.  They can use the principles we have laid out for them to make the next release much more rewarding, all while managing the entire process in an orderly manner.  Hopefully, we will be finished with the final analysis of this project within the next few weeks, releasing the book on the subject shortly afterwards.  It will be available in both e-book and print format.

In closing let me say something about my friend Dr. Jimmy Star who goes by the twitter name @DrJimmyStar.  It has been my good fortune to be a guest on his show.  Soon afterwards I began to realize how powerful this syndication really is.  The Jimmy Star Show is being broadcast to 155 countries and is listened to by celebrities everywhere.  Known as the “King of COOL” among his own peers, Jimmy has his act together.  He knows everybody and everybody knows him.  After appearing on his show, my book sales skyrocketed and are still climbing.  Now how COOL is that!  Thanks, Dr. Star, for allowing me to become a part of your far reaching network.  In case you missed the show, here is the link to the entire podcast.  My appearance is about 40 minutes into the show, and don’t forget to hang around for Bubba of Forrest Gump right after me. http://bit.ly/QDaCz6 

 Check this out too: Books by Roger D. Grubbs http://amzn.to/KUhohy

Interview with Navy SEAL, Bart Nelson, conducted by Roger Grubbs, author of The Twelve SEALs.

Roger:  Hello, audience.  I have a treat for you today.  Bart Nelson has agreed to make an appearance to help create public awareness concerning human trafficking.  Welcome, Bart.  We want to thank you for taking the time to make this rare appearance.  We all know how busy you are and have heard of the good you have accomplished in the battle against human trafficking.  (Bart smiles and looks all about before staring directly into Roger’s eyes.  Roger immediately asks the first question.)

Roger:  For the benefit of our audience and to answer the question that I am constantly being asked, how tall are you and how much do you weigh?

Bart:  They really asked you that?  (Bart pauses and smiles before answering.)  I am 6’2” and weight approximately 210 to 220, depending on how much I eat.

Roger:  Is food a problem?  

Bart:  It is not about the cost.  When we are on assignment, food often becomes scarce.  There are no shopping malls in the jungle, and sometimes we are forced to live off the land. 

Roger:  For the record, you are 6’2” and weigh 210+, dark short hair, brown eyes, and a nice tan.  And, ladies, he does have massive biceps.  (Bart blushes, forcing a smile.)  What size are those shoes? 

Bart:  Actually, they are boots.  I wear a size 12.  Do your readers really want to know that?

Roger:  They want to know everything.  You do have some admirers out there. 

Bart:  If it will help put a stop to human trafficking, then I am willing to do anything I can.  So, ask away. 

Roger:  Everyone knows you are a Navy SEAL.  Tells us what it is like training to become the best of the best. 

Bart:  There are a number of Special Forces out there, all good men.  But the SEALs have very high standards as most people know.  Not everyone that tries out makes it.  If you do, it is considered an honor. 

Roger:  When you began training for the SEALs, did you ever consider quitting? 

Bart:  Never!  I know it sounds strange, but that is the one thing that sets us apart from the rest.  A SEAL never quits.  It is referred to as ‘fire in the gut’.  Either you have it or you don’t.  

Roger:  There is so much we could ask about that.  However, for the sake of time, we need to get into the mission you are currently involved with.  I understand it is to take down human trafficking.  What drives you to risk everything for this cause? 

Bart:  It is personal now.  Many of you know Chelsea Steele, a demolition expert.  Her sister, Vanessa, became a victim of human trafficking. 

Roger:  Without revealing the details of the book, we will withhold specific information about that abduction.  Hopefully, she is safe now.  But tell us, how dangerous is this battle? 

Bart:  Human trafficking is a $32 billion business.  With that kind of money at stake, they will kill in a blink of an eye to keep it covered up. 

Roger:  So, it is pretty intense, I take it. 

Bart:  As intense as any battle I have ever been involved in. 

Roger:  We all know about the tragedy that occurred during your last mission in the official capacity of the Navy SEALs.  I believe you were extracting the attorney general from his abductors when it happened.  If I recall, you were working for the president on this mission. 

Bart:  I don’t like talking about it, but yes, we lost half of our men. 

Roger:  That must have been hard to swallow, seeing how things turned out.  But let’s move on to your current mission, human trafficking.  Most people think of this as a problem that the victims bring on themselves.  How do you choose to address that? 

Bart:  That idea is totally off base.  While some of the women involved did in fact make a mistake that landed them in this predicament, most are innocent victims.  They are tricked, coerced, and often threatened in an effort to force them into a life of which there is no escape.  

Roger:  How is that?  Can you enlighten us on the procedures used in human trafficking? 

Bart:  First of all, they are very shrewd.  Seldom do they appear as criminals, thus setting a snare for the victims.  Generally they stalk the victims for days, sometimes weeks.  When the target of their interest is at their most vulnerable state, they make their move, leaving behind no witnesses and no evidence that a crime has been committed.  They do that for a very good reason.  It is a known fact the case will soon be dropped under those conditions. 

Roger:  So, you think many of the missing persons are, in fact, abductions not runaways. 

Bart:  We know they are.  My team has been responsible for freeing victims from all over the globe.  There are thousands, possibly millions, of victims, waiting to be rescued from a life worse than death. 

Roger:  That brings up a good point.  Why doesn’t the United States simply go after them with our military and free those that are being held against their will? 

Bart:  It is a matter of jurisdiction and can complicate things.  We cannot send military operations into those countries.  We are at peace with them. 

Roger:  But isn’t this war?  Aren’t you declaring war on human trafficking? 

Bart:  That is a sensitive issue, and I am bound by an agreement with a top ranking official not to disclose the details. 

Roger:  So you are working undercover, performing your duties for someone high up the ladder.  Is it the president? 

Bart:  You know I can’t answer that.  But it has been made very clear that if we get caught, we are on our own.  

Roger:  That must be difficult to swallow.  Here you are, doing a good service for your country, and you could end up disappearing like the victims.  Nobody would own up to the fact these orders came from the president. 

Bart:  I didn’t say they came from the president, and that is a point that I need to make very clear. 

Roger:  Okay, so we will leave that question alone.  This covert operation could get you and your friends killed.  If something happens to you, nobody will come to your defense.  Why would you do it? 

Bart:  The answer is simple.  The very first victims we rescued convinced us this must be done.  When we looked into the eyes of these young women, it became clear I had no other choice. 

Roger:  What did you find?  Can you describe the victims to us?

Bart:  In the beginning we targeted victims that were between 18 and 30, very attractive females who had simply disappeared.  Nobody was looking for them, and eventually the cases were closed.  Once we located these young women, it was obvious what was going on.  They were despondent, having been drugged and abused.  Their lives had been taken away from them.  Now they were the possession of someone else, modern day slavery if you will. 

Roger:  Slavery still exists around the world?  Most think it ended some 150 years ago. 

Bart:  It is worse now than ever.  Back then slavery was not hidden.  It was out in the open for all to see.  But human trafficking is very much alive and a bigger problem because it operates under the radar.  

Roger:  Why doesn’t law enforcement get involved and shut them down?  

Bart:  As you know, training is everything.  We as Navy SEALs learned to rely on our training.  Law enforcement is not trained to deal with this sort of crime.  When someone disappears, they immediately target the last person known to have seen the victim.  That is what they are trained to do.  By the time that person is cleared of any wrongdoing, the case is already cold. 

Roger:  I’ve seen that happen.  What can we do to change that? 

Bart:  Your appearance on Dottie Laster’s TRAFFICKED is a step in the right direction.  Dottie is actively involved in training law enforcement to deal with this sort of crime.  When someone disappears for no apparent reason, we need to take a broader look at what is happening. 

Roger:  What can we do to prevent this crime?  Isn’t prevention the key to cutting off the supply of victims? 

Bart:  Exactly!  Nothing is foolproof, but here are some suggestions.  Young people need to have a buddy system in place, especially when you are going to be out late at night.  If you do not check in, someone can search for you before it is too late.  Next, do not be tricked into something that sounds too good to be true.  These people have been known to pose as model agencies, companies seeking employees, and any number of factious schemes to pull young people into their organization.  Once they control you, it is too late to get out of the predicament.  Then by using drugs, sleep deprivation, and threats against family members, they control you. 

Roger:  What are other risks you would like to point out to our viewers? 

Bart:  When traveling abroad, do not separate from your group.  Stay together.  Do your homework and avoid countries that are known for this type problem. 

Roger:  Now that you have brought it up, what are some other tricks that traffickers use on victims? 

Bart:  Date rape drugs have been around for decades.  Everyone, especially young people,  need to be careful when at bars, parties, or anywhere that give strangers access to your food or drinks.  Those powerful drugs will render the victim helpless against an attacker.  By the time you wake up, it is often too late. 

Roger:  I have literally hundreds of questions to choose from, but we are out of time.  We want to thank you again, Bart, for taking the time to speak with us.  Before we let you go, there is one I must ask or the young ladies will kill me.  I understand you are single.  Are their any prospects for marriage in the near future?  (Bart smiles and hides a blush.) 

Bart:  Well, I have my eyes set on someone special.  But to answer your question, there are no plans for marriage just yet. 

Roger:  So, there you have it, ladies.  Bart is still available.  And if you play your cards right, you might just catch him.  With his permission, I will field questions and comments on this blog site.  Make sure you leave a way for us to reach you, and I will see that Bart gets the message.  (Roger stands to shake Bart’s hand, noticing him rolling his eyes.)  So, you are concerned about the women lining up at your door?  (Bart smiles, shakes his head, and walks out the door.) 

Closing comments:  If you would like to know more about Bart and his battle against human trafficking, please feel free to leave a comment.  Be sure to check out The Twelve SEALs and the sequel, SEALs II – The Impossible.  Thanks you! 

Participants:  Roger Grubbs, author & Bart Nelson, character in The Twelve SEALs http://amzn.to/yXl5ue & SEALs II – The Impossible http://amzn.to/z92ZeK .

Dottie Laster’s TRAFFICKED on Here Women Radio:  http://bit.ly/zDUkka

Twitter friends are the best ~ In memory of Stacie Dorego

This phenomenal thing we call life is filled with many wonderful people.  I would like to take a moment to journey into the past to name a few individuals I was fortunate enough to meet.  After that, it is certainly appropriate to reveal several recent acquaintances, many of which were met on twitter. 

While I was in college, there were a number of individuals that I had the good fortune of meeting.  Since the list goes on and on, I am forced to pick only a few.  First of all, it was my decision to become a powerlifter which opened many doors for me.  Because of this competitive sport and the things we had in common, I met football legends like Pat Sullivan (Heisman Trophy winner), David Campbell (All-American), Tom Banks (legendary NFL center), David Langner (all I need to say is 17-16 win over Alabama), and Mike Kolen (“Rookie of the Year” at the Miami Dolphins, 8 seasons with Miami when they dominated the league, nicknamed “Captain Crunch”). 

Now that I have provided their names, let me reveal a few details about our association.  For those of you who do not know, powerlifting is a very competitive sport.  It never ceases to amaze me at what a well-disciplined body can accomplish.  That is where I learned concentration, persistence, patience, and positive thinking.  When you step under a bar holding hundreds of pounds of weight, you either succeed or become crushed.  So I learned to make a commitment before taking on the task.  You either do it or not – but never maybe.  That philosophy has stayed with me throughout life. 

On one particular afternoon, my friend David Campbell and I lifted weights in the coliseum at Auburn University.  It was when I offered him a ride back to Sewell Hall that I realized he was not only a legend but a giant of a man.  With the seat pushed back as far as it would go, his knees rested against the dash of my car, a Ford Galaxy.  Later a girl friend of mine sat on my left while David took a seat on my right.  Finally, unable to contain it any longer and after staring at him, she leaned over and said, “That is one more hunk of a man.”  I could not help laughing at the expression on her face.  Friendships come in all sizes. 

Another person I would like to mention in Mike Kolen.  After completing his first year in the NFL as Rookie of the Year, we lifted weights together one afternoon while he was on break.  He paid me a very nice compliment concerning my physical condition.  Imagine how that felt coming from a pro.  I would also like to mention legendary center, Tom Banks, an outstanding pro football player.  He lifted with us as a team in the state championship.  After completing my lifts, I was called upon to judge the competition for the heavier weight classes.  Once the lifts were completed, I – along with two other judges, provided a thumb’s up for a pass or a thumb’s down to signal a failed attempt.  Can you imagine looking up at Tom Banks to make such a call?  Everyone who knows anything about centers realizes those guys are gigantic.  But I survived, and winning the team trophy will remain a highlight of my life.     

A few years later I had the rare opportunity of meeting Hank Williams, Jr. in a private setting.  I did not recognize him at first; but when I did, he chuckled and we struck up a conversation.  Other notable people that I met in my business endeavors are Don Logan, Chairman of Time Warner, and Ken Griggy, Chairman and CEO of Wilson Foods.  All of these people, while very influential, were some of the nicest people you would ever hope to meet.  

On the business side of my journey, I was privileged to be featured in several national magazines which was quite an honor for me.  During my weightlifting career, I was even featured in the same magazine as Arnold Schwarzenegger – he a body builder and me a powerlifter.  My kids got a kick out of reading those articles and ended up making copies to take to school to convince their friends.  I also met several celebrities at the National Competition level including the residing Mr. America (that was before Arnold made it big) and the great power lifter, Terry Todd, holder of world records. 

The list goes on, but I want to get to the reason for this blog.  For years I have resisted joining twitter out of concern that this social media is a very powerful tool.  Would the people be kind or demeaning?  Well, I am happy to say it has been a wonderful experience.  I have found that twitter friends are so kind that it is only appropriate to take a moment to mention a few. 

When I first began this amazing journey, there was a kind person named Mary L Delgado (MaryLDelgado) who followed me.  You know her well as all America fell in love with Mary on “The Bachelor”.  She is a former Tampa Bay Buc’s cheerleader and a very beautiful young woman.  But it was twitter that has provided me with the chance to connect with her on a more personal basis.  I must say that Mary is a wonderful, considerate, caring individual.  She takes the time to tweet me back and is always a pleasure to speak with.  Like me, she is a competitor and has proven herself as we have already seen.  Mary is currently involved in several secret projects and has mentioned that we may see more of her soon.  However, what she would like very much is to be on “Dancing with the Stars”.  So, Mary, what do you think?  Are you up to the challenge?  I sense a smile – all the answer I need.  We hope to see you soon on DWTS.

In conclusion I would like to mention several close friendships that have developed as a result of twitter.  Caleb Pirtle (CalebPirtle) is a well-known author, screenwriter, with movie connections to Kenny Rogers.  Recently Caleb placed me in his “Author’s Showcase”.  (http://bit.ly/zSEQeh) Thanks to my friend, sales for the book he featured – SURVIVAL – are rising.  His showcase is providing me an opportunity to reveal my works to readers.  Thanks, my friend. 

Ann Marie Dwyer (AnnMarieDwyer) did an “Author Interview”  http://bit.ly/saWtay which gave the readers a chance to get to know me on a more personal basis.  

As many of you are aware, I am involved in a project intended to provide public awareness concerning human trafficking.  The Twelve SEALswas used on Dottie Laster’s TRAFFICKED, Here Women Talk Radio Show, for that purpose.  This guest appearance,  http://bit.ly/zDUkka, is archived if you would like to poke a little fun at my accent.

Now I would like to mention a very special person that came into my life on twitter.  Stacie (whatzMineIzYurz) is a true friend that I will be forever grateful to.  She has connected me with some very dear acquaintances:  Dottie Laster TRAFFICKED, Ana Herradon (AnaHerradon), KC Oliver (KC_oliver), Judy (jThomasross), Brian (CharlieNitric), and Mina (minamaya13).  Others special friends I have met on twitter that I would like to mention are Vonda Norwood (VondaNorwood), Raine Thomas (Raine_Thomas), Michelle Hughes (MichelleHughes_), Christine Warner (ChristinesWords), Brian Bohls (BrianBohls), and Ticia Verveer (ticiaverveer).  This by no means is a complete list, and hopefully in time I will be able to mention many more.  I have already run over the allotted space.  So, here is to my friends on twitter that scan the globe:  I am so thankful for all of you. 

There is no doubt about it:  twitter friends are the best.  

In loving memory of Stacie Dorego – a tragic loss of a true friend!

Roger

Donations are now being accepted by Johnston Firefighters Local 1950 – for Stacie Dorego’s children  http://bit.ly/zGFvQW

 

 www.booksbyrogergrubbs.com

www.Dr-Andrew-Rogers.com

A tribute to the true heroes

As we begin the New Year, I would like to take a moment to reflect upon the past.  I am a firm believer that in order to chart the course of our journey into the future, we must take a look at where we have been.  It would be appropriate at this time to thank all my loyal supporters and the 1700+ who have read my blogs. I must admit the response to “The Greatest Gift of All” and “A Christmas Wish” was more than could have been anticipated.  The ripple effect was felt around the nation as kindhearted people put this wish into practice.  It was all over the news, bringing a smile to my family.  There were hosts of mystery people helping others without revealing their identity.  Can you imagine the feelings of the recipient of such a gift?  Better yet, can you imagine the feeling within the individual who offered such an act of kindness without receiving any praise?

With that being said, let’s carry this thought forward and pay tribute to the true heroes in our lives.  The world is filled with kindness and those who are sacrificing everything in order to help others.  Yet, to accomplish that requires more than we realize.  Our police officers protect us from those who would do us harm.  It is because of their sacrifice that we can move about freely, carry on with our wishes, and expect to be safe while doing so.  Can you imagine what it would be like if it weren’t for those dedicated officers of the law? 

I wrote many stories of the Wild West, days of the frontiers, and of the times when our survival was left up to us as individuals.  Thankfully that has changed.  It is not perfect.  There is corruption, bribes, and dishonest judges who pervert the law; but as a whole, most are descent, dedicated keepers of the law.  It is a disgrace to them to learn of bribes being taken by their own to pervert justice.  To those who are truly devoted to keeping the oath they have taken to uphold the law, our deep-seated gratitude goes out to you.

It is only fitting and appropriate to praise the many individuals in our armed forces and to pay tribute to them.  They leave their families and the comfort of their homes to enter harms way in order to protect us.  Many pay the ultimate of sacrifices so we can have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  This great nation stands today as tribute to centuries of men and women who have served their country.  Without their sacrifice, we would most likely find ourselves under the control of a dictatorship or sovereign power, stripping us of the many privileges we enjoy today.

But, alas not all is well.  Unfortunately problems do exist.  They will be waiting for us in the future, just as they have persisted in the past.  One that I would like to touch on is human trafficking.  It is a global crisis and is out of control.  I have written “The Twelve SEALs” and two sequels for the purpose of creating public awareness about this subject.  Education is the key.  The next release is about to hit the bookstores, and you will certainly acquire a new level of appreciation for the SEALs after reading of these heroic efforts by some of our finest.  In these stories the president has become fed up with the tolerance of human trafficking.  Corruption is at the root of the problem, and the love of money is the driving force that is destroying the lives of many of our young women.  You may know of someone that has disappeared, never to be heard from again.  I do!  Is human trafficking behind it?  We are beginning to suspect as much.

In an effort to put a stop to the abductions, trafficking, and abuse of these unfortunate victims, the president has called upon the elite.  Who better than the Navy SEALs is there to protect our young women?  When victims are abducted, leaving behind no evidence to follow, and the police reach a dead end, it suddenly becomes a job for a team of former SEALs.  These guys are dedicated to protecting those who are unable to protect themselves.  Their training has prepared them for the task, and now they issue a warning:  “We got Bin Laden; and if you are involved in human trafficking, we will get you too!”  Young women are disappearing at an alarming rate and need someone to rescue them.  They wait, desperately wanting to be found.  Now there is hope, and soon the victims will be returned to the loving arms of their families.  Here is a tribute to our finest!

Recently I had the good fortune of being a guest on Dottie Laster’s Here Women Talk Radio.  If you would like to listen to my southern accent, click on the link below and choose archives.  My portion is the final twenty minutes of the broadcast.  Those who are concerned about my accent need not worry.  Once the ink touches the paper, the accent melts away.

If you would like to learn more about ways to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking, please consider “The Twelve SEALs” out now, and its sequels soon to be released.

Thank you!

 Roger Grubbs

  

http://bit.ly/zDUkka  Dottie Laster’s TRAFFICKED

 Here Women Talk Radio

     

For more information about The Twelve SEALs, click here:

  http://bit.ly/A94nBK

 

A Christmas Wish

Many of us are about to celebrate the Christmas holidays and after that New Year’s Day.  These festivities have become a tradition among Americans, as well as numerous others around the globe.  This is a special time of year for many of us, as it should be.  Not only is it a time to be thankful for what we have, it is an occasion to think of others. 

We live in a world that is fast-paced, racing by at an alarming rate.  It is easy to get caught up in the frantic activity and lose ourselves in it.  Before long we become distracted by the abundance of things going on at once.  It is exciting – all can agree, but have we lost sight of what is truly important in our lives? 

This Christmas I have made a wish, and I hope you will share in it.  Before I reveal that wish, please bear with me.

There is a secret project that I have become aware of.  I cannot reveal the details because it is a secret.  Someone I know donated hours of their time all in secret. You see, nobody will ever know what this person did for others.  That’s the beauty of it.  Why would someone do that?  After all, they don’t get paid, and the recipients won’t be able to thank her because it was all done in secret.  I have had the pleasure of knowing this person for decades, and that’s just the way she is.

The sad part is this person also has needs and nobody knows it.  She has performed hundreds, possibly thousands of acts of kindness, all to help others.  You won’t hear her complain because that’s the way she is.  Because of her secret efforts, this season there will be children who won’t go to bed hungry at least for a few nights.  There will be food on the table, presents under the tree, and a smile on their faces.

Now this is my wish.  Choose to help someone in need.  You won’t have to look far.  Do it in secret, and enjoy the feeling it gives you – also in secret.  Then gather your loved ones, and place your arms around them.  Tell them how much they mean to you, and watch them smile. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our gift to you – just in time for the holidays  . . .

For a limited time only – A FREE DOWNLOAD of

“The Greatest Gift of All”

Click here:        http://bit.ly/vU6G1g

 

And, I’m honored to be featured on the M3 Coffee Shoppe in the Writer’s Spotlight!  Check it out:   http://bit.ly/saWtay

The Greatest Gift of All

Christmas is a special time of year, reminding us of the importance of friends and family.  With this auspicious occasion comes many wonderful blessings.  I am mindful of something as I gaze upon the meticulously decorated tree.  Resting high above, on the pinnacle of the evergreen, is an angel.  Of course the figure is only a symbol, not an idol that we should worship, but instead a reminder of something that is real.

For those of us who believe, there are indeed angels among us.  They come into our lives, often unaware, bringing joy to the lives they touch.  Without them the world can seem like a cruel and lonely place.  Their miraculous presence has the ability to change our lives.  While there are many truly remarkable people in the world, a few stand out among all the rest.

Whether or not we choose to admit it, we need each other.  Every person, every business, and everything we do while upon this marvelous planet called earth depends upon others.  No one is an island – even though some attempt to live that way.  But who are they hurting?  Life is short and fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow.  What would it be like not to have a single person to share it with?

It is so exciting to watch the children enjoying themselves, especially the younger ones as they put on quite a show for us.  Their faces are all aglow, they have no worries, and they delight in the little thing we call life.  Those are the fond memories we carry with us throughout our time here on earth.  Christmas is a time for family and friends to assemble together to share those precious moments and create new ones.  Have you ever considered how boring and lonely life would be without them? 

We must never take people for granted, especially those we cherish, for in the blink of an eye they can be taken from us.  Don’t wait until it is too late to enjoy the company of a dear friend.  The holidays are quickly approaching, providing an excellent opportunity to share our time with others and give of ourselves.

I have written a book I am sure you will enjoy.  It holds a lifetime of memories for two six-year-old children who discover ‘the greatest gift of all’.  This young boy and girl build a friendship at an early age that follows them wherever they go, even when destiny takes them in opposite directions.  Why not join us as we share in the story of some really good people?  Consider the sacrifices they make to help others.  When you are finished reading, you will surely believe there are angels among us.

The story begins with an orphan named Destiny.  She has met a kind old gentleman who knows the true meaning of life.  Watch as fate brings the two together, creating the backdrop for what is truly the Greatest Gift of All.

www.BooksByRogerGrubbs.com

 “In Search of Paradise“, Adventure Series – Book 1, now available for your reading pleasure – absolutely free!  Click link below.  Enjoy!

“In Search of Paradise”

 

The SEALs and Human Trafficking

What does the Navy SEALs and human trafficking have in common?  Absolutely nothing except being enemies!  That should be enough to put this vile group on notice.  The SEALs have long ago been accepted as the elite.  If there is a tough job to be done, these are the guys to call upon.  Anyone that is familiar with Bin Laden has heard of the SEALs and the heroic mission to rid the world of this terrorist.  These well-trained men are as tough as they come.  When the mission runs into trouble they know how to get it done.  Their motto says it all: A Navy SEAL never gives up.  So what can we say to those involved in human trafficking?  You had better watch out!  There is a team of former SEALs that are coming after you. 

The President of theUnited States is fed up with the disappearance of our young people.  The FBI now has a special division that handles cases involving human trafficking.  However, the task can be overwhelming, and that is the reason a team of former SEALs has been called upon. 

It is frightening to learn how powerful the organization of human trafficking has become.  Each year there are as many as 800,000 missing person’s reports filed and of those, some 150,000 are actual abductions.  In the end only 1,100 to 1,200 bodies are found.  These remaining missing persons are never heard from again.

Why did I become involved in writing about human trafficking?  It is because the problem seems to be getting worse.  I can personally recall a young woman disappearing on her way to the office.  She was employed at the corporate level of the company that I worked for.  It did not take long for news to reach everyone concerning her disappearance.  Can you imagine that?  One morning your loved one leaves for work, never to be heard from again.  It just so happens this occurred in Oklahoma, City.  Now three decades later a team of former SEALs is coming out of retirement to fight against this vile group of human trafficking.  According to news reports, they are operating in the state of Oklahoma.  It is ironic, isn’t it?  However I wrote The Twelve SEALs before any of this was known to me.  While this novel is totally a creative work of fiction, it must be noted that the statistics are based upon well-documented information.  It is my purpose to call to action.

There are young people disappearing all over the world at an alarming rate.  It is time to do something about it.  The Twelve SEALs provides a scenario that could happen to anyone, at any time.  Not everybody that disappears is a victim of human trafficking, but I have reasons to believe a lot of them are.  Just because a person is over eighteen does not relieve us of our responsibility to search for them. 

It is appalling to learn that so many cases of missing persons are never solved.  Maybe here is a solution.  Why not put our best men on the task?  This is a job for none other that the Navy SEALs.

Justice for all?

The whole world has been captivated by the murder trial in Orlando, Florida.  Regardless of who you talk to, there is going to be a difference of opinion.  However, the tragedy of the whole matter is the death of a young child.  Her name is Caylee Marie Anthony.  

This beautiful two-year-old had her whole life ahead of her, yet it only took a moment for it to be snatched away.  What actually happened?  Will we ever know?  Will justice prevail?  All these questions have an answer, but it may never be revealed. 

I become very emotional when the victim is a child.  Maybe it is because I have witnessed such injustice in the world.  While this child can only speak from the grave, there are other victims that are very much alive.  Yet when they beg for help, none is provided. 

For nineteen years the family I wrote about in for the Victims had to endure malicious abuse.  It all began when their parents reported criminal activity within the Postal Service.  Immediately they were being harassed by a host of people.  It would be impossible to reveal all that happened to them in this short message.  Although I have written a total of three books about this tragedy, laying out the whole matter in minute detail.  

I feel compelled, however, to reveal a portion of what they endured.  Maybe it is because this case has opened my eyes.  For whatever reason, I am ready to reveal to the whole world what I know.  Shortly after August 6^th, 1992, the family mentioned in for the Victims reported postal crimes to the police.  That afternoon two postal inspectors show up to take statements.  It soon became obvious that something was amiss.  The very next day their house was broken into.  Nothing was taken, and they were puzzled as to why someone had done it.  Soon the answer was evident.  The entire family became sick.  The cause?  Pesticide poisoning.  Blood tests proved they had been ingesting DDT, enough to kill them.  But no matter how hard they tried, they could not seem to get the police to stop it.  So, they went to the FBI.  After that, it only got worse. 

Over the course of many months, the conditions became unbearable for this family of four.  All the police did was fill out reports while the lives of these children were in jeopardy.  The younger child was only six years old at the time; so, naturally the pesticides had a greater effect upon her small body.  At one point, she could barely walk as she dragged her foot across the floor.  Later she was rushed to the emergency room with severe stomach cramps.  After this incident, the parents became fed up with law enforcement and hired a private investigator.  With his untimely death, they were ready to leave Alabama and move to Florida.  However, the crimes followed them to Orlando.  So, they filed police reports again, but to no avail.  

One might conclude from all of this that there is no justice, but you would be wrong.  I have kept a record of what happened to those involved.  The details are revealed in the second installment of  for the Victims – Avenging Angel.  Yes, there is justice.  While it may not come from a court of law, a policeman, an FBI agent, or a postal inspector, there will be justice for all.  An agonizing death awaits the guilty; and as they lay suffering on their deathbed, what could possibly comfort them.  

In closing, this country is in a predicament, and there is a reason for it.  Those details are covered in the final chapter of  for the Victims – Nation in Crisis.  Is there justice?  If you still have any doubts, why not read the trilogy of  for the Victims.

Roger Grubbs

Author

www.forthevictimsnovel.com

www.BooksByRogerGrubbs.com

www.Dr-Andrew-Rogers.com