Gary W Toyn

My first journalistic experience happened at 17 when I stumbled wide-eyed into the locker room of the Utah Jazz to interview NBA great Pete Maravich. Although I was accosted for entering an area prohibited to journalists, my ignorance impressed the aging athlete and he gave me an exclusive interview. Since that initial journalistic experience, writing has been an ongoing passion.

As a young man I spent several years spanning the globe to entertain troops with the USO as a singer and comedian. I've been fortunate to have traveled to over 50 countries throughout the world. I have been launched off aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf, and survived a helicopter crash in the jungles of Honduras.

I've also been a producer of video documentaries and corporate videos. Throughout my event-filled life, I've met and interviewed heads of state, key government figures and political dissidents around the world.

I am the author of "The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima," and was fortunate to have contributions from both Bob Dole and Orrin Hatch. I am also editor of many other books related to World War II.

Throughout my life I have held such titles as author, journalist, professional entertainer, video producer, college instructor, deejay, and mental health worker. I currently divide my time between being a parent of four children (ages 16-25), writing and volunteering.