Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Walk-the-walk and Talk-the-talk, September 4, 2004
As a former Military Training Instructor (MTI/TI) I had the honor and pleasure of previewing Tuffy Tofuri's book 'Tuffy's Heroes'. I enjoyed the manuscript so much as soon as I was notified the book was available, I ordered it. The book chronicles the adventures/misadventures of young civilians going into Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT). Tuffy describes in graphic and profane language the trials and tribulations of basic trainees; the pressures on the TI by peers, supervisors and officers, and family. It is at times funny, outrageous, unbelievable, and very down to earth. As a TI that 'walked-the-walk' I got very immersed in the book as I related to all the incidents described. I remembered things I had forgotten but now were refreshed as I kept reading. This is a must read for all past and present MTI's/TI's; and although present TI's can't do many of the things Tuffy describes, it will give them some insight of the TI mindset at that time. Civilians who have never served in the military, much less in the MTI career field, might cringe at some of the things happening, but will also have compassion with the trainees and TI's as the weeks pass by. Tuffy details vividly the exasperation of the TI trying to meld civilians into a cohesive unit. When the TI gets some time off, he takes the work home or to the bar with him as he has a few beers with his friends. The most poignant portion of the book, in my opinion, is the last chapter as Tuffy is winding down after his flight graduates from BMT and he is contemplating the new flight coming. I can't describe in a few words how I felt, as I read and remembered my exact feelings during this time, when I too contemplated my graduates. I verily empathize with Tuffy during this point in the book, so I leave you with the thought I now can 'talk-the-talk' about this great book!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Tuff Enough - knows his stuff!, May 16, 2008
As a former "street machine" MTI in the 80's and 90's, I can say that Tuffy has taken the legends of Lackland basic training and mixed them with the real "feel" of what it is to be a TI. OK, Tuffy orinigated a lot of the legends of Lackland. Sure, times have changed (a little) but even now, as back then, the task of turning mama's little darlings into military men and women has changed very, very little and the craft of the TI hasn't changed one bit, just some of the tactics. The hassles of headquarters know-it-alls and silly rules hadn't changed a bit either during my time at Lackland. And "Tuffy's Heroes" captures it all, from every haircut, shoe shine, demerit, right doiwn to the loving and affectionate terms real TI's use for one another. Some things never change!
Most USAF enlisted have heard of at least one of the exploits in this volume, but the way all these are woven together is both unique and genuine. You'll laugh, and laugh, and then pass along (lend!) the book to a fellow airman or USAF vet just to share the chuckles and grins. Don't read this after too many beers unless you have a dry pair of pants waiting.
Tuffy is the genuine article, walkin', talkin', strokin', and getting the job done. This is a great read, a fun book, and just a blast for stoking memories. I remembered so many little details I had forgotten! It falls somewhere between the seriousness of "Maggot" by Robert Flanagan and the bawdy humor of "Tender Loving Care" by Joni Moura and Jackie Sutherland (both recommended, by the way!) If you liked either of those two military novels you'll probably enjoy "Tuffy's Heroes" even more.
And, if you're a former MTI, be sure to join the USMTIA at [...] - a great way to reconnect with the world described in "Tuffy's Heroes."
Roger Baker, MSGT, USAFR (Ret)
3703 BMTS, 3705 TSS, 8050 MTS, & 433 TRS
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