Tuesday, November 17, 2015

News from Bob

Friends,

I have a brain tumor.

It appears to be a Glioblastoma, the most common but also the most aggressive kind.

I'm still able to talk, including talking on the phone, but the tumor is near the speech center and my ability to speak, to type, and to add and subtract is deteriorating rapidly. Check it out.

I'm in good spirits amidst these gorgeous autumn days with wonderful support from family, friends, and readers.

Well, okay, not every reader. One reader mailed me a package of Preparation H. That's genuinely thoughtful but maybe not the work of an adoring fan.


My first paid publication was in the November 1955 issue of Air Force magazine when I was in high school. I got to be in the Air Force in Korea and to spend 60 years writing about those who fly and fight. A current example is the cover story on the B-24 Liberator in the January 2016 Aviation History magazine.

Hey, I got to invade Panama, fly with the Air Force in Somalia and in Sarajevo, cover Desert Shield, make friends with senior leaders and everyday airmen, fly in a F-15E Strike Eagle (several times) and write. I went with the Air Force to far above the Arctic Circle and to the tropics. I also wrote for the men's adventure magazines, the women's confession magazines, the supermarket tabloids and the History Channel. It just doesn't get better.

If anyone wants to reach my wife Young Soon, she is at ysdorr@cox.net. I was almost finished with my second novel. You can find my first novel here.

I've had numerous lab tests, cat scans, MRIs, and even a tooth pulled, and I may have surgery in December. No one recovers from this. I don't know Elaine but I'm grateful for her sage advice, found here.

I'm in good spirits and having a great time. People are fussing over me. People who never picked up the tab in their lives are taking me to lunch. Thanks to my family, friends, and readers for a great time.

Bob Dorr


43 comments :

  1. I've enjoyed reading your insightful articles over the years Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, love the Bradley family. UK

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  2. Sir, you have been an aviation icon for as long as I can remember. I have valued your books and articles and, have relished in our correspondence. I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

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  3. Sir, you have been an aviation icon for as long as I can remember. I have valued your books and articles and, have relished in our correspondence. I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

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  4. My favorite part of CAM is your column...i have some of your books and outher books you helped write...i wish you the best of luck.

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  5. Bob,

    I count you as a friend and you've help me in many projects. Your works are remarkably done and I hope to one day write as well as you done for so many years. Keep the fight going!

    Alan C. Carey

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  6. Mr. Dorr, I've valued our quick friendship since first meeting at the Manassas Air Show this past May. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Keep fighting!

    Keith R.

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  7. Mr. Dorr, I've valued our quick friendship since first meeting at the Manassas Air Show this past May. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Keep fighting!

    Keith R.

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  10. Bob, you are an aviation extraordinaire, I have so enjoyed your books and wise opinions. I sincerely pray you beat the odds and continue to live a fulfilled life! God Bless, fight hard, you are in our family's thought and prayers!

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  11. Bob, I have used your books as reference for my hobby of plastic scale aviation modelling for many years, as well as to increase my knowledge of military aviation in general. My father owns several of your books, and he was the one who introduced me to your work. My brother is also a frequent reader!

    I am so sorry to hear of your illness, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You have had some amazing experiences, and I hope you get to have many more! Keep on fighting!

    Best wishes,
    Iain Morrison

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  12. I have long enjoyed your writing and a letter you sent me many years back (regarding a store on the belly of a Sageburner F-4) is a cherished keepsake. May God bless you and your family and may your days be filled with love and light.

    With great respect,

    Jerome Dawson

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  13. I have long enjoyed your writing and a letter you sent me many years back (regarding a store on the belly of a Sageburner F-4) is a cherished keepsake. May God bless you and your family and may your days be filled with love and light.

    With great respect,

    Jerome Dawson

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  14. My Dad & I enjoy your books. So sorry to hear about your illness. Keep the faith!

    Darryl Z

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  15. Bob. We don't know each other but I know you son, Robert Porter Dorr very well, and have worked with and enjoyed his friendship for many years. I hope that you fully realize that the man your son, Bob, has become, should be counted among your greatest achievements in this life. Those of us who know and love Bob thank you for your service to country and wish you the best as you face this time in your life.

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  17. I have enjoyed your books since i was in my early teens and now almost 30 years later, still have them all, treasure them immensely and refer to them constantly. your writing and coverage has been second to none. my thoughts are with you and your family. wishing you all the strength in the world.

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  19. God bless you, Mr. Dorr. You had an important part in influencing my love for aviation and the U.S. Military. I have fond memories of reading your books as a child. I wish you the best.

    I still have many of your books

    November

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  20. May the grace of God help you and your family.

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  21. my son in law had a baseball size gioblastoma, with tenicles, in the front of his head. he had a scary prognosis. he woke up from surgey and was back to his old self. shocked heck out of everybody. he was back at work and doing geat in a couple of weeks.

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  22. Mr. Dorr, I've enjoyed reading your articles over the last 20 years I've been in the Air Force, especially in Air Force Magazine. You are wonderful aviation historian. I got to be an exchange student with the Korean Air Force several years ago (and married to a Korean woman), so let me say, " 곧 낫기를 좋겠습니다."

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  23. Bob-I've read your stuff for years and have come to really appreciate your opinions on the beltway's impact on our airmen. Wishing you the very best with this bad situation.

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  24. My friend, we're here as always. Let's set up the next outing! - Kathy

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  25. Very sad news! Don' t give up, my prayers are for you!

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  26. Bob...I was shocked to hear your bad news and I pray you'll have a miracle. I still admire your writing and your hustle.

    kenny, Streetcar 304

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  27. Sorry to hear this, hope the medics can come up with something useful. Your high-spirited reaction is an inspiration - at least for me...

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  28. Both shocked and saddened at your news. Prayers out from my family to yours, Bob.

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  29. I met you years ago at your home when I brought some F-80 slides of my Dad's....you are an inspiration to me and so many others in the aviation & writers community. Hang in there Bob, miracles DO happen....

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  30. Mr. Dorr, I've not met you in person but have enjoyed your articles over the years and have been proud to find and follow the path you blazed as I researched my recent work on the McDonnell Voodoo. A number of your volumes grace my library and will continue to be valuable sources of information, as well as inspiration for a neophyte author like myself. I know that this is both tough news and long odds, but I very much hope that you, your family, and your doctors beat this thing. Our prayers and best wishes are with you, and so will they remain. God bless and keep you, sir.

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  31. To one of the most prolific aviation authors and historians, I send my most sincere wishes and prayers. God bless ...

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  32. Well that sucks. I hope you can beat it! Nonetheless, it is appropriate to acknowledge and thank you for all the work you've done in aviation. It's been a pleasure to read your books. Take care.

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  33. Sorry to learn these bad news, Bob. I've enjoyed many of your books and you were my "1st supporter" when my work appeared in the "EAA Warbirds" magazine.
    Thanks for your past & future help (through your books) and best wishes from your friend from the "other side of the pond" !

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  34. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time. Keep the faith.

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  35. Bob, I am sorry to hear of this eventuality. You and Young Soon will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Having been closely associated with a family whose father experienced a glioblastoma, I am familiar with it. My hope is that you can say along with Job of the Old Testament, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" (Job 19:25).

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  36. Great talking to you this morniing, Bob, and you are remarkable for your attitude and your response. Hope to see you soon. Your contributions are the work of a great writer and historian and everyone apprediartes them! From your old pal, Walt

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  38. Bob, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your writing has kept this crew dog going on some long flights and deployments. God Bless You!

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  39. Bob, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your writing has kept this crew dog going on some long flights and deployments. God Bless You!

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  40. I feel bad that I haven't seen this sooner and commented. I can't offer anything I'm afraid - been ill myself recently - but best wishes and strength for what lies ahead..

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  41. Bob,

    We've never met, but have corresponded via email a number of times. I always appreciated that someone of your stature would promptly reply to the questions of young grad student and former AF captain. I've read your column for as long as I can remember and most of your books. Your career is a fascinating one. Wishing you and your family strength and serenity. Thank you so much everything you've done for our country and for the study of airpower.

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  42. Bob, when you see St. Peter tell him it's his turn to get a ride in the backseat of a Strike Eagle! I've enjoyed reading your books!!! You are missed

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