Andrew Zakrzewski grew up as a post-WWII refugee from Poland, then as an immigrant to Argentina and again to the United States. Arriving in New York City at the age of 15, he strove to integrate into the new language and culture. It suddenly dawned on him that he should be a military man, like his father. At the same time, he nurtured a love of aviation through his model airplane hobby. Andrew found ways to kick-start his military career and became an Officer of U.S. Marines and a Naval Aviator. He flew in the Viet Nam war, earning credentials as "a minor hero," but the realities of military politics and budget cutbacks put an unexpected end to Andrew's plan to be a career officer. But Andrew's adventures were just beginning: For the next few years he struggled to find a niche and a paycheck in civilian flying, where he had to do many extraordinary things - but he eventually succeeded and retired, now living merrily in Lakeland Florida, his home base for the last 35 years.