One of Eight

About the Book

One of Eight, begins in 1925, at home, in a fifteen-room mansion in Brooklyn, New York. It is the story of Elliot, one of eight children, brought up by a very determined mother, and a father who devoted himself to my mothers approach to raising the Heit clan. My mother's formula was to find out, at the earliest possible moment, what specific interest each child had, and then to feed that talent with complete dedication. This resulted in an artist, a research chemist, a ballet dancer, a well-known and unique craftsman, an actress, and a violin prodigy (Me).

I continue with my life, through high school football, World War II, becoming a pilot in the Army Air Corps at the age of nineteen, West Point, more football, the Air Force, and great times with great friends. I carry on with my life as a civilian, where all kinds of "happenings" come my way. The well known stories of my adventures flying a small plane hither and yon, to my "whacked out" romantic courtship to pin down my second wife, to selling armored limousines to the Prime Minister of India and highlights from my many years in the international travel business. All this, described in a humorous way, reveal the peculiarity of a guy nicknamed...Stud.

About the Author

Born: January 24, 1925, New York City
1943 – 1946 Army Air Corps – multi engine pilot
1946 – 1950 Bachelor of Science, United States Military Academy
1950 – 1953 Untied States Air Force multi engine pilot. Graduated Air Force Command and Staff School
1953 – 1969 Vice President Sales – Gray Line New York Tours
1969 – 1979 Vice President – Greyhound Corporation, International Sales
1979 – 1981 Executive Vice-President – Allied Tours
1981 – 1995 Director International Marketing – Tauck World Discovery

Served eight years as a member of the planning board for Travel Industry Association of America. Personal consultant for three years to the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for International Tourism to USA. Sent twice around the world by U.S. Department of Commerce and Travel Industry Association of America to compile material for two marketing plans submitted to U.S. Department of Commerce. Served as member of the Board of Trustees, United States Military Academy, 1980-1981. Served as Vice President, West Point Society of New York, 1960-1969.