Destined to Fly – The Story of Ron Strauss retraces the extraordinary life of an ordinary boy from Iowa as he leaves home and sets out for a life of unknown adventures. Often choosing an unconventional route, this book explains how Ron achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. What began as a desire to be involved in aviation, quickly turned into a 12-year military career in the United States Air Force. As flight engineer, he flew 3,400 hours during the Vietnam War, departing California with supplies and returning with fallen soldiers. As a pilot, he was instrumental in peacefully resolving a hijacking conflict involving General Somoza in Nicaragua in 1974. One of the political prisoners who Ron flew to Cuba during that ordeal, is now the president of Nicaragua.

With Elvis Presley as his boss, Ron co-piloted one of the most famous airplanes in existence, the Lisa Marie. Ron Strauss certainly cannot be reduced to the nearly two years he flew Elvis Presley. His story is more vast than that short period from 1975-1977. However, the book does capture Elvis Presley as a boss and a leader within a very unique organization.

Elvis fans will walk away with new information about the Lisa Marie and what it was like to be called up in the middle of the night for an unscheduled destination at the request of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Hoedel examines the eight decades of Ron’s journey thus far. As she explores the roots of his character and the motivating factors behind his successful aviation career, she delivers a portrait of Americana. Aviation enthusiasts will also be inspired as they connect with this timeless story of hard work, perseverance, dreams, love, life, family…and flying.