All we knew about Dad’s total mental breakdown during WWII was “there was some explosion.” In researching my new memoir Royal Roots: Reimagining a Life through Humor, a Castle, and the US Navy,  I discovered what that horrific explosion was and why it affected Dad in the way it did.

So I wanted to visit the Navy base in Norfolk for the book. They were not doing visits from the public at that time. Who could help?

Sal and Annette Dominguez to the rescue. Sal is a former Navy man and Annette and I are friends and also colleagues on several projects. Sal made a call and put me in touch with Kelly Wirfel, the base public affairs officer. Kelly not only welcomed me to the base but helped me see where all of the tragedy occurred. Kelly is also a big supporter of Royal Roots.

The photo is of Annette reading the part of the book for the first time where I explain the connection they helped me make.

This information about the explosion was not only an essential part of the story, it explains everything.