The Force of Destiny: The Life and Times of Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel

On the eve of World War II, a promising young high school musician has his dreams and aspirations for a life in music suddenly interrupted by the call to war. With a fateful and circuitous path leading Arnald D. Gabriel to participate as a machine gunner with the 29th Infantry, on June 6, 1944-D-Day-he finds himself fighting for his country on Omaha Beach. However, from frontline combat and the horrors of war comes the story of a hero who will ultimately realize his dream.

The Force of Destiny chronicles the journey of Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel as he navigates the challenges of war and its aftereffects to eventually rise to the pinnacle of his profession as the commander and conductor of the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC. Conducting in all fifty states and across the globe in fifty countries, Col. Gabriel is known worldwide for his innovative and powerful leadership style and his unique musical genius. Not just a hero in the music profession, his Bronze Stars and other combat awards speak to his heroism in defense of his country and its values.

With a destiny in music and a fate that would shape his personal character and professional future, discover in his powerful story a quest of courage and triumph, magnificence and admiration, and the pursuit of excellence.

Michael A. Gabriel is a retired airline pilot who spent thirty-five years in the industry. He and his wife, Trish, live in Vero Beach, Florida, and this engaging chronicle of his father's military and professional life is his first book.