Joel Lee Russell

Bio: Born 1948 in Columbus, Ohio, the eleventh child of twelve. I was nearly crushed by milk truck at age 5. I was brought up in the Catholic Church, served as Altar boy and considered priesthood at the age of 13. I was brutally beaten and raped in Dayton at the age of 10. Joined a gang at age 14 until moving to Seattle. Self taught musician, following my Dad's example.

I Joined the Marines in 1967, was sent to Vietnam and spent two Christmas's in country. I was awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Achievement Medal for Valor and wounds received in combat. I spent all of 1968 in battle, highlighted by the Tet Offensive. It was, on the battlefield and only the third week in country when we were dropped off from a Helicopter into a hot LZ. We started out with 250 men and in four hours had dwindled to a mere 79 men.

Depressed, and uncertain, I realized after counting the numbers that my chance of going home alive was nearly impossible. I finally cried out to God and said, "If you get me out of here alive I live my live for you forever.

After tour in Vietnam, went to work, and school for management and a telling writing course. I knew my experiences were justified to be put in print. I worked at shipyards then on to the Telephone Company as installer repairman.

During the age of the Rock festivals I met and married my wife Sunne in 1972. Together we acquired 15 houses and a 5 unit apartment house within only three years. In 1979 I finally gave my life to God after a head banging car crash. The deal I made with God came back fresh to my mind. Trying to make good, the deal in Vietnam has led me on the most exciting journey of my life. My eyes and ears were finally open to the Truth.

I moved to Missouri to start a commune with older brother Michael. There I found a group of believers in a little one room church, from all different denominations who believed the Word of God. I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. I learned the Word, and began to play guitar and later on became Choir Director. I later return to Seattle after a 3 day fast in the woods. While in Missouri I become schooled in Alarm Systems. Back in Seattle I created and built several alarm companies, which are still in business. I started a Monitoring service for alarms. I completed an autobiography, the Book of Joel- Book II in 1998. I wrote my novel "Angels under Fire", which will be for sale in the spring of 2009. In March,2010 Escaping Death's Sting (A Combat Marine's Life Story) was released. as of Febuary 10,2011 there are 39 great book reviews on Amazon.com Both are available on Kindle