Her daddy went away to fight for our country. And he came home changed.

We’ve known the McClary family since the 1980s and can tell you that the patch over Clebe’s eye is legendary. While he could be mistaken for a pirate on the outside, the courageous spirit within marks a godly hero. Courage is something that works its way from the inside out, and Tara has captured the endearing love of her dad who served our country with great honor and her mom who exemplifies the meaning of Proverbs 31:28. Is Your Dad a Pirate? will warm the hearts of children and parents from the inside out.

— Franklin and Jane Graham

The need to support our wounded warriors is clear. We must never forget our military defenders or lose sight of the fact that America’s heroes come home to raise our future leaders. Is Your Dad a Pirate? opens a window of insight into the family life of one Marine warrior, Lt. Clebe McClary, that can remind every reader just what a gift it is to be an American.

— Gary Sinise
Founder, Gary Sinise Foundation
Actor portraying “Lieutenant Dan” in the movie, Forrest Gump

When our warriors return home to the “new normal,” many have both visible and invisible wounds. It’s the reality of the military “job” that each must accept in his own way the lingering challenge of coping and protecting the innocence of their children as they, too, must face dramatic changes. Tara Reeves has walked in the shoes of our military children. Thus, she shares a bond with those youth of all eras whose soldier-parent has been altered by war. Is Your Dad a Pirate? is a simple yet dramatically educational way to help the children of our wounded cope with and understand the sacri-fices their parents – military and caregivers alike make. The USO of NC intends to in-corporate the messages of Is Your Dad a Pirate? into our evolving resiliency and transi-tion assistance programs.

— Lt. Col. John Falkenbury
U. S. Army Retired, President, USO of North Carolina

My first introduction to the McClary family came when I was sharing an audio tape with my two sons. In it Clebe McClary detailed his wartime experience and the injuries incurred during his service in Viet Nam. His story made a huge impression on me and my boys. Later, I had the opportunity to meet Clebe when he gave his testimony. Now my wife and I attend the same church as Tara and her family. … In Is Your Dad a Pirate? Tara has detailed the lives of her parents — both heroes in her life, and she shares a great message for America. This book highlights her dad’s heroic sacrifice in defending our country and her mom’s continued dedication to him over the years. It’s a testimony to the many wounded veterans and their families who have all made great sacrifices so that we can enjoy a safe and happy life in America.

— Joe Gibbs
Owner, Joe Gibbs Racing

I know this ‘pirate’ and his loving, committed wife; I know this child. With a message based on what happens when one family member experiences the tragedy of trauma, this is a simple story about what true wholeness in a person and family are all about. This is about unconditional and sacrificial love, both received and given to others. Tara and her parents model this love, challenging others to love unconditionally. Therein lies all our Hope for mankind.

— J.W. Wilson
Col USMC Ret.

An inspiring read that will touch the hearts of parents and children alike, while reminding us all that freedom has never been free!

— Robert E. Guth
Former Chairman, President & CEO, The Reader's Digest Association

When our warriors return home to the “new normal,” many have both visible and invisible wounds. It’s the reality of the military “job” that each must accept in his own way the lingering challenge of coping and protecting the innocence of their children as they, too, must face dramatic changes. Tara Reeves has walked in the shoes of our military children. Thus, she shares a bond with those youth of all eras whose soldier-parent has been altered by war. Is Your Dad a Pirate? is a simple yet dramatically educational way to help the children of our wounded cope with and understand the sacrifices their parents – military and caregivers alike make. The USO of NC intends to incorporate the messages of Is Your Dad a Pirate? into our evolving resiliency and transition assistance programs.

— Lt. Col. John Falkenbury
U. S. Army Retired, President, USO of North Carolina