Title: Presidential Spirit: The True Story of An Airman Who Soared Above His Circumstances and the Woman Who Was the Wind Beneath His Wings
Author: Gina S. Scheff
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1-5320-8671-7
Pages: 168
Genre: Memoir & Biography
Reviewer: Jason Lulos

Read Book Review

“We still have dreams to dream.” – Senior Master Sergeant David William Scheff

This quote illustrates the kind of perspective that most of us strive to have in all aspects of our lives. David Scheff lived a life of gratitude, determination, and positivity. David’s wife, Gina, is the author of this book which is a part-memoir, a part-biography, but could more accurately be described as a tribute to her husband’s life and their life together. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring. And for anyone who endures hardships, their story has a lot of lessons on how to deal with life’s obstacles with grace and humility.

When David and Gina met, they had both gone through divorces. Gina had no thoughts about marrying again, choosing to focus on raising her son and her own career. But after meeting David, they soon saw their lives evolving into a storybook romance and marriage. David served in the Air Force for 24 years. He took pride in his work and strived for perfection. Gina calls this David’s “just suck it up and do it” attitude. When he achieved the role of Flight Chief of Air Force One, he would settle for nothing less than perfection. He served in this capacity under Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. David’s commitment was the same regardless of the political party of the president. This is what dedication to one’s country should be. This is exactly the kind of person you want in such a role because Air Force One needs to be always ready, in perfect working condition, at all times. David’s dedication to his work was only matched by his love for his wife. During this time, they had a wonderful life, including spending time at White House functions such as Fourth of July and White House Christmas festivities. It was an ideal time in their lives.

When David retired from the Air Force, he and Gina moved to Ohio and bought a farm. The idyllic life continued. But David would get a rare form of cancer a few years later. What follows is the story of how a hardworking, still ludicrously in love couple would deal with a roller coaster of ups-and-downs but with faith and hope despite it all. The eagle was the emblem on David’s Air Force One uniform and served as the quintessential symbol in his and Gina’s life together. It symbolizes strength, freedom, and courage. But their story is also one of humility and grace under great stress. Despite the toll David’s illness took on him and Gina as his caregiver, they always strived to be grateful for what they had, while they had it.

The author wrote this as a promise to her late husband. It’s a tribute to their lives with a slew of lessons on how to be selfless and appreciative in the face of profound hardship. It’s an inspiring story of an inspiring life. Readers will find this to be an American fairy tale with the stark realism of death and how life’s obstacles and death itself can remind us to cherish the time that is given to us.