Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors, Vol. 13 Reading and RoundTable Discussion
Although I highly recommend watching the entire roundtable discussion, my reading of an essay published in this journal, where I miraculously discover and meet the man responsible for saving my grandfather’s life on a WWI battlefield, begins at 29:50 (click on Watch on YouTube).
Homegrown Author’s Event
Our day at the Carnegie Center’s Homegrown Author Table at the Lexington Farmer Market was nothing short of extraordinary. By noon, only a single paperback remained unsold. The true highlight, however, was the privilege of connecting with a variety of fascinating individuals, each drawn in by the compelling story behind my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. A sample of snapshots from the day captures these memorable encounters: a courageous Vietnam War veteran who survived severe shrapnel wounds and a lengthy recovery; a dedicated current soldier; and a proud…
Odysseys to Find Peace
Brenda and I finally managed to see The Odyssey before it left theaters. The film immediately reminded me of my own investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. Some have pointed out the striking parallels between my search for my father and the legendary journeys of Odysseus and his son, Telemachus—each an odyssey driven by the need for answers and peace. This connection inspired me to reflect on the wise words of our Episcopal priest at the time, Father Dana Lockhart, whom I quote in my book: “When you think…
9th Street Neighborhood DC Event
Some of the most extraordinary author events I have experienced, thanks to my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, have been orchestrated by cherished friends. Maureen Buell, a collaborator on several NIC Cooperative Awards for which I served as principal investigator, has been a tireless champion of my book and has arranged a memorable author gathering at Anne Seymour’s elegant home. Anne, whose distinguished career was devoted to the Vietnam Veterans Association—an organization I know well and whose members I deeply respect—graciously welcomed us. The vibrant community in this…
One of USAID’s Best
Ollie Davidson, a legendary figure in the annals of USAID, had already traversed the far corners of the globe by age 20, journeying by jeep and bus through Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, the Nile, Sudan, and East Africa. His adventures rivaled those of any explorer, each destination shaping his lifelong commitment to service. In 1966, Ollie joined the ranks of USAID and soon found himself stationed in Hau Nghia, arriving only months after my father’s untimely death there—a tragedy still shrouded in CIA secrecy. Years later, after discovering and reading my…
Reknown Whistleblower Advocates
One of the most gratifying aspects of being invited to the National Whistleblower Day banquet on Capitol Hill was meeting not only supporters of my investigative memoir but also many dedicated advocates for whistleblowers. Among them were Jane Turner, the FBI whistleblower and founder of Whistleblower Network News; Stephen Kohn and David Colapinto, senior partners at Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto—an internationally renowned firm representing whistleblowers—and co-founders of the National Whistleblowing Center. (Stephen and I exchanged signed copies of our books, and David wrote a glowing testimonial for mine.) I also had the pleasure of meeting Lesley Pacey, a Senior Encironmental…
NWD Event
One purpose of the National Whistleblower Day banquet in the Russell Senate Building on Capitol Hill was to allow each of the more than 50 whistleblowers being honored to briefly share their remarkable stories. Here is what I said:
Sequel to Because? Perhaps!
I’m genuinely elated by this glowing five-star Amazon review of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. To have my story likened to Man of La Mancha—portraying my quest as an impossible dream—feels both humbling and inspiring. The reader’s eagerness for a sequel fills me with gratitude and renewed purpose. Should the twists and turns of my current lawsuit with the CIA permit it, I can envision a follow-up that dives even deeper: new chapters, previously untold stories, and scenes left on the cutting-room floor from my 2025 publication.…
DC Trip to Celebrate National Whistleblower Day
So many wonderful things happened this past week in DC as a result of my award-winning investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew.” There’s so much to share, it will take several posts to cover all of the amazing things that happened. Our days and nights were filled with celebratory events, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones, and I haven’t had a chance to share these moments. Brenda and I are currently on our way back home to Lexington, where home and farm responsibilities await us. I’ll start…
Featured Author at Buckeye Book Fair
I am truly excited about our upcoming journey in our RV to Wooster on November 7, 2026, for the 39th Annual Buckeye Book Fair at the Greystone Event Center. As an invited author, my book, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” along with an exhibit, will be featured at the event. I’ll also have the privilege of participating in interviews and special engagements throughout the day. As a featured author, there is no fee—a wonderful bonus! Most meaningful of all, the fair takes place in my father’s home state, where Brenda…
Whistleblowing Fact 1264:
Whistleblower Major Jack J. Wells, whose mysterious death on September 27, 1965, in an Air America aircraft over Vietnam remains classified by the CIA, would have celebrated his 100th birthday today, were it not for the shadowy forces that shaped his tragic fate. His youngest son’s powerful investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” vividly exposes the secrets and sacrifices behind this enduring enigma.
Father’s Day Message
Father, your remarkable ability to defy fate, your boundless love for truth, justice, “the least of us among us,” and your unwavering faith, has led me to believe, now, more than ever, that, had you not crossed paths with the tragic fate that awaited you on that September 27, 1965 Air America flight, the event that led to your death being shrouded in secrecy by the CIA, you would have returned to us, living out a long, joyful life with our mother and your children. Your spirit, undaunted by injustice, remains committed to setting things right. As Dan Sullivan, author…
One Year Anniversary of Launch of “Because”
One year ago today, my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” made its debut at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY. The launch was an unforgettable, jubilant celebration that brought together family, friends, and close to a hundred supporters—all gathered to honor the culmination of my 33-year odyssey: decades of archival and field research across two countries and ten years dedicated to writing. The memoir’s premise, championing truth, justice, and compassion for “the least of us, among us” (Matthew 25), continues to inspire Brenda and me as we journey across…
“Because” Earns NIEA Award
My investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” achieved another milestone this past week, garnering its 11th literary accolade. The book was named a finalist in the Military Nonfiction category of the National Indie Excellence Awards, a respected honor within the self-publishing and independent press community. This latest recognition further affirms the memoir’s impact and its resonance with readers and critics alike.
Event at Kenton County Library
I thoroughly enjoyed presenting my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Library last night. The library is beautiful and features an excellent space for author events. I am especially grateful to Mary Burkey, the Program Coordinator, for her support. As always, the highlight of the evening was engaging with the insightful questions and comments from attendees.
Radio Talk Show about “Because”
Dr. Jeremy Kuzmarov, who holds a Ph.D. in American history from Brandeis University and serves as the managing editor of Covert Action Magazine, and investigative journalist Gloria Guillo recently interviewed me about my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” on the radio talk show Uncontrolled Opposition, 99.5 FM in New York, with executive producer Jayme “CheeseSlice.” Much of our conversation centered on the CIA’s ongoing reluctance to disclose information about my father’s still-classified death and my recent FOIA lawsuit against the agency. The episode is an engaging listen and…
“Because” Review in Covert Action Magazine
Dr. Jeremy Kuzmarov, who holds a Ph.D. in American history from Brandeis University, author of several books, and serves as the managing editor of Covert Action Magazine, reviewed my award-winning investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” and wrote an article about it. I was impressed by how Dr. Kuzmarov enriched the review with additional research, citations, and photos of the C-45 aircraft, as well as Vietnam-era historical figures such as John Paul Vann, Byron Engle, Jerry Rose, and others.
Justice Remains Elusive this Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, I pause to honor and remember all the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our Constitution and the freedoms we cherish as Americans. Their sacrifices are etched into the heart of our nation, and their courage is the foundation upon which our country stands. I also reflect on those whose stories remain hidden—service members whose deaths are still shrouded in secrecy by our own government. For their families, the pain of loss is compounded by unanswered questions and the burden of silence. How can a nation built on truth and justice continue…
“Because” Wins 1st Place in Military & Front Lines Service to Others Non-Fiction Category
Earlier this year, I learned that my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, was shortlisted and ultimately became a finalist for the highly respected Chanticleer International Book Awards in the Military & Front Lines Service to Others Non-Fiction Category. Last night, I received the news that Because won first place. Of the ten awards the book has received so far, I am most proud of this one, and I like to think my father is as well, since the award’s central focus is on works that focus on service…
Warrior Turned Humanitarian
St. John’s Episcopal Church in College Park, GA—the church where I was raised, where my father’s funeral services were held, and where Brenda and I were married—recently sent me a booklet describing all the stained glass windows in the church, including one donated by our family and paid for with memorial funds after my father’s still CIA classified death in Vietnam in 1965. The booklet explains how stained glass windows served as a “Bible in Color,” telling the sacred stories of our faith in an age when few people could read. At St. John’s, these windows create a vivid visual…
Event at Rockport Fulton/Corpus Christi KOA
Brenda and I stumbled upon a hidden gem as a venue for one of my author events. The Rockport Fulton/Corpus Christi KOA RV Park, with its welcoming spirit and scenic surroundings, proved to be the perfect setting. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Marie, the energetic and creative Activities Director, who went above and beyond to promote and prepare for the gathering. Brenda and I provided a selection of beer, wine, cheeses, and other refreshments for the evening. The clubhouse soon filled with the lively buzz of more than two dozen enthusiastic guests, each eager to connect and share…
Event at Rockport Fulton Book Festival in Texas
The Rockport Fulton Book Festival overlooking Arkansas Bay in Texas has been one of the most rewarding and well-organized book festivals Brenda and I have attended. The festival began with an onstage interview about my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. Later that afternoon, I joined a nonfiction panel with three other authors. On the first day of this two-day festival, I broke my personal record for book sales. The event drew a large crowd both days, and the organizers’ promotion and support were outstanding. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks…
Event in Lockhart, Texas
What a truly remarkable author event my cousin, Joni Foster, orchestrated at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library—the oldest library in Texas—located in charming Lockhart. The event space was both elegant and inviting, the library staff exceptionally gracious and helpful, and the audience engaged deeply with my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father he Never Knew.” The insightful questions that followed my talk and the enthusiastic reception, including engaging conversations, book signings, and heartfelt exchanges, made the experience truly unforgettable. Afterward, we capped off the memorable evening by celebrating with Joni and dear…
Still Classified After 60 Years
It has been deeply moving to see how many people have connected with our fight to uncover the still-classified truth behind our father’s 1965 death in Vietnam — a man who died a whistleblower. My siblings and I are grateful to have Bradley P. Moss fighting alongside us in our lawsuit against the CIA. Moss is a partner at Mark S. Zaid, P.C., a premier Washington, D.C.-based law firm with a 30-year track record of taking on the U.S. government, specializing in national security law, federal employment, security clearance litigation, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A prominent legal…
Family
This morning I feel blessed for many reasons, but none more so than the bond between siblings — the kind that holds firm when life grows difficult and the road ahead feels uncertain. There is something unbreakable about brothers and sisters who choose to stay, who show up for each other through the hardest seasons, and who carry the weight together so no one has to bear it alone. “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” David Ogden Stiers https://www.transylvaniatimes.com/news/wells-family-files-lawsuit-against-the-cia/article_8171611f-e3e2-4669-9b5e-44e4750e0ebd.html
Author & Son Sues the CIA
Our mother never got the answers she deserved. Widowed at 38 when our father was killed in a CIA Air America plane crash in Vietnam in 1965, she was left with nothing but his letters to piece together what had really happened. The unanswered questions haunted her for the rest of her life — she struggled with depression, and in her final years, dementia. She died never knowing the truth. Now in our 70s, we refuse to let that truth stay buried. We have spent decades asking the same questions our mother could never answer, and we are determined to…
First place Cover Contest!
I am deeply grateful to everyone who voted for my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Cover-Up and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, for Best Book Cover — and we won first place! A special thank-you to my wife, Brenda, whose initial design set the vision, and to Michelle Bradford Art, the cover designer for my publisher, Milspeak Foundation, for bringing it to life.
Conference of Writers
I had a wonderful time at the 2026 Bluegrass Writers Coalition Conference! This was our largest gathering yet, and I thoroughly enjoyed serving on the conference committee, speaking on a nonfiction research and writing panel, promoting and signing my award-winning investigative memoir, Because, and connecting with fellow writers.
Persuasive Prose
I have a passion for researching and writing what is called persuasive prose — writing that weaves together logical arguments, emotional appeals, and evidence to move readers toward a specific viewpoint or action. Attending the last BGWS open mic of the semester was a highlight, where I read my latest persuasive prose, reconnected with old friends, and met new ones.
Event at Books by the Bay in Pensacola, FL
Of all the book festivals we’ve attended while promoting my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Cover-Up and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, the Books by the Bay festival in Pensacola stands at the top of the list. From the stunning scenery of being right on the water, to the choice of indoor or outdoor venues, affordable booth pricing, strong promotion of authors’ books via social media, an abundance of volunteers, and complimentary lunches, snacks, and water — not to mention impressive foot traffic — this is a festival no author should miss. We sold…
Event at the Carnegie Center
A heartfelt thank-you to the Carnegie Center — especially Jennifer, Carol, Logan, and Z — for their generous support in hosting my event with Vietnam War veteran Peter Berres. Together, we explored the lasting wounds of multigenerational trauma and the story behind my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Cover-Up and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew.
Lives Cut Short & Stolen
Of the 58,281 names inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, 33,103 were just 18 years old — barely adults, their lives cut short before they had truly begun. I am honored to join Vietnam War veteran Peter Berres for a timely conversation in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The event takes place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Carnegie Center — the very place where I began writing my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. Together, Peter and I will explore the profound multigenerational…
Event with Military History Group
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking before the Military History group at the Scott County Library, which meets bimonthly. Having grown up as an avid reader of military history, I knew this was the perfect audience for my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. I was delighted when Jan Schiffer and Thomas Crowl from my writing group, The Bluegrass Writers Coalition, made a surprise appearance. As always, the best part of these author events is the rich conversations that unfold after the presentation.
“Burn the Mic” Event
Last night’s Burn the Mic event at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning was a wonderful evening of poetry. Kevin Nance was the featured author, sharing work from his latest collection, Smoke, published by Accents Publishing. His poems were compelling throughout, but the ones that stayed with me most were those drawn from his relationship with his father and his childhood. I also had the chance to read some of my latest “protest poetry” — a form I’ve grown deeply invested in, both for the research it demands and the way it lets me channel my thoughts and feelings…
To the Remarkable Person We Met On a Florida Beach
Brenda and I are deeply grateful to the remarkable person we were fortunate to meet on a Florida beach, who prefers to remain anonymous. The bond we formed through our shared experiences of losing our fathers at a young age—and navigating the challenges and triumphs that followed—was both profound and inspiring. Your generosity in acquiring ten signed copies of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, to share with those dearest to you, means more than words can convey. That you asked me to inscribe each copy with a…
Event at Anderson County Street Fair
Yesterday, the Anderson County High School Indoor Street Fair turned out to be an unexpectedly rewarding experience. I signed and sold an entire box of books, but even more meaningful were the conversations I had with several fascinating people who felt compelled to have a copy of my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, either for themselves or a loved one. One young man, passionate about military history and hoping to one day receive a West Point appointment, visited my table multiple times before finally bringing his mother…
Invitation to National Whistleblower Appreciation Day on Capitol Hill
Yesterday, I received an official invitation to be honored, alongside my father, for our whistleblowing—an experience I chronicle in my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. The ceremony will be held during National Whistleblowing Appreciation Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on July 30th. I am deeply honored by this recognition and look forward to the celebration, especially with Brenda by my side.
The Elegant, Versatile, & Elusive “Twin Beech”
I finally saw the type of plane that carried my father to his death—a plane the CIA still refuses to declassify and release the crash investigation report for. Hoping to see it at the USAF Museum in Dayton, OH a few years ago, I learned it had been loaned to the Aviation Museum in Warner Robins, GA. Yesterday, on our way home from the Amelia Island Book Festival, Brenda and I stopped to see it. The following quote from my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, captures my…
Event at Amelia Island Book Festival
Brenda and I recently completed another exciting phase of our 2026 book tour with a highly successful author event at the Amelia Island Book Festival, where we sold an entire box of books. As with previous events, the most rewarding aspect was connecting with readers and hearing their personal stories about what drew them to my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. We even sold several copies while relaxing at the beach, simply by engaging in conversation with fellow beachgoers.
Event at Georgia VFW Conference
Yesterday, Brenda and I attended the Georgia VFW Mid-Winter Conference at the Macon Marriott City Center. We sold several books, but the true highlight of my author events at VFW gatherings is always connecting with the veterans and, occasionally, their widows who serve in the VFW Auxiliary. One gentleman, LTC (US Army Retired) Jim Droskinis, also an author, served in Vietnam alongside his father, a WWII veteran. He wrote a book about his father titled “Undefeated, Untied, Unscored Upon,” which tells the story of the high school football team his father coached to a perfect 1957 season—no opposing team scored…
James Bradley, 5-Time best-selling author, contacted me about Because
Talk about serendipity! James Bradley, a five-time New York Times best-selling author, whose books grace my office, contacted me via email. We are now reading each other’s latest work and corresponding. His latest novel, Precious Freedom—like my investigative memoir Because—through decades of research, aims to reveal the truth about US involvement in Vietnam, expose the lies, highlight the resilience of the Vietnamese people, and explore the theme of forgiveness. In an email to me on Thursday, he wrote: “His name is James and his father was Jack. My name is James and my father was also Jack. I wrote a…
Event at Anderson County Library
We want to thank the Anderson County Public Library for hosting our second 2026 author event. What Brenda and I enjoy most about these events is talking with attendees and learning what prompted them to come hear me discuss my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. Every story we hear touches us deeply.
2026 Book Tour Starts Today
40 people have already registered—momentum is building! Beat the weekend snow—join us for great food, compelling conversation, and a story that will stay with you. Join us this Thursday, January 22, at 6:00 pm for the kick-off event of our 2026 book tour celebrating the award-winning investigative memoir “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew.” A gripping tale of wartime whistleblower heroism, spy intrigue, moral courage, miracles, and love—all woven into one unforgettable journey. Where: Potluck and Learn @ The Library, Clark County Public Library, Winchester, KY. As space is limited, please…
Kickoff to 2026 Book Tour
“…and I don’t give a dam if I am quieted!” — Jack J. Wells, Senior Public Safety Division Advisor, South Vietnam, August 18, 1965, six weeks before his death in a CIA Air America plane crash, still classified by the CIA. We kick off our 2026 book tour for my award-winning investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” at the Potluck and Learn @ The Library program at the Clark County Public Library in Winchester, KY, on January 22 at 6:00 pm. As space is limited, please register at https://events.getlocalhop.com/learn-the-library-because-a-cia-coverup-and-a-sons-odyssey-to-find-the-father-he-never-knew/event/am29EGse7d/
“Because” #1 in Sales at A Likely Story Bookstore
A Likely Story in Midway is my favorite bookstore! They go above and beyond to support local authors. Ashlee and Annie were instrumental in helping me get my award-winning investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, into the hands of as many readers as possible. I was amazed when they traveled to my father’s hometown, Minford, OH, to sell copies of my book at an author event I held there. How many bookstores are willing to do that? Thank you for making Because your #1 seller in 2025! I hope…
“Because” Shortlisted
I’m thrilled that my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, has moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2025 Military and Front Line Non-Fiction entries to the 2025 Military and Front Line Book Awards SHORT LIST. It is now in competition for the 2025 Military and Front Line Finalists. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17gYc7ybei/
Redaction Deja Vu
The heavily redacted Epstein files released by the DOJ remind me of the similarly redacted files the CIA sent me after I filed FOIA requests for information about my father’s still-classified death. Remarkably, at the Air America Archives at the University of Texas at Dallas, I discovered many of the same files, completely unredacted. These documents, previously held by Air America personnel and donated directly to the archives, bypassed CIA scrutiny and redaction. The unredacted records were instrumental in enabling me to confirm a government lie and a CIA coverup surrounding my father’s death. As in the Epstein files that…
“Because” Ranks #2 in Nonfiction Sales
I’m deeply grateful that my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” was recognized as the #2 best-selling Nonfiction title at Kentucky’s largest literary event, The Kentucky Book Festival. Sincere thanks to Jay McCoy, the KBF team, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and everyone who purchased a copy. To learn more about “Because,” which has garnered seven book awards to date, discover where it’s available, or request a signed copy—a perfect gift—please visit my website: https://jamesbwells.com/
“Because” Ranks #4 at Kentucky’s Largest Literary Event
I’m truly honored that my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” was ranked #4 as one of the 10 best-selling titles at Kentucky’s largest literary event, The Kentucky Book Festival. My heartfelt thanks go to Jay McCoy, the entire KBF team, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and everyone who picked up a copy. If you’d like to learn more about “Because,” which has received seven book awards so far, such as where it is available or if you’re interested in a signed copy that makes a wonderful gift, please visit my website:…
“Because” Awards To Date
Independent Author Awards WINNER – Military Nonfiction International Impact Book Award WINNER Military – Military Memoirs & Biographies NYC Big Book Award DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE – Military Nonfiction Reader Views Literary Awards 5 STAR REVIEW RECOGNITION Best Book Awards by American Book Fest FINALIST History – Military International Book Awards FINALIST History – Military Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards FINALIST – Non-Fiction: Military/War
“Because” Receives 5 Star Review
There are so many wonderful things said in this Reader Views review of my investigative memoir, I plan to highlight my favorite ones, starting with this: “Vietnam radically changed the way American writers approach the war narrative. This is not to say that James B. Wells’ current tome, Because: A CIA Coverup & a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, is a war narrative, really, but it uses one of the country’s most unpopular conflicts to examine issues that reach beyond any standard retelling of a military scandal or incompetence by superior officers. The book instead focuses on…
Event at Estill County Library
Yesterday, Brenda and I had a memorable experience with the veterans group at the Estill County Library. My presentation of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, was especially meaningful for both me and the veterans group, as it focused on it focused on how military veterans, their family members, and others who have been traumatized by war or other events and have unanswerable questions may learn how to seek answers, conquer pain, and achieve peace from my story. A representative from the local VA office attended the presentation with…
Nuremberg
A rough draft of an unfinished chapter of my father’s life that did not make it into my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, is about my father’s duties while in Nuremberg from 1946 to 1952. He was a Provost Sergeant in charge of a special confinement unit with the 793rd MP Battalion that was in charge of security at the Nuremberg war crimes trials. We know from the historical record that he was involved in the confinement of the Nazi war criminals and may have had some involvement…
Event at Spencer County Public Library
Brenda and I had a wonderful time today at the Spencer County Library in Taylorsville. I discussed and signed copies of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Cover-Up and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. We particularly enjoyed the discussion afterward, where we had the opportunity to meet and converse with people whose life experiences often shared something in common with my own story. Adding a PowerPoint to my presentation where audience members can read excerpts of my father’s letters and meet some of the people I interviewed, including eyewitnesses to my father’s death, has already…
Event at Woodford County Public Library
My Veterans Day presentation for my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Cover-up and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, was particularly meaningful last night, as it took place in Versailles—a location featured in the final chapters where several members from St. John’s Episcopal Church were included as characters. I would like to thank Tommy Dennison and the other library staff for their support during the event, A Likely Story Bookstore for providing copies of my book, and some members of St. John’s for attending.
A Soldier’s Prayer
On this Veteran’s Day, I honor the sacrifices made by those in uniform, including the thoughts and prayers they offered to help them come to grips with what they have to do. “I live good enough when I am out then its hell. I take a few jugs of whiskey with me, my prayer book and bible. But you know I’ve never seen a battle or war fought to victory on prayer so I work like hell, drink like hell, and say oh God of God light of light forgive me for my hate but perhaps you will understand part…
“A Right to Go – Come As We Choose and to Breathe Air Without the Smell of Gunpowder”
Most of the 400 letters I discovered after my father’s death in Vietnam were love letters. Because of this, I felt compelled to include a chapter in the draft of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, where I resurrect his words and actions through a couple of these letters. In these letters, he reminisces about his honeymoon with my mother, and writes a beautiful and amazingly elegant quote, that still haunts and blesses me to this day To write this chapter, I conducted extensive research and consulted several…
Fantastic Day at the Kentucky Book Festival
We had a fantastic day at the Kentucky Book Festival yesterday. Sales at my table were terrific, and I thoroughly enjoyed my participation in the panel titled “Uncovering Family,” where all four panelists discussed their nonfiction works to an engaged audience. It was meaningful to be at the same bookstore where I launched my investigative memoir, “Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew,” during the 2025 Father’s Day weekend last June. Since the launch, Brenda and I have spent our summer and fall on a whirlwind Florida-to-Maine Book tour in our RV,…
Event at the Kentucky Book Festival
Whether or not time, shame, ambivalence, prejudice, or the government has intentionally buried secrets about a member of your family, you’ll want to attend this panel on “Uncovering Family” at 11:00 am on the KCTCS stage at the Kentucky Book Festival tomorrow. Three other panelists and I will discuss our books and focus on the unexpected elements and complications we uncover through our research. Before and after the panel I’ll be on the lower level discussing and signing my investigative memoir about my father’s still CIA classified death in Vietnam.
Event at West Virginia Book Festival
West Virginia continued to welcome us this week with lots of great conversation and book sales at the West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston. With West Virginia having one of the highest per-capita rates of veterans, I was hoping my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, would attract a lot of attention…and it did. My mother’s family was from West Virginia, and “cousins” Mary Taylor, Butch, and Leah Green honored her, Brenda, and me by paying us a visit, where we got to catch up and talk about old…
Event at Shawnee State University
Yesterday, we had a great author event at the Kricker Innovation Hub at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH. I was in conversation with Andrew Feight, Professor of American History and the Director of the Center for Public History. The event was attended by several locals, including cousin Mary Jo Pfleger, friend Laura Womack, students, and a character from my book. Dan Sullivan and his wife, Kathy, drove 12 hours from Nebraska to see me at this author event. I was blown away! Dan wrote a book, The Murder of the Real Jack Ryan, a USAID Public Safety Advisor, whom…
WSAZ TV Interview
WSAZ TV Channel 3 in Huntington, WV did an excellent job with their interview of me discussing my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew
Event at Our Heroes Military Museum
Our last event in Maine was at Our Heroes Military Museum in Lincoln. This is an incredible museum, all run by volunteers, most of whom are veterans. The veterans who attended the author event for my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew, asked some great questions and really appreciated my story and book tour. Incredibly, they all bought hardbacks instead of paperbacks. When I asked why, they all said, “It’s because we’re all collectors!” Duh! What would you expect from veterans who collect various memorabilia to put in a…
Podcast with Mission 22
Marcus Farris, an Army Veteran, engineer, and psychological operations officer who serves as the Post-Traumatic Growth Director at Mission 22, a non-profit organization that teaches veterans and families how to recover, reconnect, and rebuild, recently interviewed me for their Resiliency Program, a holistic initiative designed to support veterans, active-duty military, and their families in healing from trauma. Marcus did an excellent job with some unique and interesting questions for this Mission 22 podcast.
Event at Ellsworth Public Library
The Ellsworth Public Library and Union River Book and Toy Company hosted a fantastic author event last night for my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. I want to extend special thanks to Assistant Director Renee McManus and, particularly, to Berit Becker, the Communications and Development Director, for promoting the event and arranging interviews with two local radio stations. I also appreciate Joanna Dotts for spreading the word with her friends and neighbors. We had a great turnout, and Union River Book and Toy Company sold out nearly all…
Event at Collingswood Book Festival
Brenda and I had a fantastic time at the Collingswood Book Festival in New Jersey. This was one of the largest book festivals we have ever attended, featuring over six blocks of streets lined with two rows of 10×10 pop-up tents where authors sold their books. The weather was perfect, sales were great; we sold about a box of books to a diverse range of customers. What struck me most about the day was the number of people who, after hearing my brief pitch and reading a few testimonials on the back of my investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup…
James B. Wells 