Over the past several years, we’ve received many comments about the dramatic cover created and designed by my daughter Nicole.  However, on some printed versions of the book, it can be a bit difficult to decipher exactly what you’re seeing on the cover.

So, just in case you’re wondering just what is the story behind Delta 7's book cover… it’s a helmet with a jungle scene and an airplane superimposed on the helmet’s visor.

The first version of the cover had a stock photo of a pilot in an airplane.  We decided to update the photo with a bit more detail.  Some of the stock photos we considered were a bit expensive, given our limited budget.  To save money, I stood in front of a mirror and took a shot of myself wearing my USAF helmet for the first time in decades.

After 20 years in my closet, that helmet was in pretty bad shape—the outflow valve in the mask was stuck, so I had to hold my breath while taking the picture!

Finally, the final version of the cover used by Outskirts Press has what appears to be scratches.  In fact, you're looking at the bayonet plugs used to connect the oxygen mask to the helmet! 

(Click on photo to see a larger version)