Arts Council Presents Author & Citizen Soldier

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The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will feature Platte Moring in its “Artists and Authors” series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the Arts Corner, 135 First Ave.
Moring, the author of “Honor First: A Citizen-Soldier in Afghanistan,” a book about one soldier’s tale of trying to do the right thing of rebuilding a nation and creating a foundation for a just society will read from his book, will answer questions and sign copies. The evening is open to the public.
Tickets are $10 and available at the door or online at aharts.org.
Platte B. Moring III is a retired lieutenant colonel US Army, and a partner in the law firm of White and Williams LLP in Philadelphia. He was chief legal advisor to US Army General in charge of Afghan Reconstruction 2003-2004.
“Honor First” is a story about a Philadelphia trial attorney who is called up for active duty as a National Guardsman for the first time in his life at age 45. It chronicles a journey from the mobilization station at Fort Dix, New Jersey to the Hindu Kush Mountains of Bagram Air field to the diplomatic maneuvering of Afghan reconstruction in Kabul and the development of the rule of law in a culture of impunity.
“Those readers looking for an account of combat activities in Afghanistan will not find it here,” said Moring. “I never fired my weapon nor saw anyone who did. The book tells the story of the creation of the Afghan Constitution and the development of the rule of law in a war-torn society.”
The book recounts the lives and interactions of ordinary citizens making the transition to military life after Sept. 11, 2001 and is a story of family sacrifice and personal duty. It is also about rebuilding a nation, creating a foundation for a just society and demonstrating how individuals can make a difference in this world.
The program is made possible in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.