Ed Novak, Jr. is a native of Scranton, Pa. He earned Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Georgetown University. He was in private practice as a Board Certified Ophthalmologist until his retirement in 1996. During a 35 year Naval Reserve career, he had eight years active duty, serving on board destroyers, diesel submarines and submarine tenders, and Qualified as a Submarine and Diving Medical Officer. He retired with the rank of Captain in 1991. He lives with his wife in Potomac Falls, Va., where this book was written. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington and enjoys world travel as his main hobby.