Author Sally Hoedel has painstakingly researched the subject and offers factual and scientific data-plus never-before-published information she gained by interviewing people who personally knew Elvis-to support her claim that Elvis Presley was never going to live a long life. Aviation enthusiasts will also be inspired as they connect with this timeless story of hard work, perseverance, dreams, love, life, family…and flying.ĭestined to Die Young is the definitive examination of why the world lost Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977, when he was only forty-two years old. As she explores the roots of his character and the motivating factors behind his successful aviation career, she delivers a portrait of Americana. Hoedel examines the eight decades of Ron’s journey thus far. Elvis fans will walk away with new information about the Lisa Marie and what it was like to be called up in the middle of the night for an unscheduled destination at the request of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. However, the book does capture Elvis Presley as a boss and a leader within a very unique organization. His story is more vast than that short period from 1975-1977. Ron Strauss certainly cannot be reduced to the nearly two years he flew Elvis Presley.

With Elvis Presley as his boss, he even co-piloted one of the most famous airplanes in existence, the Lisa Marie. Often choosing an unconventional route, Ron Strauss achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. What began as a desire to be involved in aviation, quickly turned into a 12-year military career in the United States Air Force. Destined to Fly – The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss retraces the extraordinary life of an ordinary boy from Iowa as he leaves home and sets out for a life of unknown adventures.

Elvis the king lives book