Herman, Richard W.: - Commander Richard W. Herman, winner of the 2021 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Awards GOLD Medal, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While attending the University of Minnesota in 1965, he received his draft notice and chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served 10 years as an enlisted sailor and then received his commission through the Limited Duty Officer Program, retiring in 1997 at the rank of commander. He is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with one star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two stars. During his career spanning over 30 years, he was a communication specialist and at retirement was the senior submarine communications officer in the Navy. Commander Herman now resides in Fernandina Beach, Florida, with his wife Kathy their Olde English Bulldog, Sissy and two Boston Terriers, Roxy and Stella. Visit the author at www.rwherman.com.