AMERICAN BY CHOICE, Al Fuentes, 2004
Al Fuentes always wanted to write a book about becoming an American. After surviving the horrors of September 11th, 2001, writing took on a new meaning. It became a healing process.
Born in Ecuador, Al moved with his father and two siblings to New York to join his mother and younger sister, so had moved ten months earlier. He grew up and began his professional life as a plumber, but always wanted to be a fire fighter. In 1977, Al got that chance.
He continued moving up the ranks of the F.D.N.Y., finally becoming the Acting Battalion Chief of the department's Marine Division. It was in his office on the East River on September 11th, 2001 where Al began what would become the one of the worst days in American history.
On that day, Captain Fuentes was in charge of the fireboats in Brooklyn. He rushed to the World Trade Center and worked to rescue people when he was crushed by debris in the collapse of the North tower. He was the last person pulled alive from the rubble at Ground Zero and spent several days in an induced coma to reduce the swelling on his brain. American By Choice tells of Al's struggle to survive and his dramatic recovery, as well as his incredible life story. "This book was more of a mission than a monetary value," says Al.
Al credits his wife with helping him recover. "I'm so impressed with women. They are no doubt the stronger sex. My wife stayed by my bedside throughout my recovery. Her strength was just incredible."
Captain Fuentes plans to donate a large percentage of his profits to the widows and children of the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 and the Patriot Group. After retiring from the force due to the injures he sustained that day, Al now does consulting for the Homeland Security Department. He currently lives with his wife and children in New York.
5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 242 pages, hardbound, ISBN: 0-9753168-0-X, BA6769 / $24.95
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