History honors the Navaho CodeTalkers who helped the US military win World War II against the Japanese. Unknown to many, at the same time in Alaska, Alaska Natives, men and women, old and young, signed up to serve in the Alaska Territorial Guard or ATG.
This book is based on the true story of Sonny who lived without honor or recognition for his military service in the ATG. It is the story of a boy who became a soldier during his formative years.
Sonny was 12 years old when he became a Guard with his father. He trained to fight for his country with full Army gear. After the war, he was forced to adapt to a life of hard work, racism, and misunderstanding. He draws on his experience to survive.
When Sonny faces the end of his life, in Yupik tradition, he goes home. He reflects on his life and makes peace with his experiences.
Sonny's estranged daughter, Bun, buries her father. She felt empty. Decades later, when the Army moves to discharge the members of the ATG, Bun files paperwork for Sonny. At last, her father is given honor for his life of service.
Autorentext
Growing up on the banks of the Copper River, Aurora Hardy read voraciously. Without electricity or modern conveniences, while homeschooling, Aurora entertained herself by reading. Aurora also wrote, keeping a journal, making a 'newspaper' and recording the beauty of the land in poetry. She was published several times in Howard Rock's Alaska Native newspaper, The Tundra Times.In 1986, Aurora was the first Native woman to graduate from the University of Montana School of Forestry. Her work demanded technical and scientific report writing, but Aurora always dreamed of writing her own stories. In 2007, she published Terror at Black Rapids, about a terrorist attack on the Alaska Pipeline. As she worked, raised children and became a grandparent, Aurora wrote stories and poems. In 2025, The Ghost of the Kenai was published by Epicenter Press. Aurora continues to enjoy writing, fishing for salmon and walking near her home in South Central Alaska. Aurora is dedicated to inspire reading to young Alaskans.