Dedications
From the Entire KSU Author Team on the loss of Dr Robert McCreight:
On Sunday, Oct 6, 2024, our author team lost Dr. Robert McCreight, our co-author, our valued colleague, and our dear friend. Robert was a most valuable asset and helped us all to stay on the edge of the spear on national security and space issues. He was a constant mentor and teacher. The success of our textbook series is in good part due to his extensive experience. We will miss him. Pray for his wife Eileen and family. So, Say We All.
From Senior Professor of Practice Randall K. Nichols:
I dedicate this book to All USA serving and retired military personnel, USA Coast Guard, and federal, state, and local law enforcement for keeping our blessed country safe; to my Angel wife of 40 years, Montine, and children Robin and husband Ron, Kent, Kendra (USA Navy), Phillip (USA Army), Diana (USA Army), Ashley (USAF), and Michelle who have lived with a Dragon and survived; to our newest family members Kira Nichols; grandson Greyson Kent Nichols (two-year-old & future USA Army); grandchildren Kara, Ryan, Brandon, Madison, and finally, to all my students (over 53 years ~14,000 Dragons / Dragonesses in the field) who are securing our United States from global terrorism and evil.
I stand solidly with the Nation of Israel and the Jewish population who have suffered so horribly by Palestinian terrorists (Hamas), child-kidnappers, rapists, and murderers on Oct 7, 2023, and the following days. I apologize for the antisemitism chanted by the useful idiots and political pimples in our country who have no clue what their despicable words mean, or the pain caused. God will judge them in the end, and theirs will be a special ring in Hell.
In addition, in 2017, 17 sailors died because of two separate collisions involving US Navy warships in the South China Sea, the USS Fitzgerald and the USS John S. McCain. In my professional opinion, the US Navy’s official response was insufficient regarding the real causes. Since 2017, I have dedicated my research to giving purpose, closure, truth, and voice to the families of these Honorable sailors. God grant them peace.
Lastly, I offer my deepest gratitude to my wonderful, talented Wildcat writing teams. It has been a real Honor. My chapter on this earth is closing, and I have been truly blessed to work with you all. My cup runneth over.
On Dec 31, 2025, I will close my nearly 60 years of service to my country, my students, my colleagues, and my family. Duty, Country, Honor, Family – those are the values my father taught me at every meal, at every important event, and at every family gathering. I have endeavored to live these virtues and mentor those who might respect or listen to them.
From Jacob Beckman:
This work is dedicated to my wife, Montana. Without her, I would never have the courage to chase a better future for all mankind. And to my mother and father (Debbie & Shannon Beckman), their love and support have brought me to a better place and have allowed me to accomplish things I never could have imagined before.
From Professor Candice M. Carter:
I dedicate this work to an exceptional leader, mentor, model father figure, and master of Bushido, Senior Professor Randall K. Nichols – his lifetime of commitment to our country’s missions is unmatched. His legacy will endure for generations in future dragons. PRN saw our future of unmanned well before anyone, training US SMEs and warfighters to be the best of class globally, to my amazing mentor, patriot, and friend, Dr. Suzanne Sincavage. She is a leader for our country in uncharted areas, protecting our country from bioterrorism. To Treadstone71 for being a guiding light through the dark parts of the web. Finally, to my parents and the Los Libros, I love you immensely, my shining stars.
From Colonel Doug DeMaio:
My chapter is dedicated to Colonel Robert Bamberg, a friend, colleague, and fellow warrior. You left us too soon, and I will watch over your family until we meet again—your friend, Cinco.
From Major Carter Diebold:
My chapter is dedicated to the Soldiers of Echo Company, who have continuously motivated and inspired me through their relentless commitment to America’s Joint Forces operating far from home. Additionally, this chapter could not have been possible without the love and support of Megan, who stood by me through years of late nights and time away from home. Finally, I would like to thank Professor Randy Nichols, my instructor for the last year and leader of this project. Without his personal motivation, leadership, and guidance, I would never have attempted to tackle such a complex topic, much less attempt to write about it. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team.
From Dr. Reza Ghaffari:
To my wife, whose support has been foundational; to my children, who provide daily inspiration; and to my parents, whose sacrifices and guidance have significantly shaped me. This chapter is dedicated to you all. Thank you for your encouragement and belief.
From Wayne D. Lonstein, Esq.:
I dedicate this work to my wife and best friend, Julie, my sons, Ethan, Ari, and Sam, my extended family and co-workers, and my co-authors from whom I have learned so much. To all those brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving this nation and those who have, are, or will serve in our armed forces, police, fire, and other emergency functions, and their families who silently sacrifice. May our work in some way help you perform your duties more effectively and safely, and through your service, may the world become a more peaceful and harmonious place for all.
From Vikas Malhotra:
This work is dedicated to my parents (Vimal Sarup & Saroj Malhotra), my wife Ruchika, and our two beautiful daughters (Navya & Aanya). I could not do what I do without their relentless love and support through different stages of my life.
From Dr. Hans C. Mumm:
I dedicate this work to my students, colleagues, and all those innovators, those dreamers who race against time as they create an ever-changing and evolving future in ways we cannot even imagine today. Your dedication to the field of autonomous systems will bring about positive change to the world landscape and humankind.
From Dr. Rajesh Murthy:
I may be stating the obvious when I say that all things good come because of the support from family and friends. Without them, my technological adventures aimed at making the world a better place would be fruitless. This work is dedicated to my wife and children for keeping me grounded and always being there.
From Major Joseph L. Puntoriero, U.S. Army:
Foremost, I dedicate this chapter to my daughters. You both are the unbound imagination and raw passion that inspire me to wrestle order from chaos. And to my wife, you remind me to dream. To push the limits of possibility and chase the unknown. Lastly, to some of the most influential leaders and mentors in my military career, from my lieutenancy through today, you all left indelible marks and lessons to guide and advise my path. Thank you.
From Dr Keeper Sharkey:
To my husband, Gabriel, whose unwavering support and patience make every challenge more manageable and every success more meaningful. Your dedication to our family, especially in raising our children, allows me to pursue my passions and ambitions. This book is a testament to your encouragement, and I am endlessly grateful for your partnership in both life and parenthood.
