Barnes & Noble Book Signing!

We're hoping for a great turnout this Saturday (Oct. 22nd) at the Barnes and Noble in Apple Valley at 1:00 pm to meet Joaquin and Rookie II, and hear Joaquin share stories from "Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night." There will be plenty of books on hand, and Joaquin and Rookie will sign copies for everyone. (Yup, he's got a paw print with Rookie's name!)

I've got a packed weekend planned for Joaquin and Rookie while they're in Minnesota. On Friday morning bright and early (or should I say 'dark and early'?) we're making a stop at Ironworks, a men's ministry group led by Pastor Roger Thompson at Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville. The topic is "justice", which ties in perfectly with Joaquin's 22 years as a police officer.

Friday evening we've been invited to meet with a book club out in Victoria, hosted by Sandy Beaudette. I met all the ladies in this book club back in June when they read Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche. Judy Schultz hosted the group that evening and we were treated to the most delicious gourmet summer dinner and drinks, sitting outside in her screen porch on a perfect June evening.

Maybe the most interesting part of Joaquin's visit will be seeing how Mr Duke and Miss Daisy (our two newly adopted yellow labs!) react to having a great big ol' German shepherd in the house. If you hear a crazy commotion coming from the house this weekend, you'll know why!

Hope to see you at the book signing!
Barbara

South Dakota Festival of Books 2011

More good news to share…I’ve been invited to participate in the South Dakota Festival of Books, October 7-9, 2011 in Deadwood, South Dakota, a 3-day festival celebrating all things literary. This year’s theme is Native America, which is why Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche was selected as one of the books to have on hand.

I'm scheduled for two presentations, Saturday, October 8th, at the Franklin Hotel, Main Street, Deadwood.

Saturday, 10 am: "Seeking Heritage: Where Literature and Identity Intersect", with Minnesota author Colleen Baldrica.

Saturday, 4 pm: "The Hidden Heritage Journey"

All authors are invited to take part in two book signings at the Deadwood Pavillion/Chamber of Commerce:  Friday, October 7, 4-5 pm, and Saturday, October 8, 12:30-2 pm.

Festival link: http://www.sdbookfestival.com/ 

Attending the festival in Deadwood has deeper meaning for me, because that is where the ‘Hidden Heritage Journey’ first began. Here's what I mean...

THE DEADWOOD CIRCLE

The Hidden Heritage journey began with a chance encounter in the tourist town of Deadwood, South Dakota. On a family vacation in the Black Hills in 1999 we happened upon Brulé playing near the sidewalk seating of the Buffalo Stockade bar on Main Street. The music from this small, upcoming band of three was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading Paul’s Artist Bio I was equally captivated by his life story.

All the way back to Minneapolis I heard a voice, You should write a book about this man…

But before I reached home my own doubts drowned out the voice, telling me I had no connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. I wasn’t Native American or adopted, and more importantly I didn’t have any writing credentials. The loudest doubt pushed through time and time again: You’re not a real writer; you’ve never even been published! Yet each time I listed to Paul’s unique music, the voice returned.

Three years passed before I dispelled the doubts and found the courage to respond…and as soon as I did, an amazing journey began. First came an article about Paul, published in a regional magazine, followed by the book in 2006, Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche, including two awards. That summer I joined Paul for book signings at several Brulé events, but none was more moving than at Mount Rushmore National Monument. I stood on the park’s plaza, the majestic monument in the backdrop, beautiful Brulé music playing in the mountain air, signing books alongside Paul. It was a moment I never could have imagined seven years earlier on our first vacation to the Black Hills.

Yes, there have been roadblocks along the way, some bigger than others, but with faith and perseverance we’ve tromped over and around those obstacles, committed to keep this journey on track. In 2009 Hidden Heritage, a documentary-style television series premiered on the RFD-TV cable network, opening a door for Brulé to perform at the RFD-TV Theater in Branson, a show that’s now described as 'a Native American experience in sight, sound, and soul.' On January 1, 2011, Brulé performed atop One Nation, a Native American-themed float in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, sponsored by RFD-TV.

So next week I return to Deadwood to attend the South Dakota Festival of Books as an invited author, 12 years after I first saw Paul playing his soul-stirring music. Chance encounter? Hardly. Every phase of this journey declares it is God’s perfectly designed plan, a journey that is far from complete.

While writing Hidden Heritage, I discovered Paul’s great-great-great grandfather, a Yankton chief named Strikes the Ree (1804-1888), was an important figure in American history. In 1804 Lewis and Clark camped at Calumet Bluff when word came that a baby had just been born. The famed explorers wrapped the infant in a flag and declared that he would someday be a great American citizen. Their prophecy indeed came true. Strikes the Ree became a great leader among his people and played a significant role as a peacemaker during the Great Sioux Uprising. During his life he traveled to Washington DC and received peace medals from three US presidents. Worthy of an epic tale, the great burdens the chief bore during the years of cession and settlement on the Northern Plains have largely been overlooked by historians.

Strikes the Ree
South Dakota State Historical Society Photo

I believe the Hidden Heritage journey has led to this important, historical book. All this and more I could have missed, had I not taken that first step.

Where is your journey taking you?

Barbara

Indian Summer Book Launch

Where do I begin?

The whole Indian Summer experience turned out to be one of those rare moments in life when God aligns the stars just right and we as mere humans stand in amazement at His divine orchestration. The beautiful lakeside Henry Maier Festival Park and absolute perfect weather, combined with the many reflections of Native culture and stirring Brulé music brought a true sense of God’s handiwork as the festival unfolded.

 

I couldn't have asked for more in the way of a book launch. On one side stood Joaquin with his brand new book Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night, and on the other side was Paul LaRoche and his biography Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche. It’s humbling as a writer to think the God of our great universe chose me to write Paul's and Joaquin's stories, which in turn led to this amazing intersection of people, stories, faith, and culture.

Joaquin, Barbara, Paul

Many of North America’s tribal nations were represented throughout the three-day event, from the nearby Ojibwe tribes of Minnesota and Wisconsin to the Aztec people of Indigenous Mexico.

Because of Brulé’s popularity our booth was located inside the main entrance, making us easy to spot. :)

Besides the steady stream of newcomers that we visited with, my niece Lisa, her husband Arlo and daughter Tammy, along with another niece Babette from Wisconsin drove over to say hello. We don’t get to see each too often, so it meant a lot to have them make the trip.

Lisa, "Auntie" Barbara, Babette

Also, daughter Karli’s boyfriend Cameron’s parents, Wes and Sue, drove down from Fond Du Lac to meet us for the first time. It ended up that they enjoyed the festival so much they decided to stay for the Brulé concert.

You'll never guess which stage Brule' played...
..how'd you ever guess-- Miller Stage!!!

 And like the thousands of fans who showed up to see Brulé, they weren’t disappointed. Somewhere between 2,500 and 5,000 showed up for Saturday night’s show alone…and judging by the crowd’s contagious enthusiasm, no one walked away disappointed.

Brule' dancers

Paul LaRoche, founder of Brule'/AIRO

Paul invited Joaquin and Rookie onstage during the concert both nights and shared a little about their experience at Ground Zero. Many people in the audience stopped by our table to say “Thank you” to Joaquin for his service.

  

More highlights from Indian Summer 2011:

One lady couldn’t wait to begin reading Michigan & Rookie: Guardians of the Night and took a seat right behind our vendor tent...

Having fun with the Brulé gang...

Stacey hard at work while Judi and Kim goof off
(jk!) 

Judi promoting the books
(Thanks, Judi!!)

Kathy, Paul, Vlasis

John and Rookie sharing a hot-fudge sundae…

Lakota giving Kim some juicy kisses…

Moonrise over Lake Michigan…

Joaquin's parents, Jim and Lupe, enjoying a nice breeze off the lake…

Meeting lots of new people...

9/11 Honor Parade with veterans, first responders, and Joaquin and Rookie…

One of the most poignant moments of the whole festival happened on Saturday evening. Just like the previous night, many people were drawn to Rookie’s powerful presence and asked to pet him or have their picture taken with him. As a working service dog Joaquin always has to be careful in big crowds, making sure people approach Rookie only one or two at a time.

One woman asked Joaquin to have her picture taken with Rookie. It was apparent she had some physical limitations, yet she knelt down beside Rookie, ready to pose right next to this K9 hero. As her friend held up the camera to snap the picture, she reached up and removed her ball cap, exposing her nearly bald head. At the very same instant Rookie raised his face toward hers, gently “kissing” her cheek in soft, tender licks.

Joaquin later confided that Rookie never does that, but he had somehow sensed the woman’s illness and vulnerability. In an unscripted display of affection, Rookie touched the hearts of us all.

Of course all good things must come to an end and by Sunday evening it was time to close up shop. On behalf of our crew (John, Jim, Lupe, Rookie, and Lakota) a great big THANK YOU! goes out to Paul and Kathy for inviting Joaquin and I to join up with them at Indian Summer.  Without a doubt, the book launch was an experience we'll never forget.

Barbara

Michigan & Rookie - Press Release

K9 Officer’s Remarkable Story of Service to Community and Country:

Contact:
Barbara Marshak                             Joaquin Guerrero
Author/Speaker                               Precinct 131,
952.215.2390                                    President/Founder
Barbara@BarbaraMarshak.com                 989.233.8612
www.BarbaraMarshak.com           tal196@aol.com

Minneapolis, MN, August 22, 2011: As America prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the inspiring story of K9 Officer Joaquin Guerrero and his German shepherd partner Rookie is set to be released in this time of remembrance and reflection. Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night shares Rookie’s unwavering service at Ground Zero, and his impact with hundreds of thousands of school kids across Mid-Michigan. Told in the POV of this K9 hero and his partner, the book shines a light on the life of a working police dog.

It’s been said there is no bond greater than between a K9 handler and his partner. In Saginaw, Michigan—a city plagued with gang violence—Officer Joaquin Guerrero sensed God’s call to work the dangerous night streets with his K9 partner, a ninety-pound German shepherd police dog named Rookie. With Rookie as his mascot, Guerrero created Precinct 131, an educational program to keep kids from turning to gangs.

On 9/11, Guerrero and Rookie responded to Ground Zero to help in the search efforts. For seven long days the pair worked “The Pile” with a never-give-up spirit. Because of Guerrero’s unusual first name, a battalion chief nicknamed him “Michigan” for his home state. Following Rookie’s service at Ground Zero, he was included in two studies that tracked the health of 9/11 search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs. An MRI revealed a large cancerous tumor on Rookie’s jaw, most likely from toxins in the crushed tower debris. Despite everyone’s efforts to save Rookie, he died in 2004 and received an honorary memorial service.

“Rookie’s story is just one of a thousand that could be written about a working police dog in America. My hope is to bring recognition to all K9 handlers and their faithful partners,” says Guerrero.

Guerrero partnered with author Barbara Marshak to tell Rookie’s story. “As I thought about the best way to share the bond between man and dog, the idea came to give Rookie a voice,” says Marshak. “Parts of the story are told from Rookie’s perspective.”

Guerrero’s stirring story of goodheartedness and faith was featured in the episode “Native American Heroes” on Hidden Heritage, a documentary-style television program on the cable network RFD-TV in 2010 and received the show’s highest Nielsen ratings.

Guerrero has made thousands of public appearances with his dogs since the inception of Precinct 131. He continues Rookie’s legacy today with Rookie II, another K9-trained German shepherd, having served his community for 22 years. Guerrero’s desire for 2011 is to adapt Precinct 131, now 13 years strong, into Operation Broken Arrow and bring the same type of anti-substance abuse program into Native American communities and schools.

A sought-after K9 trainer/instructor, Guerrero also founded the Apache Acres Training Facility and Kennel in Hemlock, Michigan, where he teaches obedience and K9 training.

Michigan and Rookie is a cop story, a Ground Zero story, a dog story, and a faith story.

Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night
By Joaquin Guerrero
As told to Barbara Marshak.

Beaver’s Pond Press, Minneapolis, MN

September 1, 2011
ISBN 13: 978-1-59298-420-6
$19.99 USD
Available from Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon, and fine booksellers everywhere.

Michigan and Rookie - Book Launch!

Joaquin and I are pleased to announce the launch of Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night September 9-11, 2011 at Indian Summer Fest in Milwaukee! Held at the beautiful lakefront Henry Maier Festival Park, this 3-day festival is the largest Native American celebration in the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary for Indian Summer Fest, a regular stop on the annual tour schedule for Brulé.

Yes, equally exciting to announce, Brulé will be performing throughout the day at the main entrance! Thanks to an invite from Paul LaRoche and Kathy Summers, Joaquin and I will get to set up shop with the book right next to them. Brulé is also scheduled to perform a full concert both Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 on Miller Stage. As everyone who has already seen Brulé knows, their hauntingly beautiful music and live performances create a contagious excitement wherever they go. Their concerts are described as an experience in “sight, sound, and soul”; a two-hour show that features their unique blend of contemporary Native American sounds and rhythms. Each song is accompanied by beautiful choreography and breathtaking American Indian dancers wearing traditional regalia.



Brule' in concert

American Indian dancers in traditional regalia

Joaquin first saw Brulé in concert back in 2009 when he was going through a difficult period in his life. Their stirring and soulful music bought a sense of healing to Joaquin and after reading Paul’s biography, Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche, Joaquin contacted me about writing his memoir. As it turned out Paul was so moved by Joaquin’s story that he featured Joaquin and Rookie in the episode “Native American Heroes” on his weekly television program Hidden Heritage on RFD-TV. Joaquin’s episode earned among the highest Nielson Ratings for RFD-TV in 2010.

Paul, Joaquin, and Rookie
Taping the episode "Native American Heroes"

I feel honored to have written both Paul’s and Joaquin’s story, a journey that’s allowed me to spend time on the pristine and beautiful Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, and to ride shotgun in Joaquin’s police car on his regular nightshift in Saginaw, Michigan. Writing both stories has enriched my life immensely, and it is my hope and prayer that everyone who reads their books will be enriched as well.

We’d love to have you join us at Indian Summer Fest for three full days of American Indian arts, music, pow wow, and more. For details, go to: www.indiansummer.org

For Brulé’s current tour schedule, go to: www.BruleRecords.com

We’d love to see you at our book launch in Milwaukee, Friday-Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11!

Barbara & Joaquin

Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night

Joaquin and I are at six weeks and counting until Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night hits the store shelves! And guess what…we can hardly wait! We’re trying to stay busy planning events to kick-off the book launch. Joaquin is connecting with “his people” in Michigan and I’ve already contacted a few of “my people” in Minnesota, hoping to capitalize on both areas when the book is released. We’ll get the word out with the details for both locations as soon as the dates and places are finalized.

Meanwhile…to whet your appetite for the book, here are some of the endorsements that have already come in:

“Officer Guerrero and Rookie were one of the hardest working canine teams we’ve had the pleasure of working with, evidenced in the pages of this book. Above all, they helped make this world a better place.”  Terry and Diane Schoenbach, Trainers/Consultants of ATF Special Response K9 Teams, Homeland Security

Terry and Diane Schoenbach

“Joaquin Guerrero used his canine partners for the betterment of all people…from community relations, to routine patrol, to his service at Ground Zero. This book shines a light on a K9 handler dedicated to utilizing his canine partner to the fullest.”  Terry Foley, Master Trainer, K9 Academy Training Facility, President of the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers

Terry Foley

“Joaquin’s desire to serve is so deep that he will go wherever he is most needed…regardless of the danger. Despite the difficulties he has encountered, Joaquin remains a man who is walking tall on life’s journey. This book will lift the spirit of all who read it.”  Paul LaRoche, Native American Cultural Role Model and Keynote Speaker, Award-winning Native American Recording Artist

Paul LaRoche

“Through Precinct 131, Joaquin made it his mission to make a positive impact in the lives of young children. What began as a short K9 demo in school classrooms, blossomed into a multifaceted ministry that reached tens of thousands! In their years of committed service together Joaquin and Rookie provided true, heartfelt definition to the meaning of ‘civil service.’ This inspiring story will empower and captivate readers everywhere!” Mike Goschka, Former Michigan State Senator

Mark your calendars--September 2011--coming to a book store near you:

Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night, a story of goodheartness and faith.

Barbara

Obedience: Lessons From a Dog

While working with Joaquin on his memoir these last six months, he shared how God used his dogs to teach him about obedience. German shepherds are known to have a high degree of intelligence, which explains why Joaquin believes God has used them to teach him many things in life. While working the nightshift, Joaquin often retreated to the serene setting of the Japanese Gardens in the wee hours of the morning. It was there, in the treasured quiet moments between police calls, where God spoke to Joaquin’s heart.

Owners and breeders of German shepherds are familiar with the initials: GSD. One night while Joaquin was parked at the garden with Rookie, God asked him to take a closer look at those initials.

GSD…God Serving Dog.

Spell DOG backwards…GOD.

Shepherd…how many references in scripture tell us that God is our Shepherd and we are His people.

As all dog owners know, dogs demonstrate unconditional love, much the same as God. Joaquin joked that he thought sometimes God brought these thoughts to his mind just to baffle him. The parallels are plain to see. Just like Joaquin’s dog sits, waiting for his master to speak, we need to do the same with our Master.

Here’s the clincher: when God does speak, we need to respond in obedience. That was the all important part I failed to grasp right away.

On a family vacation in the Black Hills one summer we happened upon Brulé playing in a tourist area. The music from this upcoming band of three was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. Their distinct sound initially caught my attention—the hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, keyboard, and traditional drum they are now famous for. Listening one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, in reading Paul’s Artist Bio I was equally captivated by his life story.

All the way home I heard a Voice, You should write a book about this man…

But before I reached home my own doubts drowned out the Voice, telling me I had no connection to Paul LaRoche, a complete stranger. Besides, I wasn’t Native American, or adopted, and I didn’t have any writing credentials.

And because I didn’t trust the Voice, I let three full years pass before I responded in obedience.

Once I did, doors opened in ways I never could have imagined. What I lacked in experience I gained in affirmations as I began writing, and a series of trips to South Dakota. When Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche was released in 2006, I knew I had found my calling. That same year I went on a mission trip to Mexico with a group from our church. A testimony from one of the men became the material for my next book. Seeds of Salton is a powerful story of courage, love, and the transforming power of forgiveness. And before I could find an agent to rep Seeds of Salton, I received a phone call from Joaquin, asking if I would consider writing his memoir. You see one of the places Brulé played was the Soaring Eagle Casino near Joaquin’s hometown of Saginaw. Joaquin too was moved by their stirring music and found an instant connection to Paul.

I’ve been fortunate to write the stories of these three individuals, a journey that’s allowed me to spend time on an American Indian Reservation, discover the rugged ranchlands of Eastern Montana, and most recently, ride shotgun in Joaquin’s police car.



Lower Brule Sioux Reservation
South Dakota



Montana section road



Montana sunset over the Missouri Breaks



Riding shotgun with Joaquin on patrol

Looking back, think all I would have missed had I not stepped out in faith back in 2002. Come to think of it, that was the very same year we got our dog Miss Abbie, my puppers, who was always at my side, waiting for me to speak.

My faithful and loyal Miss Abbie, helping me write

I dunno…I think Joaquin’s onto something with lessons from a dog.

Barbara