Biography of Author Jon Boyd
Jon Boyd is one of Amethyst Moon Publishing's most unique authors. Jon Boyd has spent his life learning one skill after the other. When Boyd sees or hears about something that intrigues him, he delves into that subject, learns as much as he can and then puts his knowledge into action. Boyd's curiosity and attention to detail have assisted him in being an accomplished pilot, expert flint knapper, experienced knife maker, teacher, tracker, and bonsai authority - just to name a few of his talents.
Since he was a young child, Jon Boyd has honed his skills in observation and awareness. Boyd applies these abilities to everything he does and uses the knowledge and skills he learns in one activity to apply to the next, allowing his knowledge base to expand exponentially. For over 25 years, Boyd has been interested in tracking, where he could apply his talents in observation and awareness while improving in both areas.
Author Jon Boyd's interest in blades goes deeper than most. Boyd is a knife and sword maker as well as flint knapper. He teaches the art of flint knapping and is always searching to discover the techniques used by the ancient practitioners of this art.
Author Jon Boyd's 23 years as an Air Force pilot included training students to fly the A-10, a tour in Korea and surviving Desert Storm, where he piloted the F-117 Stealth Jet. Boyd is also certified to instruct T'ai Chi Schuan. This martial art helped Boyd to understand the interplay of energies, both seen and unseen. He also enjoys the art of bonsai and his large pet iguana, Spike.
Most recently Jon Boyd has been applying his observation skills in archeaology and is working toward his degree in anthropology. Boyd teaches Stone Tool Making at Pima Community College as well as offering community non-credit courses in observation, awareness and bonsai in Tucson, Arizona.
A few of Boyd's flying accomplishiments are:
22 year command pilot serving in the USAF
Flight hours: 5000+, primarily in single seat aircraft
Aircraft qualifications: Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Cessna T-37, Northrup T-38 and AT-38 Talon, Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II, Vought A-7D and A-7K Corsair II, Lockheed F-117A Night Hawk
Other aircraft flown: Bell 47G helicopter, Bell 206 Jet Ranger, Bolkow BO-105 helicopter, Taylorcraft L-2, Piper J-3 Cub (clipped wing variant), Lockheed EC-130, McDonnell Douglas F-15B
Pilot qualifications held: Aircraft commander, Instructor pilot, Flight Examiner
Command positions held: Flight commander, Squadron assistant Operations officer, Squadron Operations officer, Squadron commander, Group Deputy Operations group commander
Decorations: Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (1 oak leaf cluster), Distinguished Flying Cross
Order Jon Boyd's Books
Gremlin on My Shoulder: A Compilation of Flying Stories (Confessions of an Old Bold Pilot) by Jon Boyd
Gremlins are everywhere. When things go wrong, you can bet one is somewhere nearby - maybe even on your shoulder. Whispering in your ear to make you doubt yourself or make a mistake, cackling to himself all the while. Jon Boyd, a twenty-four year military and civilian aviator, recounts some of his most memorable stories where the outcome of the mission or even his survival was in doubt. The worst-case scenario is always only a few feet or milliseconds away: a smoking hole or a spinning ruin of aluminum and aircraft parts.
Author Jon Boyd's matter-of-fact story telling, typical of those who live on the edge most of their lives puts you in the cockpit with him and the gremlin; feeling the g's, the exhilaration and the cold sweat caused by the struggle to complete the mission and get back safely to terra firma.
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Praise for Gremlin on My Shoulder
"Gremlin On My Shoulder...This is a great book. It also demonstates the incredible training of our fighter pilots. Although very humble, it becomes obvious to the reader that Jon Boyd was one of our very best. Flying the F-117 stealth during the initial attacks in Iraq was absolutley impressive. Thanks for your service."
--John Hufault (from our website contact form)
Connecting Into Observation and Awareness
Our ability to observe and be aware of our surroundings and circumstances dictates how well we are able to stay both safe and alive. Author Jon Boyd's 23 years as an Air Force pilot, experiences riding a motorcycle and his ten years studying tracking have made him more aware than most and given him a unique perspective on the ability to observe the world.
In this book he shares what he has learned about the interplay of observation, perception and awareness and the application of this interplay to the processes that are unfolding or are about to unfold (i.e., the effect of the interplay on the observer). An introduction to tracking is also included since tracking can be used as a laboratory to sharpen our observation skills.
Regardless of our prior experience, Boyd's matter-of-fact methods and exercises will increase our awareness, make our observations more in-depth and enrich our lives.
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The Samurai Sword: Looking at Form, Fit & Function of a Masterpiece
Author Jon Boyd has studied knives and blades for over 25 years as a knife and sword maker as well as flint knapper. His interest in the samurai sword and his knowledge on bladed weapons is apparent in this informative book detailing many aspects of the sword. Approaching this subject from many angles, Boyd presents some unique information that can not be found in any other book.
Starting with a brief history of Japan and how the sword evolved, THE SAMURAI SWORD: LOOKING AT FORM, FIT & FUNCTION OF A MASTERPIECE discusses the parts of the sword and scabbard, including the design features and purpose of each component. Next the book describes the physics behind the sword, which covers the weight, balance, speed, force, drag, and the proper place to strike to achieve the optimum cut. Also included are details on how to choose, assemble, disassemble, clean, carry, and store a sword.
THE SAMURAI SWORD is a valuable resource for any sword enthusiast.
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