Zack was a gung-ho, rookie fighter pilot, just starting the march to his life's goal: to become the best fighter pilot in the US military. Ruth was about to graduate with her teaching degree, looking forward to the challenge of molding young minds. Neither had considered any diversions to their plans. But they meet, and she realizes that he is "the one." She will follow him wherever he goes. Before the fighter pilot realizes it, he discovers that she has snuck up "on his six" and has captured his heart.

Soon after their quick marriage, Zack flies off to an unpopular war in a distant country. In the months and years to follow, the war confronts each with battles on two fronts that they must fight, separated and alone.

How far can a warrior succumb to the brutal demands of his captors and still uphold his Code of Conduct? Does honor matter when the price can be one’s mental or physical health? How can a young wife eight thousand miles away fight the battle to bring her man home?

In the skies over North Vietnam to the prison camps below and back to the streets of America’s colleges, the battles must be faced, usually alone. The enemies are the jailers in the distant land who are intent on isolating, exploiting and forcing their captives to participate in propaganda stunts. Those distant foes, though, have allies on the home front, who are determined to bring the war home.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows the young couple and their friends through the turbulent years from 1967 to 1973. It was a time of bitter divisions within the country. The repercussions from this short period continue to confront the US down to the present.