Buy Now
Walk Run Fly Again book cover. Authored by Lisette and John Alvarez featuring a historic image of him, the U.S. military's first combat pilot with his legendary prosthetic leg, standing in front of a special ops MH-53J Pave Low Helicopter.

30 years ago, a Special Ops pilot made history.

This is the true story of Colonel John Alvarez, the first U.S. military pilot to return to full, unrestricted combat flight status after losing his leg.

Available now!

Early Praise for Walk, Run, Fly Again

"Powerful, deeply personal and inspiring beyond words! Walk, Run, Fly Again will give you hope that no matter what setbacks you face in life—you can overcome them with grit, love and faith.  Let John Alvarez show you how!" 

— Admiral William H. McRaven, US Navy (Retired)

“A must read! A story of resilience, faith, and family. From a helicopter incident, John was tested to beat the odds…”

— General Charles “Charlie” Holland, USAF (Ret.), Former AFSOC and USSOCOM Commander

“I was thrilled to see [John’s story] captured in a truly well written book, and I know that it will inspire countless others for years to come!”

— Lt Gen Tom Trask, USAF (Ret.), Former Vice Commander, US Special Operations Command

“Walk, Run, Fly Again is an uplifting book for service members; but honestly this is a great read for anyone wanting to be fundamentally inspired!”

— Lt Gen Marshall “Brad” Webb, USAF (Ret.), Former AFSOC and AETC Commander

“A breathtaking, heart pounding, eye watering account of John’s journey from tragedy to triumph. Each chapter reminds us faith, family, and friendships help redefine victory one day, one dream, and one step at a time…”

— CMSgt Greg Smith (Ret.), Former AFSOC and USSOCOM Senior Enlisted Leader
Special Ops pilot John Alvarez on a medical gurney reunited with his wife Shelley Alvarez after his dramatic rescue

A Testament to Love, Family, Perseverance, and Faith.

On a Special Ops mission in Ecuador in 1996, everything changed for John Alvarez.

A counter-drug flight turned catastrophic when his aircraft went down. A single moment would redraw the course of his life. What followed was not just survival, but an extraordinary return: a journey through loss, reconstruction, and the unrelenting pull of the skies he refused to leave behind.

Walk, Run, Fly Again tells the story behind that moment—the one that nearly ended everything, and the life that rose from it.

In 2016, Lisette Alvarez—John’s eldest child and an award-winning storyteller—made a promise to her father to finally commit his story to paper. Ten years later, you get to read the result of nearly a decade of interviews, rewrites, and memories about this extraordinary moment in history.

Meet the Authors

Author Lisette Alvarez sharing a father-daughter wedding dance with her dad Colonel John Alvarez
Author Lisette Alvarez as a six year old sitting with her father John Alvarez, a Special Ops pilot in her kindergarten classroom. Lisette is leaning on her dad's shoulder.
Learn more about Lisette and John

Launched Memorial Day 2026!

Events:

  • May 18-21, 2026: SOF WEEK Tampa, FL

    • Featured speaker + Book signing kickoff!

  • Memorial Day: Peace, Power, and Purpose Podcast

  • 4th of July, 2026: First on-Base book signing events: Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB

  • September 19, 2026: Air Force Marathon Dayton, OH

    • Featured speaker + book signing

 

Sign up to be the first to know about our latest news and events.