Many books, fiction and nonfiction alike, purport to probe the inner workings of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Many attempt to create spine-tingling suspense or allege that America’s civilian spy operation has run amok and been infested with rogues and criminals. Not that The Craft We Chose lacks suspense, harrowing encounters, or its own share of villains, but this book is different; it is a straightforward, honest, surprisingly captivating memoir by one of the CIA’s most well-known and honored career officers. For more than three decades, Richard L. Holm worked in the agency’s Directorate of Operations now the National Clandestine Service the component directly responsible for collecting human intelligence. His assignments took him to seven countries on three continents, and his travels added many more destinations. At almost every turn Holm encountered his share of dangerous characters and situations, including one that nearly ended his life before he turned 30. The Craft We Chose is more than a chronicle of those episodes. It also reveals Holm’s private life, his roots and family, his courtship and marriage, and his four daughters, whom he affectionately calls his platoon. The Craft We Chose [is] an absorbing trip through the mind of a gifted operative who for 35 years did his difficult and sometimes dangerous job to heroic effect ... One might say America was lucky to have him. And vice versa. -- --Charles McCarry, The Wall Street Journal His remarkable story magnifies the importance of human intelligence in warfare, and is demonstrable of the valor of our clandestine services. A terrific book -- required reading! -- --Frank Gaffney, Secure Freedom Radio Even if scholars and media types earnestly attempt the task of reporting the years Holm covers and try to get things right, they will necessarily lack the insider vantage of Holm's lifetime on the streets and behind closed doors. His work is something worth being grateful for -- both the book itself and the actual decades of service detailed in its pages. -- --Ronnie Rittenberry, Security Products magazine Many books, fiction and nonfiction alike, purport to probe the inner workings of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Many attempt to create spine-tingling suspense or allege that America's civilian spy operation has run amok and been infested with rogues and criminals. Not that The Craft We Chose lacks suspense, harrowing encounters or its own share of villains.But this book is different. In fact it's unique?a straightforward, honest, surprisingly captivating memoir by one of the CIA's most well-known and honored career officers. For more than three decades, Richard L. Holm worked in the agency's Directorate of Operations?now the National Clandestine Service?the component directly responsible for collecting human intelligence. His assignments took him to seven countries on three continents, and his travels added many more destinations. At almost every turn Holm encountered his share of dangerous characters and situations, including one that nearly ended his life before he turned 30. The Craft We Chose is more than a chronicle of those episodes. It also reveals Holm's private life, his roots and family, his courtship and marriage, and his four daughters, whom he affectionately calls his "platoon." Webster's Dictionary defines the word "holm" as an island in a stream. That is an appropriate analogy. The Craft We Chose reveals Richard Holm as an island of steadfastness in a stream of chaos. He served his country with distinction, in good times and bad, displaying extreme courage under the direst of circumstances and a sense of honor that can only be considered unshakeable. And he describes it all with a keen eye and a distinctive wit. His is a classic American story that conveys, vividly and unforgettably, a life in the CIA. Richard L. Holm is a former paramilitary adviser, operations officer, senior manager, and station chief for the Central Intelligence Agency. He is the recipient of a special achievement award for his service in Southeast Asia, the Donovan Award for his work at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the highest award the agency can bestow. He lives in Northern Virginia.