Inspired Writers Series Hosted by MFA Program's Phil Klay: David Philipps - "The War for the Soul of the Navy SEALS" - Thursday, September 16 at 7:30 PM

Free virtual event; Registration is required at https://events.fairfield.edu/events/inspired-writers-series-the-war-for-the-soul-of-the-navy-seals

Considered a war hero by some, and a war criminal by many of the members of his own platoon, former Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher rose to national prominence when Donald Trump pardoned him for his misconduct overseas. Utilizing interviews, court documents and NCIS investigation interviews, contemporary texts and emails, and a large array of other sources, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist David Philipps’ has carefully reconstructed the events of Gallagher’s deployment, the debates that raged among the members of his unit, and the disturbing response of their leadership when they came forward with concerns about war crimes. He will discuss his new book, Alpha: Eddie Gallagher and the War for the Soul of the Navy SEALs, with former Marine and Fairfield MFA writing professor Phil Klay.

Dave Philipps is a Pulitzer Prize-winning national correspondent for the New York Times where he writes about the military and veterans. His reporting generally steers wide of the Pentagon and Beltway politics, instead focusing on the men and women who do the everyday work of the military.  He is the author of two previous books, Lethal Warriors: When the Band of Brothers Came Home, and Wild Horse Country: The History, Myth and Future of the Mustang.  He lives in Colorado.