3 Review(s)

SOLDIER OF THE CLOUDS is the epic story of Alonzo Smith, Jr., one of America’s premier Black meteorologists and one of the first Black officers in the U.S. Air Force following the military’s integration.Set against the backdrop of segregation, he simultaneously occupied two spaces where people who looked like him weren’t often seen, at a time when Black rarely preceded the words scientist or commissioned officer. Born with a brilliant analytical mind, he chose to use his gift to serve his country, even as he navigated racial barriers and personal setbacks. Ultimately, his determination leads to groundbreaking advances in the area of computerized flight planning.But this is no ordinary biography. It’s a thought-provoking narrative of America, one that illuminates a perspective of the nation’s history—from Harlem during the Great Depression through World War II and The Cold War, to the 1968 unrest in Washington, DC—as seen through the unique prism of Black patriotism. It’s also a story about complex family-ties, the importance of community, and the challenges of being a military family. Alonzo must constantly weather the storms that come with being a Black officer during one of the most contentious times in America. There are moments when it takes everything he has to maintain his dignity and joy while serving his country. Yet, in the end his inspiring story of wins, losses, and perseverance is a life lesson for us all.