Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Dennis “Mike” Ridnouer stopped in Knoxville on Friday and spoke about his book, “The Vietnam Air War: First Person.”

Col. Ridnouer, a 1961 graduate of Knoxville High School spoke in front of a packed crowd of former classmates and residents of Knoxville. Close to 60 people attended the program, with the class of 1961 providing cake to all in attendance. Col. Ridnouer spoke about his book, his time as a pilot in Vietnam and took questions from the audience. Col. Ridnouer tells KNIA/KRLS News he was expecting around 10 people to show up but was shocked with how many people actually attended the program. “The Vietnam Air War: First Person” is Col. Ridnouer’s first book and is a collaboration of stories he has received over the years. Col. Ridnouer’s book can be found on amazon.com and the Col. says he is in the middle of writing his next book which will feature stories from multiple branches of the military.