While serving as Chaplain in the United States Marine Corps, Eugene T. Gomulka, Monseigneur, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was required to write a “Charter of Values”. Contained within the first few pages of “It Takes Guts!” are the descriptions of the words Honor, Courage & Commitment which make up the “Charter of Values”. Through Gunny’s eyes the remaining pages of this book reflect a life exhibiting the highest degree of moral character, professional excellence, quality, and competence in all that W. L. “Bill” Adams (Gunny) lived through. Gunny wholeheartedly believes that each person’s assignment on this planet is to enhance the part of the world they were put in charge of and that we keep the world free by living and speaking the truth. Whatever else a person believes is the attitude that will lead he or she to find happiness and fulfillment in life. Each of us is hungry for a more solid sense of place, a more solid sense of self, and a more solid sense of path. Rootedness, as a concept, takes hold in a variety of forms. It can be in a book that helps us reconnect to old traditions, or create meaningful new ones, which invites us to really inhabit the piece of earth on which we live and take pride in the history of our near and distant ancestors.

“LIFE IS A CHALLENGE TO BE UNDERSTOOD. To understand the meaning of life, one must constantly pursue anything challenging. In the long run, this habit will lead to self-satisfaction of what and who you are. IT TAKES GUTS to believe in one’s own thoughts and conclusions. Some call it intuition; some call it a gut feeling, causing one to take action. Keep Faith in Self, Follow Your Dreams, and Have Fun Trying!” —Gunny

W. L. “Bill” Adams (Gunny) was born March 30, 1939 in Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957 and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant, with metals for heroism, in 1977. In 1980, he went “Up the Amazon” to begin the adventures of a “second childhood”.