ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
THIS BOOK IS a collaborative effort. Not just between Antonio, who lived it and told it, and Carlos, who helped him write it. They are both indebted to a small army of supporters and colleagues who made it possible.
IN ANTONIO’S CASE, that begins with a family that was always there for him—Sira, his wife, who unwaveringly shouldered the burdens of raising their five children, of working to help feed them and to keep a roof over their heads, and who never faltered in her love for him, or them, as he gave his life and his time to his cause; and his children, who remain devoted to their father even today, despite the lengthy absences, despite the thousands of missed moments of which childhood memories are made, despite the many times they were uprooted and taken from their friends, their schools, and even, sometimes, their relatives, and forced to start anew in new homes, new lands, and new languages.
There also are too many faithful friends for Antonio to name. Among them, a special, deep, and heartfelt thanks goes to Gaeton and Marie Fonzi, for their undying trust.
CARLOS’S LIST IS shorter. First, he wishes to thank Antonio for giving him the chance to tell this story, and Antonio’s daughter Ana, who first brought them together. He also thanks the ones who suffered his sleepless nights and seclusion as he wrestled through the writing—Migdalia, Diego, and Olivia; Robert and Valerie for offering him a place in their hearts and their home; his tirelessly patient and dedicated agent, Greg Aunapu, who puts up with him; David Talbot, who made this book infinitely better with his depth of knowledge and surgical precision in editing; and Skyhorse publisher Tony Lyons for believing in this project and making it happen.
ULTIMATELY, THOUGH, THIS book is dedicated to the Cubans who have suffered, and those who died, under Fidel Castro, and to the dissidents on the island who are still fighting the good fight.
Antonio Veciana and Carlos Harrison
August 13, 2016
Trained to Kill Page 23