Ex-Havreite to return home to sign books

When Rick Verploegen was a Havre Middle School student, he found his passion for reading and writing.

He loved reading novels, especially historical action that was filled with history. He especially enjoyed books by Matthew Reilly, who specialized in action thrillers.

He was sure that someday he would write such a book.

Today, he has done just that.

While working as a flight instructor and pilot in Bozeman, he authored "Wings of Fury."

Although he used a pen name, R.N. Vick, and some of his old friends may not realize that is actually the author, he hopes people will show up for his book signing Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Havre-Hill County Library.

The book signing coincides with the Festival Days Friends of the Library book sale.

The book combines his interest in flight, action and history.

The story centers on the war between Uruguay and Bolivia during the 1930s.

He said he thoroughly enjoyed researching about the war.

He's ready with a series of one-liners when asked why he used a pen name.

His real name was too long to fit on the cover of the book, he said.

Over his years in college, he said, his name was mispronounced and misspelled so often, he thought the name Vick would be easier to deal with.