Travis L. Ayres,  author of "The Bomber Boys - True Stores of B-17 Airmen"

Travis L. Ayres has spent more than thirty years "on the air," at some of America's most listened to radio stations....including fifteen years in New York City with WABC-AM and WCBS-FM.  He has also been a popular air personality on WTIX-AM and WNOE-AM in New Orleans, and WDRC-FM in Hartford, Connecticut. 

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ayres grew up in Jackson, Parish.  He is a Vietnam Veteran. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served aboard the USS Regulus for two years as a Petty Officer 3rd Class/Fire Control Technician.

His life long interest and studies in American history led him to write his first book in 1996:Shiloh to Stones River (The True Story of Private John H. Sullivan of the 16th Louisiana Infantry Regiment).  The New Orleans Times Picayune and The Baton Rouge Advocate's Damon Veach, wrote:  "Shiloh to Stones River is a nice little gem that will be of interest to genealogists and historians, and it just may become one of those rare titles sought after in years to come.  ...a joy to read!"  

 Shiloh to Stones River is available through email at: 

Now Travis L. Ayres presents his tribute to the B-17 airmen of World War Two.  The result of four years of research and writing, The Bomber Boys (True Stories of B-17 Airmen) focuses on five airmen from five different Flying Fortress crews, to give the reader an "in their shoes" reading experience. 

Today, the author lives and writes at his home in the foothills of the Ozarks, near Bentonville, Arkansas. He is also currently heard during Afternoon Drive on radio station KQSM-FM -SAM98 (98.3) under his radio name:  Marc Sommers.

© 2005 Travis L. Ayres