Standing Ovation!
“Wayne Magee is a shining example of one man’s triumph over numerous Tough Blows since birth. His life is a demonstration that medical science can be inaccurate and he has worked incredibly hard to prove naysayers wrong. I have been fortunate to have a mass amount of talent walk the halls of our music school. Wayne Magee was clearly one of those talented musicians who made my teaching more rewarding.”
Dr. Stephen L. Gage, Director of Bands & Orchestra (Ret.)
Youngstown State University Dana School of Music
“At first, I admit, I was apprehensive; the hiring committee was recommending an inexperienced young man from Ohio with no military or apparent leadership experience, who was just barely older than the cadets he would be assigned to command. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy desperately needed someone to lead our growing Band and Honor Guard contingents but was he the right choice? As it turned out, the committee was correct - Wayne Magee turned out to be the best Band and Honor Guard Officer MMA had ever had.
Talented, engaging and incredibly hard-working, Wayne quickly earned the respect of his cadets and everyone in his chain of command. He hustled everywhere he went, he volunteered for every charitable effort, he lived his life with a mixture of humility and genuine concern for everyone in his care. In short, Wayne became an incredibly important and widely respected member of the biggest and best Maritime College in America. I am honored to call him a friend."
RADM Rick Gurnon, USMS (Ret.)
President, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (2005- 2015)
“One of the greatest teachers in life is a hardship but only the strong, love-filled and wise take the most positive life-altering lessons from it. Ltn. Wayne Magee has been a demonstration of this wisdom, love, and strength. Having read his story in such vivid, perspicuous, emotional yet entertaining manner one has to wonder what excuses are we giving ourselves for remaining bitter and defeated in life. Surely we all have a purpose for being born and we owe it to our Creator to find out and live out that purpose because it is good. Ltn. Magee has given us not only a human relatable example but also very practical tools on how to do just that, this book is nothing short of an awakening. What a gentleman, a champion, what we see when we look at him.”
Dr. Portia Ndlovu, Ph.D.
Professor; International Maritime Business at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
“An inspirational tale of courage, overcoming adversity, and a resolute spirit. Wayne is one of the most humble people I have met in my life...yet, there is a tiger inside. His story is meant for anyone needing some motivation to overcome a personal challenge.”
Dr. John F. Korn
Former Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Instructor Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education
“As I read the pages of Tough Blows, I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of our Lord. Wayne’s testimony inspires and bears witness of the greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Wayne has been given the title of, “The Last Magee Man.” I could not think of anyone better to represent hard work, valor, and strength than the footprints of Wayne. When I want my son to be motivated, I share with him the testimony of Wayne Magee. As a Christian, I sometimes forget to acknowledge my omnipresent Lord. He is there at the beginning and end. He orchestrates His love and compassion like a symphony to direct our path. I am honored to have experienced his workmanship in Wayne’s life. I once asked Wayne, “What can I do as a parent to keep my son on the right path?” With boldness and gentleness that only Wayne can project, He answered, “Pray for him and keep him in church.”
Mrs. Pamela R. Belle, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Stephen L. Gage, Director of Bands & Orchestra (Ret.)
Youngstown State University Dana School of Music
“At first, I admit, I was apprehensive; the hiring committee was recommending an inexperienced young man from Ohio with no military or apparent leadership experience, who was just barely older than the cadets he would be assigned to command. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy desperately needed someone to lead our growing Band and Honor Guard contingents but was he the right choice? As it turned out, the committee was correct - Wayne Magee turned out to be the best Band and Honor Guard Officer MMA had ever had.
Talented, engaging and incredibly hard-working, Wayne quickly earned the respect of his cadets and everyone in his chain of command. He hustled everywhere he went, he volunteered for every charitable effort, he lived his life with a mixture of humility and genuine concern for everyone in his care. In short, Wayne became an incredibly important and widely respected member of the biggest and best Maritime College in America. I am honored to call him a friend."
RADM Rick Gurnon, USMS (Ret.)
President, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (2005- 2015)
“One of the greatest teachers in life is a hardship but only the strong, love-filled and wise take the most positive life-altering lessons from it. Ltn. Wayne Magee has been a demonstration of this wisdom, love, and strength. Having read his story in such vivid, perspicuous, emotional yet entertaining manner one has to wonder what excuses are we giving ourselves for remaining bitter and defeated in life. Surely we all have a purpose for being born and we owe it to our Creator to find out and live out that purpose because it is good. Ltn. Magee has given us not only a human relatable example but also very practical tools on how to do just that, this book is nothing short of an awakening. What a gentleman, a champion, what we see when we look at him.”
Dr. Portia Ndlovu, Ph.D.
Professor; International Maritime Business at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
“An inspirational tale of courage, overcoming adversity, and a resolute spirit. Wayne is one of the most humble people I have met in my life...yet, there is a tiger inside. His story is meant for anyone needing some motivation to overcome a personal challenge.”
Dr. John F. Korn
Former Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Instructor Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education
“As I read the pages of Tough Blows, I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of our Lord. Wayne’s testimony inspires and bears witness of the greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Wayne has been given the title of, “The Last Magee Man.” I could not think of anyone better to represent hard work, valor, and strength than the footprints of Wayne. When I want my son to be motivated, I share with him the testimony of Wayne Magee. As a Christian, I sometimes forget to acknowledge my omnipresent Lord. He is there at the beginning and end. He orchestrates His love and compassion like a symphony to direct our path. I am honored to have experienced his workmanship in Wayne’s life. I once asked Wayne, “What can I do as a parent to keep my son on the right path?” With boldness and gentleness that only Wayne can project, He answered, “Pray for him and keep him in church.”
Mrs. Pamela R. Belle, DPT
Physical Therapist
