Mr. Kent, the author of Balance, is one Kent Amos Hammond, Jr., born in Glendale California. Kent's father was a convicted felon and a former Navy Chief, and Kent's best friend. His Dad died of cancer in the VA hospital in West Los Angeles. His mother was a direct ancestor of Elbridge Gerry, one of the nation's founding fathers. Their relationship was strained and Kent does not know the present whereabouts of his Mother. Kent served a decade in the US Navy during the 60's and 70's, 13 years with a major defense contractor as a logistics program manager, 7 years with a leading aerospace firm overseeing product support globally, and another decade in the international information technology arena. He lived in India, Thailand, Japan, Scotland, Virginia, California, and Louisiana. He has conducted business in Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Korea, China, Brazil, the Middle East, and visited a few islands as well. His wife is Thai; their son is serving in the nuclear US Navy, and their 2 daughters are earning a living in the world of Hollywood movie making. Kent has led an interesting life, sometimes perilous, sometimes dull.