“I'm a writer who served…
not a servicemember who likes to write.”
Writer
Brian fell in love with storytelling through film. He watched his favorites on repeat, not just for entertainment, but to reverse-engineer how images, structure, and silence create meaning.
He started young: editing his high school newspaper, writing for the local press, completing his first novel senior year (dot-matrix printed, blue binder, mercifully lost to time). At the Air Force Academy, he found visual storytelling through Blue Tube's sketch comedy and journalism. His senior documentary won a Telly Award.
Then came twenty-six years in special operations. Writing took a backseat to flying, combat, and command. But between deployments, he kept at it through screenplays that earned recognition, including a PAGE International Screenwriting Awards semifinalist and as a Hollywood Screenplay finalist.
After retiring in 2023, Brian returned to the craft that never left him - novels.
Stealing Stealth (January 2026) is a Cold War spy thriller about trust, betrayal, and the cost of secrets. Arctic Fire (Fall 2026) is a literary noir-Western following a broken Marine's resurrection in the Alaskan wilderness.
He writes from Texas, exploring the space where military authenticity meets mythic storytelling. His thrillers question the balance between duty, morality, and redemption.
What drives his work: Joseph Campbell's understanding that all stories are one story. Christopher Nolan's proof that commercial narrative can carry literary weight. And two decades of experience showing him that the line between hero and villain is thinner than anyone wants to admit.
Colonel Brian L. Reece, USAF (Ret)
Brian earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997, graduating as Distinguished Graduate from pilot training and winning the Daedalian Leadership Award.
Over twenty-six years, he flew special operations and rescue helicopters (MH-53, UH-1, Mi-17) across three combat zones: OIF, OEF, and HOA. He logged over 380 combat hours, with missions resulting in eight combat saves and the capture of over 100 known terrorists. He served as an Mi-17 Evaluator Pilot, one of the few Americans qualified in the Soviet-era aircraft.
His leadership was recognized through selection as Air Force Class President at Command and General Staff College, the McClary Award at Squadron Officer School, and 19th Air Force Rotary-Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year. He also led the team that won the Air Force-level Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award.
Brian's decorations include 2 Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, 9 Air Medals, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and an Air Force Commendation Medals with Valor Device.
Col Reece retired from active duty in 2023. The tactical precision that shaped his military career now drives his storytelling. Every detail matters, and every mission has a cost.
