CBS Eye on Veterans

The 1997 Russian laser attack near US Pacific coast, and how Navy vet healed with humor

Today we’re hearing about a dramatic story of Russian espionage, US government denial and how the experience inspired Naval Intelligence veteran Jack Daly to write the book “Laugh Out Loud: Your Personal Prescription for the Best Medicine on Earth”. The book reveals the power of humor but, Daly’s story is far from comedy.

He was wounded by a Russian laser while photographing a Russian merchant ship believed to be spying on US Naval operations. Daly shares vivid details about this rare espionage event in the Strait of Juan De Fuca (just a few miles off the coast of Washington State). He also shares his thoughts on why the US Government denied it ever happened.

After dealing with pain for decades, and a deep concern over the rising suicide crisis among vets, he was inspired to write a book that shows veterans how to overcome problems using the only thing that worked for him- laughter.

Check out Jack Daly’s new book “Laugh Out Loud” here

For more on the 1997 Russian laser attack:

Washington Post article

Wikipedia article on The Strait of Juan de Fuca

Special Thanks to comedians Dan Soder, Jim Gaffigan, and Russell Peters.

Check out their hilarious Russian jokes here

And this hilarious sketch from the legendary Jerry Seinfeld

From Seinfeld Season 5 Episode 16 “The Stand-In”

To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow on X

@philbriggsVet