Frances Gary Powers, Jr.
Francis Gary Powers Jr., is the featured speaker at the May 18 Sunday with Friends events at the Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Virginia. Powers along with co-author Christopher Sturdevant has written “Cold War Virginia.”
Virginia played a central role in United States involvement during the Cold War. With doomsday operations underway for World War III during the 1950s, the Pentagon, CIA and other federal agencies established Northern Virginia as the epicenter of decision-making.
Virginia military bases readied for a potential surprise attack by the Soviet Union and research facilities worked on the Space Race. When the Soviet Union shot down the spy plane of Powers’ father, a superpower crisis of epic proportions ensued.
The Friends of the Washington County Public Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose purpose is to help strengthen the resources of the library and to make it a dynamic force in the community.
The event is free of charge. There will be refreshments as well as book sales and signings after the events. For more information, contact the event’s coordinator, Ben Jennings, at ben.h.jennings@gmail.com.
