Lieutenant Colonel Charles Lane Toomey, USA (ret.) is a “graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, served in the U.S. Army for more than twenty-five years in a variety of command and staff positions. He was an XVIII Airborne Corps plans officer during Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War. He retired a lieutenant colonel in 2000 and currently resides in Southern Pines, North Carolina.” Lieutenant Colonel Charles Lane Toomey is the author of XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm: From Planning to Victory.

According to the book description of XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm: From Planning to Victory, “Operation Desert Storm culminated in a 100-hour ground battle and the ejection of the Iraqi army from Kuwait in February 1991. But the beginning of that victory began in August 1990 when America’s premier contingency force, the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps, was ordered to Saudi Arabia. This is the story of the XVIII Airborne Corps' epic role in the first Gulf War, from the vulnerable early days of the Desert Shield defense of Saudi Arabia through its Desert Storm attack into Iraq and the Coalition’s "end-sweep" to block Iraqi reinforcement and escape from the Kuwait Theater of Operations. Written by a former officer who was intimately involved with XVIII Airborne Corps planning and execution, this is a history filled with heretofore unrevealed detail and lessons for soldiers, historians and generations to come. From Planning to Victory is destined to become a Gulf War classic.”

One reader of XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm: From Planning to Victory said, “I fought in Desert Storm with the XVIIIth Airborne Corps. This is the first book I've read that covers the essential role filled by the XVIIIth Airborne Corps in the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation of Kuwait. Col. Toomey presents a thoroughly researched book that presents a complete picture of both Desert Shield and Desert Storm to include the highlights and pitfalls encountered during the largest mobilization and land battle since WWII. He not only covered the Combat Arms viewpoints but also those of the Support Personnel and those who must remain behind and run the Rear Detachments.

It was enjoyable to read a history book and say to myself "I've been there!" or "I remember that battle!" or "I know that person, I worked with him!". The XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm: From Planning to Victory is by far one of the best books written on the Gulf War, I was thoroughly engrossed in it and strongly recommend it. This book is an absolute must have for those who fought in Desert Storm, but also would be enjoyed by anyone who has served in the Military is a Military enthusiast.”