In 1998, at age 72, Fred finished his autobiography. He called it Prisoner of the Truck, which will be available for loan from the Fred W. Sarkis - Founder's Library, located in the new Bristol Harbour Village Community Center. One hundred hours a week on his father's truck in the summer and 16-hours a day on Saturdays the rest of the year caused Fred to feel as if his father was his warden and he was his prisoner. Starting at eight years of age didn't help Fred's feelings as he drove around the streets of Rochester, NY watching other kids playing.  At age twelve, short but compelling lessons from his father caused Fred to realize that he was responsible for where he would go with the rest of his life. He turned his prison-truck into a study center - even while locked in the back of the truck on Saturday nights, under a kerosene lamp, while his Father was in a bar for four hours.
Later in 1998, Fred retired with a plan to spend seven-months in Florida and five-months at his Bristol Harbour Village home. Tennis year round was his goal. He wanted to earn a national USTA ranking in his age group. But, a shocking discovery about his deceased father-hero, shared by his brother Joe, caused Fred a short-term of great despair.
On August 21, 1998, a brown envelope in the mail caused Fred to come out of retirement. He completed Prisoner of the Truck in a published format. Encouraged by educators who read Prisoner of the Truck, Fred created a digested version called "Yes Pa". This attracted volunteer regional and national educators who assisted in making Yes Pa an easy-reading character education book, with questions at the end of each chapter that linked parent or mentor, with the student and the school. Science-based studies reflect a positive impact on seven out of 100 children involved in the reading of Yes Pa.
In year 2007, at age 81, and through the miracle of the Internet, the Yes Pa Character Education program, freely provided by Fred's Yes Pa Foundation, is now being used in over 600 schools in the United States and Canada and in English speaking schools in Lebanon, Singapore, South Africa, Australia and the Philippines. Partnerships with colleges, schools and mentoring organizations have been established.  Recognition awards and testimonials are reflected on the www.YesPa.org website. About tennis - Fred, in 2007, received a ranking of number 11 in the nation in his age group.

"Messages of Character have to be delivered by a person of character. Fred Sarkis is such a person, and the story of his remarkable life will help anyone, young or old, to be a better person and lead a better life. "Prisoner of the Truck" and the free "Yes Pa" digest for adults and children have the power to touch hearts and bring out the best in us all."
Dr. Thomas Lickona, Author of "Educating for Character" and Director of Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility)at the State University of New York at Cortland.

R.J. Smith, in his book review states:
"...Throughout the book the reader will find innumerable life lessons to be applied, and all conveyed with an openness and frankness revealing compassion and conviction of a man tested by the depths and heights of human emotions. The author shows that hard work and inventiveness, the persistent pursuit of a dream, the reliance on moral integrity, and the expression of caring can be fulfilling and a way of finding meaning in one’s life.

This is a book that will inspire you with its message as it reveals the inner strength of a man who loves life, who confronts adversity, and who demonstrates how to be of service to mankind. " (read his entire review)

The Prisoner of the Truck book is available on the YesPa website or by order in bookstores throughout the US. All royalities go to the Foundation to serve kids.

**The Prisoner of the Truck Foundation is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt, charitable organization that provides character education tools based on the books, “Prisoner of the Truck” and “Yes Pa” by Fred W. Sarkis and his motivating large-group presentation.