The author has written an evocative, engaging and inspirational book for those interested in the warriors of today. I had no idea when I started reading this compilation how deeply emotional I would become. But, I did and memories of my USN service reared its head...often and without warning. One percent wear the uniform and this book has the stories of 15 of our heroes.
Pete Hegseth, the author, is a veteran of three deployments in the US Army and compiled stories from modern warriors ... The heroes shared some never before seen personal photos at the conclusion. It offers the readers a gritty look into what combat is like, how it affects the individuals (at the time and also later in life), the reasons these warriors joined the military, and their sacrifices made for freedom... So evocative and indeed inspirational to read.
Being a USN Chief Petty Officer (Ret), who served in the Aviation field, LCDR Caroline Johnson, USN, was of particular interest to me. She graduated from the Academy and speaks about the difficult time she had in such a masculine environment. Challenging to say the least and as one might expect, the challenges didn't end there. Attached to VFA-213, she flew 42 combat missions over Iraq and Syria and logged over 900 flight hours. She was a Weapons Systems Officer so back seat position. Incredible to read about their landing on an aircraft carrier one night...which almost didn't happen. This portion tells the difficulties that a female encounters while serving in the military ...
The portion at the end that lists the Organizations for Veterans is a tool that will help fellow veterans...It includes the name of the organization, their mission statement and more information on how to contact. The Awards and Honors for the 15 participants in this book are also listed. This section is impressive to read, as well.
The reader will come away with a new sense of patriotism after reading these heroic stories. The definition of a hero to you may be different than what it is to me...To me, it is displaying exceptional courage when the odds are against you.
One other thing I noticed when reading was that the author nailed the correct acronym for Post Traumatic Stress...Many times it is written as PTSD and was glad to see it written as PTS. LCDR Johnson also had it the same.
All in all an evocative read which was inspirational and engaging.
My highest recommendation for this book.
Am including this memory which really doesn't belong in my review. ..O a personal note, I was honored to have met some true warriors while stationed in Spain. The SEALS used to come for some R & R and I had the privilege of getting to know quite a few. (This should make you smile ..hope it does as it did me when I thought about it). They would come into the club for the Chief Petty Officers with their cover on (hat) and the bartender would 'ring the bell'...That signified that they had to buy a round for all the customers in the CPO club. They knew the rules and so did we. The kidding began and their small group never paid for their drinks ...We took care of our Brothers...Nice memory..
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Serenity...
~~Evocative/Engaging/Inspirational~~
24 November 2020 -
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linda galella
Up close and personal, very personal
24 November 2020 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase