- One of those books that truly make a difference

The subject of Special Forces has always intrigued me. Having served in the Marine Corps for 10 years as an Infantry Assaultman - there's always been certain mustique and I often question "what would have that been like" or "would I have had what it takes" At this point, that is a questions that will never be answered. However, vicariously - through this book, we all get a small glimpse of what that might have been like - even if just in the audio book form. But as I read further, this book turned out to be much more then a war story (there are plenty of those out there) This book - completely hooked me in - just by the fact it talked about Delta and before I knew it... it turned out to be a story of hope. I dont like to talk about my service and there are days that the memories hurt so bad that I despise them And at the same time, I despise the fact that I'm no longer there. It's weird, some days are better than another's, but some days or a living nightmare. Well... Here's a book written by a guy, who came right out and said it... Everything I've been struggling with for years. And what's more, is that he may have found a way out. So... maybe there IS a way out. Thank you Tom - for a bit of hope. I hope our paths cross someday.

19 people found this helpful

UNFORGETTABLE

Amazing story of a true American hero who spent most of his life on a razors edge between life and death.

Spending 20 years with the most elite military unit expecting to die everyday would undoubtedly take an immense toll. Tom Satterly pulls you in and gives you a glimpse into that life as well as the physical and mental cost that can never be repaid.

6 people found this helpful

A Veteran and Active MUST listen.

First of all,
Thank you Tom Satterly for speaking out about your experiences. Thank you for your service to our country.
This was a book, at anytime in my life and in any moment... this was the perfect book I needed to listen too.
As a marine veteran who struggled with alcohol and adjusting to a civilian lifestyle, to the difficulties of being a “role model” father to his children and the best husband that his wife deserves, THIS BOOK is what I needed to listen too.
I felt the heaviness of tears as I heard your experiences and struggles Tom as it reminds me of my own. To a rock bottom moment that almost ended my life, too the rising moments from the ashes I crawled out from, to finding Christ, and still trying to deal with the on going war in my mind.
You gave me the courage I needed to keep fighting my demons and continue to reach out for help when I need it the most and help others struggling in the same boots I once wore.
I NEEDED THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST PTS.

5 people found this helpful

Great eye opening book.

This book starts out hard and fast. Filled with military deployment story after story. It’s interesting to hear about how the elite tier 1 operators train around the world. It sprinkles in some talk about PTS but then right back to an exciting story... then it kicks you in the chest as hard as ever. Talking about how PTS affects our warriors and their fight against invisible scars, drinking, drugs, and suicide. To every veteran out there, thank you for your service and dedication. To their wives and significant others I never thought about your trauma and for that I’m sorry for not thinking about the other half that’s has to deal with the grief as well. Thank you as well!!

4 people found this helpful

An eye opener on PTS

This was an amazing story about the dark side of how PTS effects those who we think of as our heros. PTS is terrible and I truly hope we come come together as a nation and give the much needed help that our veterans deserve.

3 people found this helpful

Great well rounded story

I really appreciated this balanced story. It didn’t just talk about the training and war. It went into the mental aspect and difficulties soldiers face. I also liked that Tom narrated it.

3 people found this helpful

Every cliche you can think of.

I'll preface my review by saying this isn't the first book on the topic that I've read, and I have actual first hand experience in dealing with being forward deployed. the author spends pretty much the entire book trying to convince you that they are the most elite special force in the military, while continuously highlighting their shortcomings. then to fill in the gaps, the repeated sights, sounds, and smells of war happen over, and over, and over, and over until I couldn't take anymore and I just turned it off. it's probably a great read if you're a civilian, but if you have any actual military experience you'll probably see right through the BS 3/4 of the way in the book.

1 person found this helpful

Powerful and poignant!!

The wars being fought after the warriors leave the battlefield are causing these same warriors to begin a newer and more sinister fight. THANK YOU Tom for your courage not only in combat, but also for your courage to battle the stigmas that are destroying our heroes!

1 person found this helpful

Inspiring and a must listen to!

A unique opportunity for the listener, being able to listen to one of our nation's greatest warriors tell his story.
What makes this book so wonderful is that Tom doesn't sugarcoat his story, you learn about all his flaws, mistakes, as well as his strengths. But what is truly inspiring is that he tells the truth, he lets his guard down, and the real hero of this book is his wife, Jen, and Tom makes it clear that without a strong woman in his life, we wouldn't have this book.
He keeps fighting to this day and continues to serve his Country, by helping other Veterans in need.

Our Nation is forever indebted to individuals like Tom, who have lived a life of service and never give up. God speed my friend.

De Oppresso Liber

One of the best books on PTS"D"

Simply put, Tom's experience & his continued efforts to help special operations veterans (& all veterans) battle PTS us truly inspirational & his dedication to the mission is beyond commendable. The work he does to this day & I'm sure he will continue to do for the remainder of his life with his organization "The All Secure Foundation" Charity & Organization has impacted MANY lives. I was not a special forces veteran, I was an infantry grunt & R.O in the Marines but THIS book by far helped me sort out my post combat issues A LOT! Tom & his wife Jen Slattery have definitely helped me with thier organization(All Secure Foundation) & all the speaking events they do and the writing of this book immensely!
This book is invaluable for ANYONE suffering from combat PTS! The way he goes through his experiences as a top tier Warrior & how that life bled into and effected his personal life & most importantly his relationships was clearly detailed in this great read! I can't recommend it enough to ALL Veterans and to the Veterans Affairs Hospital Therapists, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists who treat us at the Veterans Hospitals! It should be required reading for both veterans and those who treat us!
Very few books have directly impacted my life...and THIS is one of them!

PS: Jen Slattery also co-wrote a book from the perspective of the people that combat veterans hurt the most (besides themselves)... thier Spouses and I highly recommend that book: "Arsenal Of Hope" as a companion to this one!