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For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice
A celebration of the extraordinary courage, dedication, and sacrifice of this generation of American veterans on the battlefield and their equally valuable contributions on the home front.
Because so few of us now serve in the military, our men and women in uniform have become strangers to us. We stand up at athletic events to honor them, but we hardly know their true measure. Here, Starbucks CEO and longtime veterans’ advocate Howard Schultz and National Book Award finalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post offer an enlightening, inspiring corrective.
The authors honor acts of uncommon valor in Iraq and Afghanistan, including an Army sergeant who repeatedly runs through a storm of gunfire to save the lives of his wounded comrades; two Marines who sacrifice their lives to halt an oncoming truck bomb and protect thirty-three of their brothers in arms; a sixty-year-old doctor who joins the Navy to honor his fallen son.
We also see how veterans make vital contributions once they return home, drawing on their leadership skills and commitment to former soldiers who aid residents in rebuilding after natural disasters; a former infantry officer who trades in a Pentagon job to teach in an inner-city neighborhood; a retired general leading efforts to improve treatments for brain-injured troops; the spouse of a severely injured soldier assisting families in similar positions.
These powerful, unforgettable stories demonstrate just how indebted we are to those who protect us and what they have to offer our nation when their military service is done.
Because so few of us now serve in the military, our men and women in uniform have become strangers to us. We stand up at athletic events to honor them, but we hardly know their true measure. Here, Starbucks CEO and longtime veterans’ advocate Howard Schultz and National Book Award finalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post offer an enlightening, inspiring corrective.
The authors honor acts of uncommon valor in Iraq and Afghanistan, including an Army sergeant who repeatedly runs through a storm of gunfire to save the lives of his wounded comrades; two Marines who sacrifice their lives to halt an oncoming truck bomb and protect thirty-three of their brothers in arms; a sixty-year-old doctor who joins the Navy to honor his fallen son.
We also see how veterans make vital contributions once they return home, drawing on their leadership skills and commitment to former soldiers who aid residents in rebuilding after natural disasters; a former infantry officer who trades in a Pentagon job to teach in an inner-city neighborhood; a retired general leading efforts to improve treatments for brain-injured troops; the spouse of a severely injured soldier assisting families in similar positions.
These powerful, unforgettable stories demonstrate just how indebted we are to those who protect us and what they have to offer our nation when their military service is done.
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First published November 4, 2014
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About the author
Howard Schultz
19 books314 followersSchultz is an author and businessman. He was born on July 19th of 1953. He is mostly known for owning Starbucks; he is also the CEO and chairman of that company.
He graduated Northern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Communication.
Schultz authored the book Pour Your Heart Into It How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time with Dori Jones Yang in 1997. His second book Onward How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul with Joanne Gordon, was published in 2011.
He graduated Northern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Communication.
Schultz authored the book Pour Your Heart Into It How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time with Dori Jones Yang in 1997. His second book Onward How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul with Joanne Gordon, was published in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 9, 2020
Fan. Tas. Tic.
Great reading this. As a veteran myself, I know firsthand how important it is to find your way after you've served. This book is full of awesome stories about all types of vets.
Great reading this. As a veteran myself, I know firsthand how important it is to find your way after you've served. This book is full of awesome stories about all types of vets.
November 28, 2014
It has saddened me for such a long time that there is such a profound disconnect in our country between those who have served and those who have not. That there is such misunderstanding about what it is like to be active duty or a spouse - and about the amazing qualifications both bring to the table.
As one who has been both active duty and a spouse, I can relate to both sides of the equation. Quite frankly, I have been in favor of a mandatory 2-3 year tour of duty for some years now precisely because of these issues. It was a sense of both hope and curiosity that compelled me to purchase this book, along with a feeling of dread in case it wasn't what was promised. It was, and more.
The people in this book are not singular in what they have done - there are thousands more like them serving in our armed forces. They have courage, commitment, and the ability to think on their feet. They are strong, compassionate and adaptable. Above all, they are the few doing a job that far too few are willing to do.
It's nice to hear appreciation for service - but it's better to see someone finding a way to show appreciation. Actions speak louder than words - it's been around forever because it's truer than many people like to admit. Read this book. Understand what these folks are really about. And then find a way to do your part for them. Because far too many are falling by the wayside in ways that are preventable.
As one who has been both active duty and a spouse, I can relate to both sides of the equation. Quite frankly, I have been in favor of a mandatory 2-3 year tour of duty for some years now precisely because of these issues. It was a sense of both hope and curiosity that compelled me to purchase this book, along with a feeling of dread in case it wasn't what was promised. It was, and more.
The people in this book are not singular in what they have done - there are thousands more like them serving in our armed forces. They have courage, commitment, and the ability to think on their feet. They are strong, compassionate and adaptable. Above all, they are the few doing a job that far too few are willing to do.
It's nice to hear appreciation for service - but it's better to see someone finding a way to show appreciation. Actions speak louder than words - it's been around forever because it's truer than many people like to admit. Read this book. Understand what these folks are really about. And then find a way to do your part for them. Because far too many are falling by the wayside in ways that are preventable.
June 23, 2015
A good read that will not reach much of its intended audience. I was lent this book from a co-worker who also served in the Air Force. This is one of the great things about physical books over Kindle books. You can rave about them. You can cajole people into reading them, but unless you can physically hand them the books, your recommendation may not go anywhere.
That's probably what would have happened with this one. If my co-worker had only recommended it and not handed it to me, then I likely never would have read it. It's not that I don't like reading about American heroes, I do. But I already have a to-read book shelf that is slightly bowed in the middle, and a Kindle to-read shelf that is currently taking up quite a few swipes to get to the next book. Sometimes reading becomes an exercise in getting to the next book rather than actually enjoying the book I'm reading.
In the first line, I mention that the book will likely not reach much of its intended audience. So let me explain. My co-worker, the Air Force vet, and me, another Air Force vet are not the intended audience of this book. Howard Schultz is the CEO of Starbucks. He's got a lot of money and therefore a bit of influence and he had almost no exposure to veterans and their issues/causes. He talks in the introduction about how he finally woke up to the reality that men and women in uniform make every day sacrifices and he, as an "average" American citizen has no exposure to that.
The figures he quotes are sobering. Only 1% of Americans have served or are serving in the military. And only 5% of American have an immediate family member who has served or is serving. To say our modern day citizen is disconnected from the military and its volunteer members is an understatement. What this book sets out to do is provide a series of vignettes that tell the tales of unparalleled bravery in wartime and then of unparalleled commitment to those veterans after they return home.
But here's the reality. I'm an Air Force vet, I get it. I know what went on overseas during my deployment, and I've been lucky to serve with some truly great and selfless heroes. And I was given the book to read by a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who also served his share of deployments. So the two of us - we're not the target audience of the book. Schultz isn't speaking to us. Yet, the stories told in the book, the still meant something to me.
The stories told by Schultz are recent. They recount bravery and heroism during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are startlingly recent. I served in Baghdad in 2006-2007 and for some reason, my brain has shut off after that time. I've moved on to law school and a law career. And here we are, eight years later, and it still feels, in many respects, like I just got home. And then I read these stories, of veterans coming home in 2012, 2013 and its like I never left, but I'm so far removed from them too.
The part of the book I found really enlightening were in the second half. The stories of veterans working on Team Rubicon and TAPS who are helping veterans, their families and disaster victims here in the United States. And it sort of woke me up to all the good people do every day. Veterans do have so much to give, and so much training and experience to share. It reminded me of the very first job I got during law school, fresh out of the Air Force, where the hiring manager at the law firm told me that if I was scheduled to work from 10-2 on a certain day, I should be there from 10-2. This didn't make sense to me. Of course if I was scheduled to work 10-2 I would show up. Of course I would work those hours. But this was not the Air Force, and people don't always treat their job like a service.
There are so many great lessons and stories in these vignettes. But I just don't know beyond the war buffs and the deeply patriotic, who might be picking this book up besides me and my fellow veterans. No need to tell us how great some of the people who served were. We already know.
Perhaps if you haven't served, make it your goal to read this for Veterans Day, Memorial Day or Fourth of July. Make it the one patriotic thing you do this year.
That's probably what would have happened with this one. If my co-worker had only recommended it and not handed it to me, then I likely never would have read it. It's not that I don't like reading about American heroes, I do. But I already have a to-read book shelf that is slightly bowed in the middle, and a Kindle to-read shelf that is currently taking up quite a few swipes to get to the next book. Sometimes reading becomes an exercise in getting to the next book rather than actually enjoying the book I'm reading.
In the first line, I mention that the book will likely not reach much of its intended audience. So let me explain. My co-worker, the Air Force vet, and me, another Air Force vet are not the intended audience of this book. Howard Schultz is the CEO of Starbucks. He's got a lot of money and therefore a bit of influence and he had almost no exposure to veterans and their issues/causes. He talks in the introduction about how he finally woke up to the reality that men and women in uniform make every day sacrifices and he, as an "average" American citizen has no exposure to that.
The figures he quotes are sobering. Only 1% of Americans have served or are serving in the military. And only 5% of American have an immediate family member who has served or is serving. To say our modern day citizen is disconnected from the military and its volunteer members is an understatement. What this book sets out to do is provide a series of vignettes that tell the tales of unparalleled bravery in wartime and then of unparalleled commitment to those veterans after they return home.
But here's the reality. I'm an Air Force vet, I get it. I know what went on overseas during my deployment, and I've been lucky to serve with some truly great and selfless heroes. And I was given the book to read by a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who also served his share of deployments. So the two of us - we're not the target audience of the book. Schultz isn't speaking to us. Yet, the stories told in the book, the still meant something to me.
The stories told by Schultz are recent. They recount bravery and heroism during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are startlingly recent. I served in Baghdad in 2006-2007 and for some reason, my brain has shut off after that time. I've moved on to law school and a law career. And here we are, eight years later, and it still feels, in many respects, like I just got home. And then I read these stories, of veterans coming home in 2012, 2013 and its like I never left, but I'm so far removed from them too.
The part of the book I found really enlightening were in the second half. The stories of veterans working on Team Rubicon and TAPS who are helping veterans, their families and disaster victims here in the United States. And it sort of woke me up to all the good people do every day. Veterans do have so much to give, and so much training and experience to share. It reminded me of the very first job I got during law school, fresh out of the Air Force, where the hiring manager at the law firm told me that if I was scheduled to work from 10-2 on a certain day, I should be there from 10-2. This didn't make sense to me. Of course if I was scheduled to work 10-2 I would show up. Of course I would work those hours. But this was not the Air Force, and people don't always treat their job like a service.
There are so many great lessons and stories in these vignettes. But I just don't know beyond the war buffs and the deeply patriotic, who might be picking this book up besides me and my fellow veterans. No need to tell us how great some of the people who served were. We already know.
Perhaps if you haven't served, make it your goal to read this for Veterans Day, Memorial Day or Fourth of July. Make it the one patriotic thing you do this year.
December 22, 2014
I read this book on Veterans Day and as a veteran myself I found it a great book for showing some of the good sides to my time in uniform and since leaving the service.
However, I felt like this was a missed opportunity to highlight the need of America to come forward to help the many veterans who are unemployed and have been forgotten about by our country.
However, I felt like this was a missed opportunity to highlight the need of America to come forward to help the many veterans who are unemployed and have been forgotten about by our country.
August 4, 2025
This book was a fascinating and heart-wrenching account of the disconnect between vets and civilians. It is so interesting personally having one foot in the door of the military and the other in the perceptions of the outside world with no close military affiliation (family/friends). I grew up with no one in my close circle with militant ties.
While most people generally accept and highly admire our war vets, when was the last time you read stories about their achievements and the ugliness of the wars it has taken to keep the home front safe? When was the last time you encountered a veteran and took genuine interest in his/her story (if they want to talk about it)? It amazes me how self-consumed (primarily my own generation) has become.
Another subtopic of interest mentioned in regard to research on TBI and PTSD is bureaucracy. In my meager years of ROTC, and even as I prep for active duty, already I have seen a system plagued by the disease of politics. I imagine myself and freshly commissioned colleagues will be placed in the thick of it soon enough. I hope we all can and voraciously desire to contribute to change.
Final point of interest…one of the authors is the former long-time CEO of Starbucks (retired 2022). Respectfully, I wasn’t expecting that. Not knowing anything about him before, I have much respect for him for utilizing his name, money, and, frankly, privileges of bureaucracy to co-write such a masterpiece recognizing America’s warriors.
While most people generally accept and highly admire our war vets, when was the last time you read stories about their achievements and the ugliness of the wars it has taken to keep the home front safe? When was the last time you encountered a veteran and took genuine interest in his/her story (if they want to talk about it)? It amazes me how self-consumed (primarily my own generation) has become.
Another subtopic of interest mentioned in regard to research on TBI and PTSD is bureaucracy. In my meager years of ROTC, and even as I prep for active duty, already I have seen a system plagued by the disease of politics. I imagine myself and freshly commissioned colleagues will be placed in the thick of it soon enough. I hope we all can and voraciously desire to contribute to change.
Final point of interest…one of the authors is the former long-time CEO of Starbucks (retired 2022). Respectfully, I wasn’t expecting that. Not knowing anything about him before, I have much respect for him for utilizing his name, money, and, frankly, privileges of bureaucracy to co-write such a masterpiece recognizing America’s warriors.
December 6, 2014
This book is divided into two parts. The first part looks at the lives of several people who participated in war. The focus is on individuals who found themselves in danger, or with others in danger and acted as heroes either saving the lives of others while losing their own, or surviving and then working hard to recover from the trauma they experienced. This kind of courage and unselfish sacrifice is common in warfare, although the book unfortunately does not acknowledge that this kind of heroism is probably more common among the civilians victimized by the warfare than among the soldiers who are causing the war.
The second part is about war veterans who are now working to help other veterans or providing a service in some manner in their communities, sometimes covering more than just a local region.
Some good points are made. For example in Page 199 is the following worthwhile suggestion: "If you encounter a veteran, say something more than 'thank you for your service.' Ask a thoughtful question or two - and listen to his or her story."
For Love of Country points out that since we have a voluntary military only a small percentage of the population actually ever participates in the military. It goes to say in the epilogue, "Our inattention to war doesn't just give short shrift to heroes. It harms everyone who served" (Page 196.) That current situation deserves more thought and attention.
The authors do point out some of the serious problems with our military organizations, but I think the points made were done inadvertently rather than intentionally. For example the problem of sexual harassment is mentioned, but only as a part of one soldier's experience, and the authors almost seem to take it for granted. The reader is reminded that the military destroys marriages (Page 61). If fact I believe that the US military is likely the most powerful anti-family force in the world. On page 38 the common simple-minded mistake of trying to divide the world into "bad guys" and "good guys" occurs, when every thinking person knows that the line "separating good and evil goes through every human heart. " In one place (Page 91) the enemy is referred to as a "son-of-a-bitch." The other side of the story, of course, is that person was simply defending his country from foreign invaders and occupiers.
Unfortunately the authors of For Love of Country omit much valuable and relevant information from their book. They fail to address the question regarding the reasons for the war, and whether it was necessary. They don't point out that attacking a distant smaller, weaker country to kill "bad guys" might actually be creating more enemies for the US and a increasingly unsafe world for them and their families. They don't point out the foolishness of following orders unthinkingly, without considering the impact of those orders on others, that following military orders might actually be irresponsible citizenship.
They also use the word "service" only in the context of participating in military violence, not in the endless number of ways a person can serve his or her country without being a part of any military organization. One soldier on Page 82 is quoted as saying "I need to make a difference." Unfortunately trying to stop all wars by preparing to fight just one more has been tried millions of times throughout human history and has always failed. If one wants to really make a difference, he or she must reject the military recruiters promises, options, and choices.
It would also be nice if this For Love of Country" contained a balanced perspective. That would require it to have as many examples of Iraqi and Afghan acts of heroism in defending their country from the US, as it has example of US soldier's acts of heroism in attacking Iraq and Afghanistan. This book is well written and the story well-told and easy to read, but it's very unbalanced and those who read it should keep that in mind. A great opportunity for telling the truth and raising important questions about war, international relations, and the way the US treats other countries was missed in this book.
The second part is about war veterans who are now working to help other veterans or providing a service in some manner in their communities, sometimes covering more than just a local region.
Some good points are made. For example in Page 199 is the following worthwhile suggestion: "If you encounter a veteran, say something more than 'thank you for your service.' Ask a thoughtful question or two - and listen to his or her story."
For Love of Country points out that since we have a voluntary military only a small percentage of the population actually ever participates in the military. It goes to say in the epilogue, "Our inattention to war doesn't just give short shrift to heroes. It harms everyone who served" (Page 196.) That current situation deserves more thought and attention.
The authors do point out some of the serious problems with our military organizations, but I think the points made were done inadvertently rather than intentionally. For example the problem of sexual harassment is mentioned, but only as a part of one soldier's experience, and the authors almost seem to take it for granted. The reader is reminded that the military destroys marriages (Page 61). If fact I believe that the US military is likely the most powerful anti-family force in the world. On page 38 the common simple-minded mistake of trying to divide the world into "bad guys" and "good guys" occurs, when every thinking person knows that the line "separating good and evil goes through every human heart. " In one place (Page 91) the enemy is referred to as a "son-of-a-bitch." The other side of the story, of course, is that person was simply defending his country from foreign invaders and occupiers.
Unfortunately the authors of For Love of Country omit much valuable and relevant information from their book. They fail to address the question regarding the reasons for the war, and whether it was necessary. They don't point out that attacking a distant smaller, weaker country to kill "bad guys" might actually be creating more enemies for the US and a increasingly unsafe world for them and their families. They don't point out the foolishness of following orders unthinkingly, without considering the impact of those orders on others, that following military orders might actually be irresponsible citizenship.
They also use the word "service" only in the context of participating in military violence, not in the endless number of ways a person can serve his or her country without being a part of any military organization. One soldier on Page 82 is quoted as saying "I need to make a difference." Unfortunately trying to stop all wars by preparing to fight just one more has been tried millions of times throughout human history and has always failed. If one wants to really make a difference, he or she must reject the military recruiters promises, options, and choices.
It would also be nice if this For Love of Country" contained a balanced perspective. That would require it to have as many examples of Iraqi and Afghan acts of heroism in defending their country from the US, as it has example of US soldier's acts of heroism in attacking Iraq and Afghanistan. This book is well written and the story well-told and easy to read, but it's very unbalanced and those who read it should keep that in mind. A great opportunity for telling the truth and raising important questions about war, international relations, and the way the US treats other countries was missed in this book.
April 13, 2017
This is a book that everyone should read. I found too often that a lump was forming in my throat and I had to put the book down as to not get too emotional when reading this in public. I'm having a hard time articulating my thoughts as the stories and people portrayed in the book seem like something out of a movie. The sacrifices made by our active service members, veterans and their families is hard to comprehend by someone with limited involvement with the military.
Some memorable quotes from the introduction:
"Less than 1% of our population have served our military abroad since the September 11, 2001 attacks...Most Americans have no skin in the game...With no draft, we rely on brave volunteers...The reliance on volunteers has led many other Americans to pay scant attention to the sacrifice of our warriors. We let them protect us, yet we go on with life as usual."
"55% - about 1.4 million veterans among this generation-said they feel disconnected from civilian life in America. How could the America outside military bases feel so alien to our veterans? It revealed a giant divide between our military and our civilian populations."
The first portion of the book highlights stories from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of the stories are told by the people who fought and served overseas and other stories are recounted through others to describe acts of heroism that costs our service members their lives. It was difficult reading this portion of the book because the stories sound like something out of a movie; it's hard to fathom the bravery, patriotism and dedication that these men and women possess.
The second part of the book has many inspiring stories of our veterans coming home and continuing to give back to our country. Teaching in an inner city school, going out to natural disaster sites to help clean up, spouses picking up the slack to help other families where our government falls short of providing for our veterans are just some of the inspiring stories. Many non-profits were born to step in and finance what the government won't.
I was frustrated reading Chapter 9- Still Fighting for His Troops. To hear about how our government and doctors treat veterans with PTSD and TBI's brings to light what most civilians don't hear of.
The ends of each of these chapters are left open and hanging since their stories and work still continue.
As a civilian, the epilogue ties things together on how we can get involved or at least show interest and genuine gratitude for the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made.
"If you encounter a veteran, say more than 'Thank you for your service'...veterans found that four in ten of them feel civilians are 'just saying what people want to hear' when they express their appreciation. In part, that's because the public expressions of thanks have become rote."
"The challenge is upon is. This is the time to start bridging the civilian-military divide. This is the moment to demonstrate our collective potential to come together and do right by those who have done so much for us. They stepped up. Now it's our turn."
The book ends with a website to visit to get more involved.
I hope that this book gets read by more civilians who are then inspired to do more.
Some memorable quotes from the introduction:
"Less than 1% of our population have served our military abroad since the September 11, 2001 attacks...Most Americans have no skin in the game...With no draft, we rely on brave volunteers...The reliance on volunteers has led many other Americans to pay scant attention to the sacrifice of our warriors. We let them protect us, yet we go on with life as usual."
"55% - about 1.4 million veterans among this generation-said they feel disconnected from civilian life in America. How could the America outside military bases feel so alien to our veterans? It revealed a giant divide between our military and our civilian populations."
The first portion of the book highlights stories from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of the stories are told by the people who fought and served overseas and other stories are recounted through others to describe acts of heroism that costs our service members their lives. It was difficult reading this portion of the book because the stories sound like something out of a movie; it's hard to fathom the bravery, patriotism and dedication that these men and women possess.
The second part of the book has many inspiring stories of our veterans coming home and continuing to give back to our country. Teaching in an inner city school, going out to natural disaster sites to help clean up, spouses picking up the slack to help other families where our government falls short of providing for our veterans are just some of the inspiring stories. Many non-profits were born to step in and finance what the government won't.
I was frustrated reading Chapter 9- Still Fighting for His Troops. To hear about how our government and doctors treat veterans with PTSD and TBI's brings to light what most civilians don't hear of.
The ends of each of these chapters are left open and hanging since their stories and work still continue.
As a civilian, the epilogue ties things together on how we can get involved or at least show interest and genuine gratitude for the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made.
"If you encounter a veteran, say more than 'Thank you for your service'...veterans found that four in ten of them feel civilians are 'just saying what people want to hear' when they express their appreciation. In part, that's because the public expressions of thanks have become rote."
"The challenge is upon is. This is the time to start bridging the civilian-military divide. This is the moment to demonstrate our collective potential to come together and do right by those who have done so much for us. They stepped up. Now it's our turn."
The book ends with a website to visit to get more involved.
I hope that this book gets read by more civilians who are then inspired to do more.
August 4, 2019
This was a good book to read to gain a greater appreciation for the work and sacrifice of those that serve in the military. They give up their lives, their health, time with their families, and much more to protect and defend the country and our people. Many, who come home, return with wounds, but even more come home and continue to serve. They make a difference in their communities, in humanitarian work, in schools, with children, at work, and an in a variety of places. I'm grateful for the individual stories highlighted here that helped to paint a picture of what they go through to protect the country and defend our freedoms and the unique ways they can then contribute afterwards. They are doctors, teachers, mentors. There can be some stigma around veterans sometimes, and this book helps remind us to be grateful and beyond being grateful and expressing that gratitude we need to get to know people, listen to their stories, care. That's a good lesson for everyone around us, but particularly those who have sacrificed much for us.
Here are some quotes I liked:
"In the fraction of a second between observing the grenade and reaching for it, Petry, a father of four, expected to surrender his life. 'These are my brothers--family just like my wife and kids--and you protect the ones you love (p. 5).'"
"Petry looked down. His camouflage pants and boots were soaked in blood. I want to keep fighting, but I guess my body is running out of juice.... 'You saved us, man (p. 7).'"
"His selfless act... 'is the stuff of which heroes are made. This the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every American (Barack Obama, p. 8).'"
"Petry's act that day in May 2008 might have been unique, but the values, courage, and dedication he embodies are universal among those Americans who have raised their right hand and sworn to defend our nation (p. 8)."
"Disproportionate attention by the media to the small number of veterans who have committed crimes, or the minority of them who have returned home with serious mental and physical ailments, compared with those who have found personal and professional success, or are charting a course toward it, risks stigmatizing them (p. 10)."
"'We're going to hire the best and the brightest.' Our company's culture would benefit...as our partners worked side by side with people who have defended our country and 'done things that you can't even imagine (p. 11).'"
"I couldn't be a bystander when it came to our veterans; I couldn't simply say 'thank you' and move on. I had met extraordinary people. I had to do something (p. 13)."
"55 percent--about 1.4 million veterans among this generation--said they feel disconnected from civilian life in America... How could America outside military bases feel so alien to our veterans? It revealed a giant divide between our military and our civilian populations (p. 14)."
"Their stories had to be shared with my fellow Americans (p. 15)."
"With no draft, we rely on brave volunteers. It is a system that has provided us with the best-trained, most-disciplined military in the world, and even during the most difficult periods of the Iraq war, there was never a shortage of young men and women who were willing to join (p. 15)."
"We hope this book will motivate Americans on both sides--our veterans and active-duty service members, and those who haven't served and don't possess a direct family tie to a veteran--to collaborate in communities across our country (p. 16)."
"Grief welled inside him, but his skill as a physician was undiminished. Soon, however, treating busted shoulders and bum knees...began to feel unfulfilling.... Why...am I spending my time hearing people complain about nothing?... I want to be a battalion surgeon (p. 25)."
"'In most cases, fathers inspire sons... In this case, sons inspire Dad (p. 30).'"
"Afghanistan was an orthopedic surgeon's war (p. 31)."
"A generation ago, such wounds were often fatal (p. 32)."
"'He made an enormous contribution... He brought experience and judgment that can only come with many years of practicing medicine (p. 33).'"
"What are we doing? Are we saving people who are going to have no life (p. 36)?"
"'You can be a war hero even if you never fired a weapon in combat (p. 37).'"
"Am I dead?... I guess I'm still here (p. 43)."
"Medic Bryan Anderson knew the rules and the risks. He also knew that his buddies were down and that they needed his help (p. 47)."
"Horton was beginning to feel helpless. The enemy seemed invisible (p. 49)."
"'Anderson endured a total of seven IEDs or suicide vest blasts from a distance of no more than ten meters within the course of thirty minutes (p. 57)."
"The attacks on New York and Washington gave her new purpose: She didn't just want to oversee the assembly of bridges and buildings in safe, rear-echelon places; she needed to help in the theaters of war (p. 61)."
"'Her actions inspired her men to accomplish the mission and saved the lives of her fellow soldiers (p. 69).'"
"Her true valor, however, is evident in her career of service, still in its prime: grueling combat deployments, a refusal to accept the easy jobs, a series of trailblazing charges into terrain long off-limits to female soldiers (p. 73)."
"In those days, becoming a Marine, particularly an infantryman, as Jordan wanted to be, was dangerous business Chris and JoAnn never voiced their concerns to Jordan (p. 80)."
"They believed Haerter and Yale had saved all of the Marines inside the security station by staying at their post and shooting at the truck, preventing the driver from entering and forcing him to detonate the bomb outside the gate (p. 87)."
"'A lot of you misjudged him. You didn't think he was a very good Marine... Well, you had no idea what was really inside him. He gave his life to save all of you (p. 88).'"
"They never even started to step aside. They never even shifted their weight... they leaned into the danger, firing as fast as they could work their weapons. They had only one second left to live. The truck explodes. The camera goes blank. Two young men go to their God. Six seconds. Not enough time to think about their families, their country, their flag, or about their lives or their deaths, but more than enough time for two very brave young men to do their duty--into eternity. That is the kind of people who are on watch all over the world tonight--for you (p. 92)."
"I'm gonna die up here... I might as well try to help my buddies until I get shop up (p. 103)."
"To White, a Medal of Honor seemed unnecessary, irrelevant even. He was doing his job as a soldier up there on the trail (p. 111)."
"Oclander began to track homicides in Chicago from his Pentagon office. He compared the tallies of attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan...with the violent deaths in America's third-largest city... 'Chicago Homicides Outnumber U.S. Troop Killings in Afghanistan.'... The greatest threat to our country is no longer overseas, it's within our borders... If we don't get this right, America will no longer be the world's greatest nation (p. 121)."
"Oclander had grown convinced that education was a prerequisite for long-term stability... Nothing felt as important as education (p. 122)."
"I'm good at leading people and solving difficult problems... This is a difficult problem (p. 126)."
"'Who are you guys?'... 'We're veterans... We're here to help (p. 133).'"
"This looks like Fallujah... I should get down there. I can make a difference (p. 138)."
"He was certain he could be of help. He knew how to dig people out of rubble, he could wield a hammer and a saw, and he could live out of a backpack, sleeping under the stars, without running water or other creature comforts. I can work in pure chaos (p. 139)."
"He was struggling with post-traumatic stress, depression, and an unraveling marriage. Throwing himself into humanitarian aid appeared to brighten his mood (p. 140)."
"'When you get out, you don't realize how lost you'll be (p. 145).'"
"'For me, helping other people is how I help myself (p. 145).'"
"'It didn't even occur to me not to be happy... He was alive. The rest we could get through (p. 156).'"
"'We have to go to Boston. We can help them (p. 161).'"
"The advancements in prosthetics and limb transplants since 2001 had been...'nothing short of amazing.' But he soon discovered the same couldn't be said for mental health and brain injuries. 'What we were doing for their minds wasn't a tenth of what we were doing for their arms and legs (p. 166).'"
"Chiarelli moved back home to Seattle and assumed command of One Mind for Research, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing research and treatment of mental illness and brain injury. 'I'm going to keep working this... I'm not throwing in the towel (p. 169).'"
"'As long as you can keep moving, you keep moving (p. 171).'"
"His organization would not 'spend another cent on research' until he could find folks willing to work together (p. 174)."
"How many veterans...wind up killing themselves because the medications they need aren't on the VA's list (p. 175)?"
"''Never leave a man behind.' But who actually lives that? He does... He could be living a comfortable life. There's no kudos for looking out for Ben Richards. But he does. Because he's one of the great heroes of our Army (p. 178).'"
"All of the children in the room had lost a parent who had been serving in the military (p. 183)."
"Where can I find a support group for people like me (p. 190)?"
"'When it comes to grief and traumatic loss, it's not a mental illness... It's not a physical injury. You really can't take a pill to get better or get over it. But what you can do is connect with another who has walked that journey (p. 190).'"
"'It's powerful to know that you're not alone, to know that there are others who have felt this pain and have survived it (p. 191).'"
"In that moment, they weren't mentor and camper, college graduate and elementary school kid. The years between them vanished. They were two sons missing their dads (p. 194)."
"Today's all-volunteer military doesn't spread the burden of warfare across society. It lays that burden on a fraction of our population, and those families often live on walled-off bases, cut off from the very citizens they have vowed to protect (p. 196)."
"Our veterans can make--and are making--valuable contributions in the worlds of business, government, education, public health, and community service (p. 197)."
"It is unhealthy for a nation to become detached from those who secure it (p. 198)."
"Learn about those who safeguard us... Ask a thoughtful question or two--and listen to his or her story. Many veterans are eager to explain how they served and what they're doing now. Meet their spouses ad discover how strong and resilient they are (p. 199)."
"Serving in the military qualifies one to be more than a security guard. Veterans come with a can-do spirit. Many possess leadership and decision-making experiences that exceed that of civilians two decades their senior. They know how to follow orders but also how to exercise initiative. Hiring veterans isn't charity--it's good business (p. 200)."
"The effort to bridge the civilian-military divide doesn't take much--just a little curiosity and a willingness to reach out (p. 201)."
"In October 1945, The Saturday Evening Post published an issue with a Norman Rockwell painting titled Homecoming Marine on its cover. It depicts a young Marine in his service khakis, a Silver Star ribbon affixed to his chest, holding a Japanese flag as he sits on a box in a garage. He is talking to four men and two boys, all of whom are paying rapt attention... 'We need the image of our returning veterans to look more like this (p. 203).'"
"We are in debt to the 2.6 million American volunteers who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world in support of those wars... We found remarkable stories from the war fronts, on the home front, everywhere we looked... The more time we spent...the more impressed--and humbled--we came to feel (p. 207)."
Here are some quotes I liked:
"In the fraction of a second between observing the grenade and reaching for it, Petry, a father of four, expected to surrender his life. 'These are my brothers--family just like my wife and kids--and you protect the ones you love (p. 5).'"
"Petry looked down. His camouflage pants and boots were soaked in blood. I want to keep fighting, but I guess my body is running out of juice.... 'You saved us, man (p. 7).'"
"His selfless act... 'is the stuff of which heroes are made. This the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every American (Barack Obama, p. 8).'"
"Petry's act that day in May 2008 might have been unique, but the values, courage, and dedication he embodies are universal among those Americans who have raised their right hand and sworn to defend our nation (p. 8)."
"Disproportionate attention by the media to the small number of veterans who have committed crimes, or the minority of them who have returned home with serious mental and physical ailments, compared with those who have found personal and professional success, or are charting a course toward it, risks stigmatizing them (p. 10)."
"'We're going to hire the best and the brightest.' Our company's culture would benefit...as our partners worked side by side with people who have defended our country and 'done things that you can't even imagine (p. 11).'"
"I couldn't be a bystander when it came to our veterans; I couldn't simply say 'thank you' and move on. I had met extraordinary people. I had to do something (p. 13)."
"55 percent--about 1.4 million veterans among this generation--said they feel disconnected from civilian life in America... How could America outside military bases feel so alien to our veterans? It revealed a giant divide between our military and our civilian populations (p. 14)."
"Their stories had to be shared with my fellow Americans (p. 15)."
"With no draft, we rely on brave volunteers. It is a system that has provided us with the best-trained, most-disciplined military in the world, and even during the most difficult periods of the Iraq war, there was never a shortage of young men and women who were willing to join (p. 15)."
"We hope this book will motivate Americans on both sides--our veterans and active-duty service members, and those who haven't served and don't possess a direct family tie to a veteran--to collaborate in communities across our country (p. 16)."
"Grief welled inside him, but his skill as a physician was undiminished. Soon, however, treating busted shoulders and bum knees...began to feel unfulfilling.... Why...am I spending my time hearing people complain about nothing?... I want to be a battalion surgeon (p. 25)."
"'In most cases, fathers inspire sons... In this case, sons inspire Dad (p. 30).'"
"Afghanistan was an orthopedic surgeon's war (p. 31)."
"A generation ago, such wounds were often fatal (p. 32)."
"'He made an enormous contribution... He brought experience and judgment that can only come with many years of practicing medicine (p. 33).'"
"What are we doing? Are we saving people who are going to have no life (p. 36)?"
"'You can be a war hero even if you never fired a weapon in combat (p. 37).'"
"Am I dead?... I guess I'm still here (p. 43)."
"Medic Bryan Anderson knew the rules and the risks. He also knew that his buddies were down and that they needed his help (p. 47)."
"Horton was beginning to feel helpless. The enemy seemed invisible (p. 49)."
"'Anderson endured a total of seven IEDs or suicide vest blasts from a distance of no more than ten meters within the course of thirty minutes (p. 57)."
"The attacks on New York and Washington gave her new purpose: She didn't just want to oversee the assembly of bridges and buildings in safe, rear-echelon places; she needed to help in the theaters of war (p. 61)."
"'Her actions inspired her men to accomplish the mission and saved the lives of her fellow soldiers (p. 69).'"
"Her true valor, however, is evident in her career of service, still in its prime: grueling combat deployments, a refusal to accept the easy jobs, a series of trailblazing charges into terrain long off-limits to female soldiers (p. 73)."
"In those days, becoming a Marine, particularly an infantryman, as Jordan wanted to be, was dangerous business Chris and JoAnn never voiced their concerns to Jordan (p. 80)."
"They believed Haerter and Yale had saved all of the Marines inside the security station by staying at their post and shooting at the truck, preventing the driver from entering and forcing him to detonate the bomb outside the gate (p. 87)."
"'A lot of you misjudged him. You didn't think he was a very good Marine... Well, you had no idea what was really inside him. He gave his life to save all of you (p. 88).'"
"They never even started to step aside. They never even shifted their weight... they leaned into the danger, firing as fast as they could work their weapons. They had only one second left to live. The truck explodes. The camera goes blank. Two young men go to their God. Six seconds. Not enough time to think about their families, their country, their flag, or about their lives or their deaths, but more than enough time for two very brave young men to do their duty--into eternity. That is the kind of people who are on watch all over the world tonight--for you (p. 92)."
"I'm gonna die up here... I might as well try to help my buddies until I get shop up (p. 103)."
"To White, a Medal of Honor seemed unnecessary, irrelevant even. He was doing his job as a soldier up there on the trail (p. 111)."
"Oclander began to track homicides in Chicago from his Pentagon office. He compared the tallies of attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan...with the violent deaths in America's third-largest city... 'Chicago Homicides Outnumber U.S. Troop Killings in Afghanistan.'... The greatest threat to our country is no longer overseas, it's within our borders... If we don't get this right, America will no longer be the world's greatest nation (p. 121)."
"Oclander had grown convinced that education was a prerequisite for long-term stability... Nothing felt as important as education (p. 122)."
"I'm good at leading people and solving difficult problems... This is a difficult problem (p. 126)."
"'Who are you guys?'... 'We're veterans... We're here to help (p. 133).'"
"This looks like Fallujah... I should get down there. I can make a difference (p. 138)."
"He was certain he could be of help. He knew how to dig people out of rubble, he could wield a hammer and a saw, and he could live out of a backpack, sleeping under the stars, without running water or other creature comforts. I can work in pure chaos (p. 139)."
"He was struggling with post-traumatic stress, depression, and an unraveling marriage. Throwing himself into humanitarian aid appeared to brighten his mood (p. 140)."
"'When you get out, you don't realize how lost you'll be (p. 145).'"
"'For me, helping other people is how I help myself (p. 145).'"
"'It didn't even occur to me not to be happy... He was alive. The rest we could get through (p. 156).'"
"'We have to go to Boston. We can help them (p. 161).'"
"The advancements in prosthetics and limb transplants since 2001 had been...'nothing short of amazing.' But he soon discovered the same couldn't be said for mental health and brain injuries. 'What we were doing for their minds wasn't a tenth of what we were doing for their arms and legs (p. 166).'"
"Chiarelli moved back home to Seattle and assumed command of One Mind for Research, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing research and treatment of mental illness and brain injury. 'I'm going to keep working this... I'm not throwing in the towel (p. 169).'"
"'As long as you can keep moving, you keep moving (p. 171).'"
"His organization would not 'spend another cent on research' until he could find folks willing to work together (p. 174)."
"How many veterans...wind up killing themselves because the medications they need aren't on the VA's list (p. 175)?"
"''Never leave a man behind.' But who actually lives that? He does... He could be living a comfortable life. There's no kudos for looking out for Ben Richards. But he does. Because he's one of the great heroes of our Army (p. 178).'"
"All of the children in the room had lost a parent who had been serving in the military (p. 183)."
"Where can I find a support group for people like me (p. 190)?"
"'When it comes to grief and traumatic loss, it's not a mental illness... It's not a physical injury. You really can't take a pill to get better or get over it. But what you can do is connect with another who has walked that journey (p. 190).'"
"'It's powerful to know that you're not alone, to know that there are others who have felt this pain and have survived it (p. 191).'"
"In that moment, they weren't mentor and camper, college graduate and elementary school kid. The years between them vanished. They were two sons missing their dads (p. 194)."
"Today's all-volunteer military doesn't spread the burden of warfare across society. It lays that burden on a fraction of our population, and those families often live on walled-off bases, cut off from the very citizens they have vowed to protect (p. 196)."
"Our veterans can make--and are making--valuable contributions in the worlds of business, government, education, public health, and community service (p. 197)."
"It is unhealthy for a nation to become detached from those who secure it (p. 198)."
"Learn about those who safeguard us... Ask a thoughtful question or two--and listen to his or her story. Many veterans are eager to explain how they served and what they're doing now. Meet their spouses ad discover how strong and resilient they are (p. 199)."
"Serving in the military qualifies one to be more than a security guard. Veterans come with a can-do spirit. Many possess leadership and decision-making experiences that exceed that of civilians two decades their senior. They know how to follow orders but also how to exercise initiative. Hiring veterans isn't charity--it's good business (p. 200)."
"The effort to bridge the civilian-military divide doesn't take much--just a little curiosity and a willingness to reach out (p. 201)."
"In October 1945, The Saturday Evening Post published an issue with a Norman Rockwell painting titled Homecoming Marine on its cover. It depicts a young Marine in his service khakis, a Silver Star ribbon affixed to his chest, holding a Japanese flag as he sits on a box in a garage. He is talking to four men and two boys, all of whom are paying rapt attention... 'We need the image of our returning veterans to look more like this (p. 203).'"
"We are in debt to the 2.6 million American volunteers who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world in support of those wars... We found remarkable stories from the war fronts, on the home front, everywhere we looked... The more time we spent...the more impressed--and humbled--we came to feel (p. 207)."
February 26, 2015
One of my favourite things about reading these books by Howard Schultz is his passion in what he is saying that makes you want to share his views, and take action in the causes he feels for.
"For Love of Country" was a beautiful compilation of stories from the war split into two parts: during deployment and after returning home. The book follows different veterans who exhibited strength, heroism, sacrifice, etc. either in the line of war, or returning back home.
So often, especially in a war as unpopular as the War on Terror, we as civilians lose sight of the bravery and strength that goes into protecting our country. We let these heroes go off to fight our wars and come home to a public that doesn't necessarily welcome them with open arms. The second half of this book illustrates stories of veterans who have demonstrated their skills developed in the military in order to suppor their community; be it through mentoring students, helping veterans before them, or relief efforts both domestically and through international aid. It is inspiring, motivational, and makes you feel patriotic and grateful to have such brave men and women defending and supporting your country. But most of all, and what I love so much about this book, is that it doesn't shy away from the plight of veterans returning from the US. Schultz doesn't shy away from talking about the effects of PTSD and real people who were affected by it. He doesn't shy away from the pain of the families who have lost a father/wife/husband/child/etc. This book doesn't glorify war nore does it condemn it. It simply tells the story as it is in an effort to elucidate the real-life experiences and problems facing veterans today.
Beautifully written, with a wonderful challenge at the end for everday people. Highly Recommend.
"For Love of Country" was a beautiful compilation of stories from the war split into two parts: during deployment and after returning home. The book follows different veterans who exhibited strength, heroism, sacrifice, etc. either in the line of war, or returning back home.
So often, especially in a war as unpopular as the War on Terror, we as civilians lose sight of the bravery and strength that goes into protecting our country. We let these heroes go off to fight our wars and come home to a public that doesn't necessarily welcome them with open arms. The second half of this book illustrates stories of veterans who have demonstrated their skills developed in the military in order to suppor their community; be it through mentoring students, helping veterans before them, or relief efforts both domestically and through international aid. It is inspiring, motivational, and makes you feel patriotic and grateful to have such brave men and women defending and supporting your country. But most of all, and what I love so much about this book, is that it doesn't shy away from the plight of veterans returning from the US. Schultz doesn't shy away from talking about the effects of PTSD and real people who were affected by it. He doesn't shy away from the pain of the families who have lost a father/wife/husband/child/etc. This book doesn't glorify war nore does it condemn it. It simply tells the story as it is in an effort to elucidate the real-life experiences and problems facing veterans today.
Beautifully written, with a wonderful challenge at the end for everday people. Highly Recommend.
December 31, 2014
Someone else said it well in their review when they stated that their rating wasn't so much for the actual book and writing but rather for the topic. This is a book everyone should read as a reminder of the debt we owe those who have served. 1% of our population protects all of us (5% if you include their families). No matter your politics these individuals deserve our love, respect and our aide. Sorry for preaching! After reading this book it just sunk in for me how many who survived need our help. Medical advancements have led to many more survivors but these individuals have a long and very steep road to recovery both physically and mentally.
I read this book while sitting pool side in Costa Rico enjoying the sun, view and the good health of my family. How blessed I am. Now its time to start making a difference in the lives of those who provide me with the security to enjoy these blessings.
It's a quick read and one I highly recommend to all. Like a Path Appears it offers ways to get started by giving your time or money to organizations that are really making a difference.
I read this book while sitting pool side in Costa Rico enjoying the sun, view and the good health of my family. How blessed I am. Now its time to start making a difference in the lives of those who provide me with the security to enjoy these blessings.
It's a quick read and one I highly recommend to all. Like a Path Appears it offers ways to get started by giving your time or money to organizations that are really making a difference.
January 19, 2015
A moving anthology of veteran's stories in the field and for their communities. Found the prose to be well written, the stories fast-paced, emotional, and engaging. Major themes underlying For Love of Country are the dedication and contributions of the military community to their own and the nation as a whole, even in the most dismal of conditions. Secondarily, the book prompts the general public to rise up to embrace the larger realities of the world and people around them.
Topically, the book is focused on recent veterans. Prior wars are not necessarily involved and honestly have been covered topically elsewhere. Given recent material on Millennial Generation's contributions (or lack thereof) in the workforce, this choice in topic is well made.
Topically, the book is focused on recent veterans. Prior wars are not necessarily involved and honestly have been covered topically elsewhere. Given recent material on Millennial Generation's contributions (or lack thereof) in the workforce, this choice in topic is well made.
February 18, 2015
On the back of the book is a quote from Robert Gates that pretty much summed up this book. I'm going to "cadet borrow" his quote. "This splendid book should be read by every American. It is a story of heroes, recovery, and a continuing desire to serve our country and its citizens. You must be made of stone to read this and not shed tears. But the book's message is that, after the tears, we must not forget the sacrifices those in uniform and their families have made for all of us over the last thirteen years; we must welcome back into our communities those who served not just with thanks and open arms, but with respect, admiration, and new lives and careers worthy of all they have done for all of us."
Read
December 10, 2014Thank you very much Good Reads for sending this book to me for free. This book should really be read by every American. It describes the sacrifice both men and women make for the safety and freedom for the rest of us. Each chapter brings a slightly different perspective from the eyes and experiences of the military personnel. The team work and comradely is extraordinary. Even after being discharged the ones who served together keep in contact. When there are disasters or other emergencies, these are the folks that volunteer first and organize recovery or rescue efforts. We are proud to have these men and women and the book reinforces this sentiment.
Thank you
Sincerely, Dorothy Steffens
Thank you
Sincerely, Dorothy Steffens
March 1, 2015
Saying, "Thank You" at an airport or "standing for an ovation at a baseball game is not enough". One and a half million of those who served in the wars said the needs of those fellow vets are not being met by the government. They don't need care packages and quilts. The need a nation to understand the skills and values and discipline they have acquired and the assistance they still require. Our nation needs to give them an opportunity to make a difference on the home front.
Less than 1 percent of our population have served in our military since September 11,2001 attacks. Add their direct family members and they still amount to less than 5 percent of the nation. All are volunteers. Most Americans have no skin in the game.....
Eye opening. They deserve more.
Less than 1 percent of our population have served in our military since September 11,2001 attacks. Add their direct family members and they still amount to less than 5 percent of the nation. All are volunteers. Most Americans have no skin in the game.....
Eye opening. They deserve more.
January 30, 2016
It took me a while to finish the book, 1 1/2 years to be exact. However, it was well written, and certainly inspiring. The book was written in an effort to open the eyes to the American people of the reality of our veterans around us today. I strongly support the goal of the book and will cut my review short with these quotes from the authors:
"For too long, too many of us have paid scant attention to the commitment of a brave few in our midst. It is unhealthy for a nation to become detached from those who secure it."
"The challenge is upon us. This is the time to start bridging the civilian-military divide. This is the moment to demonstrate our collective potential to come together and do right by those who have done so much for us. They stepped up. Now it's our turn."
"For too long, too many of us have paid scant attention to the commitment of a brave few in our midst. It is unhealthy for a nation to become detached from those who secure it."
"The challenge is upon us. This is the time to start bridging the civilian-military divide. This is the moment to demonstrate our collective potential to come together and do right by those who have done so much for us. They stepped up. Now it's our turn."
November 9, 2014
This is a collection of a dozen stories about veterans doing incredible things at war and at a home. Schultz says he wants the public to have a better understanding about what military service members have done for the country since 2001. He and Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post chose to profile Medal of Honor recipients, a triple amputee, Rangers who crawled into a minefield to retrieve a soldier's body, veterans who've become inner-city school teachers since leaving the military and military spouses who've stepped up to help families in need when the government did not. It's a quick read and well worth your time.
December 11, 2014
This is a wonderful collection of stories of our servicemen and their heroic actions on the battlefield and the sacrifices of them and their families off the battlefield. It reminds me once again of the great sacrifice that so many volunteer to give for my freedom and my life. I am forever indebted to our servicemen, and I admire those who stand beside them in great ways as chronicled in this book.
It is an inspirational read, reminding us of reality that "we sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us." (attributed to Winston Churchill)
It is an inspirational read, reminding us of reality that "we sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us." (attributed to Winston Churchill)
November 26, 2014
Every American needs to read this book! I'm so grateful for the 4 years that my husband served in the military because it helped me to have a better understanding of our military and the men and women who courageously defend our country. I urge every American to read this so that we can all better serve our veterans.
December 11, 2014
Strong short stories are the separate chapters. They span many different themes and elements of military life. The overall purpose of helping general population understand and respect military veterans is achieved.
February 11, 2015
A must-read for everyone--bet you can't read it without tears. Encourages readers to think beyond a mere thank you for our country's veterans, and brings readers closer to the reasons we have such immense freedoms.
January 31, 2016
You know how the New York Times Book Review has that "by the book" author Q&A and they sometimes ask "If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be?" I think this would be my answer.
March 22, 2018
Pg 199 "If you encounter a veteran, say something more than 'thank you for your service.' Ask a thoughtful question or two - and listen to his or her story."
Mr. Schultz listened and wrote a book about these stories.
A collection of short biography sketches of veterans of the modern war on terror. The stories are a mixed bag but the overall theme of the book is powerful. Veterans have sacrificed a tremendous amount and many veterans continue to serve after their service time.
This book is divided into two different styles. The first section follows the veterans and their war stories. The war tales focus on danger and their heroic actions against adversity. The second section focuses on veterans serving their community after their service time.
I look forward to more from Howard Schultz.
A few random observations are in the spoiler.
Mr. Schultz listened and wrote a book about these stories.
A collection of short biography sketches of veterans of the modern war on terror. The stories are a mixed bag but the overall theme of the book is powerful. Veterans have sacrificed a tremendous amount and many veterans continue to serve after their service time.
This book is divided into two different styles. The first section follows the veterans and their war stories. The war tales focus on danger and their heroic actions against adversity. The second section focuses on veterans serving their community after their service time.
I look forward to more from Howard Schultz.
A few random observations are in the spoiler.
January 16, 2023
The purpose of this book is extraordinary. For the Starbucks CEO to be moved to the point of writing a compendium of stories about the unselfishness and gallantry of our men and women in uniform is inspirational, and especially timely in these days where patriotism is cast to the gutter by the uneducated masses. As a 23-year veteran, I appreciated the efforts of Schultz and Chandrasekaran to illuminate how the burdens and sacrifices of the very few citizens in uniform carry the load of FREEDOM for the entitled country they serve. Every chapter in the book could have been expanded into a stand-alone volume, but the authors condensed the message into bite sizes.
I would love to see books like this included in our school's curricula.
The book title was very appropriately sub-titled "What our Veterans can teach us about Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice. Well written - good message!
I would love to see books like this included in our school's curricula.
The book title was very appropriately sub-titled "What our Veterans can teach us about Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice. Well written - good message!
December 16, 2022
No matter the “why” regarding war and why low middle class people were sent behind enemy lines, this book moved my heart and shift my paradigm on how (not just) government treat and serve (back) the veterans, but also how society should (not just) thank or salute them in the baseball matches or in the airport but also make a sanctuary for them (and their trauma).
This includes industries i.e. corporations and non-profit organizations. Meaning that, they could use veterans and their experiences for beyond just leadership seminar or icon. Policy makers should also include them in their businesses, not simply as a beneficiary for taxation incentives but in the decision making process. Schultz brings felicity for the veterans through his book, while extending readers’ heart and empathy.
This includes industries i.e. corporations and non-profit organizations. Meaning that, they could use veterans and their experiences for beyond just leadership seminar or icon. Policy makers should also include them in their businesses, not simply as a beneficiary for taxation incentives but in the decision making process. Schultz brings felicity for the veterans through his book, while extending readers’ heart and empathy.
January 16, 2020
This is a really great book. It tells the stories of individual soldiers who served in the US Army in Afghanistan and Iraq, in a totally apolitical manner. The soldiers profiled all showed exceptional valor, heroism, bravery, and strength. The second part is of veterans who served their country as civilians, in many ways inspired by their army service. The storytelling is quite detailed, without being too gory.
This book definitely illustrated to me a picture of what war is really like for actual soldiers. It definitely opened my eyes and mind; it definitely provoked some deep thought.
This is a must-read.
This book definitely illustrated to me a picture of what war is really like for actual soldiers. It definitely opened my eyes and mind; it definitely provoked some deep thought.
This is a must-read.
February 12, 2024
I love reading about people who display courage, and make a difference to others. This book combines both. What many of our servicemen and women do in the normal course of their "job" is astounding. Many put themselves in harms way to protect others, and many make it their life's work to provide care and services to them and their families when they return home.
This book makes me proud to be an American! I am a nurse in a VA clinic and this book opened my eyes to what they people I serve daily have done.
Recommend this book.
This book makes me proud to be an American! I am a nurse in a VA clinic and this book opened my eyes to what they people I serve daily have done.
Recommend this book.
May 19, 2019
I’ve had this book on my bookshelf for a couple of years. I wasn’t excited to read it, even less so after Schultz declared he was running for President. And with neither author being a veteran I was hesitant.
But, this book is good. It tells the stories of those affected by war and resiliency. So much resilience. I am a military spouse and I found myself inspired to do more for my peers. I’m glad I decided to read.
But, this book is good. It tells the stories of those affected by war and resiliency. So much resilience. I am a military spouse and I found myself inspired to do more for my peers. I’m glad I decided to read.
June 2, 2020
I don't really understand Howard Schultz's motivation for writing this book, but it was good. Divided into three parts, it effectively explains acts of heroism among America's veterans overseas, challenges they have faced since returning to civilian life, and what we can do to support them. I got that book at a Little Free Library and read it very quickly, but it wasn't that bad.
December 20, 2014
For Love of Country is about respect and love for those who have fought and are fighting our latest wars. Schultz, the highly successful CEO of Starbucks, and Chandrasekaran, the experienced international war correspondent team up to create a touching and realistic portrayal of the nature of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and once home the warriors’ difficult transitions to peace.
Each chapter is a story of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and teamwork. Part One of the book describes these traits in the heat of battle and Part Two these same traits applied to life at home, after military service. We meet Dr. Bill Krissoff, who in response to the loss of his son Nate in Iraq, quits his lucrative medical practice and forces his way into the military at the advanced age of 60. Eventually he deploys to Iraq serving near Fallujah, a little more than two years after and less than ten miles from where Nate was killed. There he works to save the battlefield’s seriously wounded. We are transported to war torn Ramadi, Iraq during the height of the surge in 2008. Manned by thirty-five Marines, Joint Security Station Nasser is one of the U.S. military’s countless efforts to collaborate with the local Iraqis to quell the insurgency that plunged the country into chaos and near civil war. Two Marines stand guard at the gate, twenty-one year old Corporal Jonathan Yale and nineteen year old Lance Corporal Jordan Haeter. As a tank truck barrels down the approach road to the station, ignoring the outer Iraqi checkpoint, the two Marines step forward and began firing their weapons. A six second video of the incident captures the truck, loaded with a ton of explosives weaving among the road barriers bent on entering the base, and the Marines firing until blotted out by the explosion that killed them both and stopped the truck, which saved their fellow Marines from certain death.
Once home and out of the military, most veterans transition successfully to civilian life, and contrary to common misperceptions, become normal citizens. Some do experience serious transition issues—a cost of war rarely accounted for by out leaders who take us to war—but these are exceptions to the rule. For many, the imperative to serve causes greater than themselves outweighs a safe job or a sizeable paycheck. Dave Oclander, a West Point graduate, three deployment veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and retired Lieutenant Colonel could have gone many directions following his retirement, including taking a well-paying job in the defense industry. Instead he chose to become a teacher in an intercity Chicago high school, serving as an inspiration and role model for students struggling to break out of their toxic environment. We learn about Team Rubicon, at first only four former military personnel, led by one time Marine sniper Jacob Wood, who on a whim of humanitarian empathy, go to Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake to simply help people. Other veterans learned about their exploits and join in later humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Today Team Rubicon has 16,000 members, including members who served in Vietnam. The book describes a recent deployment of Team members to Arkansas in the wake of a devastating tornado. Their mission—helping homeowners tear down the remains of their homes, saving these individuals thousands of dollars that can be put towards building a new home instead of removing the remnants of the old one.
These stories do more than inspire. In Part One, the 95% of the American people who are not a relative of current or recently serving veterans, or who have not served in the military themselves, are introduced to the horrors of war and the incredible things combat veterans accomplished on behalf of their fellow countrymen. In Part Two, we learn that the motivation to help others has remained the driving force for many who have left the armed services. The authors hope that the book will better educate all Americans about our veterans, what they have done for us, and what many of them will continue to do because service is part of their DNA.
For Love of Country is a surrogate for military service and in some ways an imperfect one. It is not a substitute for combat experience, long deployments away from home, and truly knowing what sacrifices a military life demands. But today national defense requires that only a small number of Americans need to serve in the military and volunteers seem plentiful. Among those who do serve, a majority never leave the United States and never experience combat. There seems to be no foreseeable future time when the entire county would need to be mobilized, like what happened in World War II. We are in an era of specialization. Those that serve in the military and their relatives will remain a very small portion of the larger population. Thankfully For Love of Country is an opportunity for renewal, a tool for Americans to acquaint themselves with their military, and in return to be more understanding and appreciative of the loyalty, humanitarian bent, and patriotism that continues to drive veterans long after they leave the military.
Note that all proceeds from sale of the book are being donated to veterans’ causes.
Each chapter is a story of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and teamwork. Part One of the book describes these traits in the heat of battle and Part Two these same traits applied to life at home, after military service. We meet Dr. Bill Krissoff, who in response to the loss of his son Nate in Iraq, quits his lucrative medical practice and forces his way into the military at the advanced age of 60. Eventually he deploys to Iraq serving near Fallujah, a little more than two years after and less than ten miles from where Nate was killed. There he works to save the battlefield’s seriously wounded. We are transported to war torn Ramadi, Iraq during the height of the surge in 2008. Manned by thirty-five Marines, Joint Security Station Nasser is one of the U.S. military’s countless efforts to collaborate with the local Iraqis to quell the insurgency that plunged the country into chaos and near civil war. Two Marines stand guard at the gate, twenty-one year old Corporal Jonathan Yale and nineteen year old Lance Corporal Jordan Haeter. As a tank truck barrels down the approach road to the station, ignoring the outer Iraqi checkpoint, the two Marines step forward and began firing their weapons. A six second video of the incident captures the truck, loaded with a ton of explosives weaving among the road barriers bent on entering the base, and the Marines firing until blotted out by the explosion that killed them both and stopped the truck, which saved their fellow Marines from certain death.
Once home and out of the military, most veterans transition successfully to civilian life, and contrary to common misperceptions, become normal citizens. Some do experience serious transition issues—a cost of war rarely accounted for by out leaders who take us to war—but these are exceptions to the rule. For many, the imperative to serve causes greater than themselves outweighs a safe job or a sizeable paycheck. Dave Oclander, a West Point graduate, three deployment veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and retired Lieutenant Colonel could have gone many directions following his retirement, including taking a well-paying job in the defense industry. Instead he chose to become a teacher in an intercity Chicago high school, serving as an inspiration and role model for students struggling to break out of their toxic environment. We learn about Team Rubicon, at first only four former military personnel, led by one time Marine sniper Jacob Wood, who on a whim of humanitarian empathy, go to Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake to simply help people. Other veterans learned about their exploits and join in later humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Today Team Rubicon has 16,000 members, including members who served in Vietnam. The book describes a recent deployment of Team members to Arkansas in the wake of a devastating tornado. Their mission—helping homeowners tear down the remains of their homes, saving these individuals thousands of dollars that can be put towards building a new home instead of removing the remnants of the old one.
These stories do more than inspire. In Part One, the 95% of the American people who are not a relative of current or recently serving veterans, or who have not served in the military themselves, are introduced to the horrors of war and the incredible things combat veterans accomplished on behalf of their fellow countrymen. In Part Two, we learn that the motivation to help others has remained the driving force for many who have left the armed services. The authors hope that the book will better educate all Americans about our veterans, what they have done for us, and what many of them will continue to do because service is part of their DNA.
For Love of Country is a surrogate for military service and in some ways an imperfect one. It is not a substitute for combat experience, long deployments away from home, and truly knowing what sacrifices a military life demands. But today national defense requires that only a small number of Americans need to serve in the military and volunteers seem plentiful. Among those who do serve, a majority never leave the United States and never experience combat. There seems to be no foreseeable future time when the entire county would need to be mobilized, like what happened in World War II. We are in an era of specialization. Those that serve in the military and their relatives will remain a very small portion of the larger population. Thankfully For Love of Country is an opportunity for renewal, a tool for Americans to acquaint themselves with their military, and in return to be more understanding and appreciative of the loyalty, humanitarian bent, and patriotism that continues to drive veterans long after they leave the military.
Note that all proceeds from sale of the book are being donated to veterans’ causes.
February 16, 2019
A BILLIONAIRE realizes he has no concept of members of the military who make the world safe so he can sell his COFFEE so he culls together a collection of BRAVE stories of man and women who have served the United States for freedom. Insightful and emotional.
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