From a Soldier's Perspective

by Michael Lee Womack

"As soldiers who have just returned from war, we fight a separate war daily in an attempt to leave the war behind. Many soldiers, just like myself, come home from war only to fight a separate internal battle, with debilitating illnesses such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. It was important for me to share my story not only for myself but for those who have fought, for those who have fallen, and for those who continue to wage war in order for the United States of America to continue to remain free. The price of freedom is not free.War is chaos, and many soldiers bear the scars from it for the rest of our lives."

80 pages, Hardcover

First published June 5, 2015

About the author

On the seventeenth day of February 1987, author and poet Michael Lee Womack was born in the small town of Sanford, North Carolina. Eighteen years later, he would make a decision that would forever change his life. Just a month after graduating high school, he would enlist into the United States Army on the thirtieth of June 2005. From there, he would embark on a journey unlike any other. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon the completion of his training, he was relocated to the Twenty-Fifth Infantry Division’s Schofield Barracks inside of Hawaii. Once there, he would become a part of a band of brothers that would eventually become like family to him. His first unit was just like any first because it will always be special to him. The Third Squadron, Fourth US Cavalry Regiment took him on a three-year tour of the army, and fourteen months of that included a 2006–2007 tour of Iraq. After a three-year stint of being with the Third Squadron, Fourth US Cavalry Regiment, he had decided that it was time to explore the army even more. He reenlisted for another three years and relocated back to Fort Knox, Kentucky. This go around, he found himself working as the OPFOR that assisted in the training of freshly new army lieutenants with the First Squadron, Sixteenth US Cavalry Regiment. Here he would work countless hours in the rain and snow to ensure that these lieutenants were prepared to take on their next mission and ready to lead their own soldiers into war. After a year of training lieutenants, this seasoned soldier was ready to move on. The year is now 2009, and after four long years of being a 19 Delta Cavalry Scout, he decided that he would like to specialize in a new military occupation. Fort Gordon, Georgia, would be his next stop, and after an extensive amount of training with satellites, he would become a 25 Sierra / Satellite Operator/ Maintainer. After completing his training, Fort Stewart, Georgia, would be his new home away from home. The year is now 2010, and after less than a month of being a soldier in the Third Infantry Division, this dogface soldier was headed for his second deployment to Iraq. From 2010 to 2011, he would encounter an eleven-month deployment to Iraq, and on the twenty-seventh of May 2014, he was medically discharged from the United States Army. It is now almost a year later, and Sergeant Womack has now pieced together his next published book, From a Soldier’s Perspective. He hopes that you gain much insight from it on what life was like for him as a soldier, as well as what life has been like for him as a veteran.

Reviews

[Slaven Tomasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a Soldier’s Perspective is a very realistic, wound healing, escape from reality type of book that gave me a feeling of “I’m not alone.” As a Marine Veteran, with three combat deployments overseas and eight years of active duty service, these words Michael Lee Womack put together as a method of healing for himself, his drug of choice as he called it, really inspired me to look deep within myself and find balance in my own personal life, in my method of dealing with my demons that I came home with.

Michael Lee Womack, a former U.S. Army grunt with multiple combat deployments, at which he’s experienced loss, regret, brotherhood, and overall the insight into who he is as a man, as a soldier, a friend, a husband, even a father. All portrayed in one way or another through his words, but the words all seemed familiar, because all of us that have served since 9/11 have many similar if not almost identical experiences. The amount of true emotion that he was able to capture within these pages is nothing short of amazing. If you’ve served within the Armed forces, no matter what branch, no matter what your MOS is, the grunts, the combat support guys and gals. Even the cook, or the Motor T mechanic, the engineers, or those manning the pumps, filling up fuel into the Humvees, everyone should read through this, I promise the satisfaction and feeling you will receive will be priceless, the feeling that I got, that ‘I’m not alone,” many have gone before me, with me and after me. We’re all here now willing and able to support each other.

I highly recommend you read this book, it took me all of one hour to get through it the first time. Then going back, nodding and agreeing with things, learning something new and gaining a better understanding of what he went through, what I went through, and how this war we’ve all been a part of is waged. The coward that hides amongst women and children, that won’t put on a uniform and announce himself. The wounds service members come home with and how they’re dealt with.

[Sparkles Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5: Wow, I am so taken away how a poem gives so much detail and perspective about the life of a soldier dealing with PTSD and chronic Panic attacks. The author takes you on a journey of his war experience. I know it had to be very hard for him to write this book. I commend him for enduring the hardship so that he could give us an insight on the military at war and bringing awareness to the struggle afterward. Powerful and heartfelt. I had to put it down to regroup myself from the words popping out at me.

Well done! I am glad you are still with us. You are not alone! You will win this battle.

[Josephine Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book. It is about what the author is going through as well as what other soldiers is currently experiencing. Most of all it is real, it touches on what its meant to be a soldier, a veteran and a friend. It embraces life in the military and life outside the military and whatever your circumstances you still have life and live it well. This book focus one self healing, hope, love and life.

[Davene Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful beyond words to the Poet that they chose to write and to be a bridge. I hope and pray for peace and healing for all those who serve and have served.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

POWERFU READ. COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.

I was introduced to this book of poems tonight written from a U.S. Army Soldiers perspective on being in Iraq. Fighting for My Freedom. Your Freedom. Our Country..

Once I started reading I count stop. And I know if you pick this book up you won't stop either.

I felt his pain in so many. I felt him healing in others. It's very emotional. In a good and bad way. But the bad you shouldn't hide from , you should know.

This is the Authors way of getting this horrible war out of his head, the things he saw the things he did , the loss of friends one in particular, I think haunts him, and telling us the things we do not know that they endure there and once they come home.. worst of all. Never feeling safe when you should.

This book of poems is emotional, heartbreaking, but also a eye opener to people who are ignorant to what goes on while these soldiers are fighting for us , our freedom.
To how they feel when they come home and nothing seems as it is to them. looking over their shoulders because they can't leave those horrible images , memories behind awake or asleep.

What happens to them is told through these poems . This Solider bares his soul through these poems all in hopes of healing. And I hope it does work for him. I can't see anyone more deserving after reading these but I know there are so many..He just has the courage to let us ,the readers in. He is a Hero..

These poems have became his drug of choice , as he Said so many return and lean on drugs, alcohol to get rid of the tortured thoughts , images & dreams . That we the people their protecting look down on them , some not all, that don't want to understand what they go through, endure FOR US.!
I agree their are people who are very ignorant to what these people , these hero's do for our Country to be free.

This book will clear that up for anyone who thinks it's so easy or even pointless what these soldiers do for us. That don't think about how they feel after their time is up and they come home or come home from being wounded or worse. I myself am grateful and this book has even made it clear to me , a person who knows what they go through in war not when they come home. I myself Never thought how bad it really is. I didn't think in any way it was perfect , life goes back to normal just like that but I didn't think it was as bad as I just read. It's a definite eye opener.

If you don't know a lot or anything about PTSD you will after reading this.


I felt so sad reading some of these poems but at the same time am happy that I know this one particular Solider is writing these to heal his mind. If this works for him I am happy for him.
I hope and pray it heals his mind and soul.

This book reminded me of things in my own life, under Very different circumstances that I overcame but was a struggle on a daily basis. I can relate to him in this way but in no way can I imagine what he goes through on a daily basis after what I just read in these poems.

I think this book is not only a great tool to helping other soldiers but any person who's trying to overcome something extremely difficult in your life. If this book is not a inspiration then I don't know what is.

I give this Man, this Soldier all the credit in the world for having the courage to write these feelings on paper and then publishing them, putting his heart and soul out there for everyone to read what he feels, what so many of these men and women feel once coming home after this war that seems will never end.

I highly recommend this book to. everyone.

Michael Lee Womack will always be a Hero in my eyes. I cannot Thank You enough for what you have done and continue to endure for your county..

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review. When you are married to a man that reads primarily only things that are sports-related and he reads the book before you can get your hands on it you KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that the book has to be good. That is exactly what happened when I received the book of poetry in the mail. When Mr. Womack told me what the poems were about and the motive behind the writing of the poetry I was instantly intrigued. Never having served in the military, every male relative in my family has and I have a great appreciate for every man and female who dedicates their lives to ensure our safety. With that being said this book provides us with an inside view of a Soldiers life while in Iraq performing one of the most admirable jobs, procuring our freedom and fighting for the well-being of our country. The pain that this book actually is elicited from the reader is so real that at times I had to stop and put the book down. The emotional response was just so vivid and real that it was as if I stepped outside of myself and fully experienced the images that were evoked from the words written. The fact that Mr. Womack stripped himself bare to provide us as civilians a stark image of what our soldiers endure both while in the heat of battle and what they have to face upon their return. If you are looking for an insider’s view of the pain, the ups and the downs that soldiers endure this book of poetry is sure to provide you with that and much, much more. Regardless of the emotions that were solicited they were all very real. One moment the tears were welling up and the next my chest was filled with respect and pride for the path that this great man embarked to stand between us and the enemies that threaten our peaceful way of life. Thank you Mr. Womack for thinking enough of me to share your poetry. I will forever be a fan and advocate for your writing and will continue to tell the world about your unique ability to turn a phrase and word to create imagery that for a moment allows us to take a ride into your world!!!

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)


Unless you walked a mile in a soldier's shoes, you can't fully understand what their time deployed has done to their psyche and bodies. Yes, family and friends live with the aftermath right alongside them. However, loved ones can't fully understand what's going on in the soldier's mind. The battles they still face well after their time of war is over. 
 
I have no doubt Michael's poetry will have you appreciating a soldier's job a bit more. 
 
I simply couldn't pick a favorite poem. For me, they all were touching -- so many emotions pouring from his heart/mind into ours. 
 
Thank you, Michael. Thank you for opening up to us, letting us in, and sharing your time over there and civilian life will us. 
 
My only negative point to address (which I brought up to him) was the pricing of the paperback/hardcover. He stated he had no control over it. I highly suggest reading this but, for those who are watching their wallets, I would opt for the kindle version. 


(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a Soldier’s Perspective is a collection of moving and mournful poetry. While each poem offers the author, Michael Lee Womack, a cathartic release, it offers readers insight into the daily life of a soldier who is in active duty as well as their daily life after their tour of duty has been completed.

Whether or not you’ve served or know someone who has served, you’ll be deeply impacted by the Womack’s poems. I am confident that Womack’s memories, thoughts and feelings are universal to men and women who have served and defended any homeland.

Womack’s poetry is moving and evocative. I could visualize everything he described. Good poetry should make you think or feel. Each poem in From A Soldier’s Perspective awakened a multitude of emotions in me: fear, pride, sadness, humility, respect, and awe. From A Soldier’s Perspective gives readers insight to the travesty of war, the losses and courage of those who serve, and the daily struggle of PTSD.

Thank you Michael Womack for your ten years of service to your country, and for being brave enough to share your honest and inspirational poetry.

[Lorilin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Womack is recently retired from the military after serving for nearly 10 years. In these poems, he processes through his experiences being in combat, losing friends, and then finally trying to cope with being a civilian again.

While the rhymes, at times, feel slightly forced, I am overwhelmingly impressed by (and even grateful for) Womack's honesty. I appreciate his willingness to express his sadness, loss, confusion, anger, and helplessness. It was clear to me as I was reading the book that, in writing these poems, Womack is doing the very hard work of confronting his demons, and I felt honored to stand along side him as he did so.

Ultimately, this is a thoughtful and candid collection of poems from an earnest and sincere former soldier. Definitely a worthwhile read.

[Orsayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon on Book Referees!

[The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://wp.me/p45NgG-1vM