For Memorial Day , three books about heroes whose authors will be featured on a special episode of “On The Bookshelf” this Sunday:
“The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorist as One of America’s Most Secret Military Operatives” by Adam Gamal with Kelly Kennedy (St. Martin’s Press)
Adam Gamal (not his real name) grew up in Egypt as the Muslim Brotherhood was taking over. He saw the oppression, the drying up of hope, and the danger. His father encouraged him to leave for his own sake. In America, although it was very difficult at first, “Adam” saw he could dream of a better life. In this patriotism for his adopted country, he joined the US military with great language and cultural skills. He was recruited into a team “that is so secretive that not only its name is classified and members are like ghosts to the military personnel in the country.” They’re not even listed by the Veteran’s Administration. They have prevented dozens of terrorist attacks against the US and the Western world. His perception on diversity in the US military, the challenge America faces in keeping up with intelligence, and what Special Forces operatives do. It’s eye-opening!
*
“Send Me: A True Story of A Mother at War” by Marty Skovlund Jr. & Joe Kent (William Morrow)This is the extraordinary true story of American special operator and trailblazer Shannon Kent, who hunted high value targets on classified missions in the most dangerous locales on earth while trying to balance her life as a wife and mother. Of the 1.3 million active-duty service members in the US military, only a tiny fraction are selected as “operators.” Shannon Kent was one of the first women at this level and was widely recognized as one of the best. She was a Navy cryptologic technician, responsible for signals intelligence and electronic warfare, but her proficiency with language set her apart. She was assigned to a highly-secretive unit where she hunted the most wanted terrorists in the world. Shannon’s heroic life story honestly shows her work and the challenges faced raising a family with her husband Joe, a Green Beret. He and Shannon met in a war zone, their love forged during a special ops training course, their dedication spanning multiple combat deployments and the birth of their two boys. She was KIA.
*
“The Way of Ronin: Defying the Odds in Battlefields, in Business as in Life” by Tu Lam (Hanover Square Press)
Tu Lam came to the USA after his nation was conquered by the communists in 1975. Their experiences when the NVA arrived was terrible, but common. They suffered under oppression but were eventually able to bribe an official and get onto a boat. That was just the beginning of their torturous journey to freedom. Along the way, they dodged pirates, got towed to Indonesia by a Russian trawler, survived the filth of the boats and then the land, barely staying alive, until one day they got the incredible news—they were going to America. But the family was not treated well at first in their new nation. The young boy had the spirit of a tiger, like his mom. It has served him well, as a Green Beret and in his post-military career.
Overcoming PTSD, prescription-drug addiction, and the end of his 23-career as a Special Operator, he with the help of his wife Ruthie built a new career. He travels the nation, lecturing to military groups, veterans, and law enforcement, as well; as hosting a History Channel episode, and being involved in the top-selling video game in the USA.
Their stories will inspire and humble you. They did that to me.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free