Troops Books

This book was written by my current instructor at ALMC and his experiences are well worth the book. I have the fortunate experience of being able to hear many of them first hand. It's put together in a very easy to read style with anecdotes and lessons learned. If I could be half as smart as MAJ Chapman just by reading the book it's well worth the ten dollars.

This book contains much advise for current leaders and future leaders using grounded logic and experience to offer sure ways to be a great leader.

While the focus is on military leadership, those in the business world will also benefit from this book. Chapman re-enforces the rules which produce results in any organization.

I will take this lesson and use it for improving the leadership in our business.

I have been reading Muddy Boots Leadership by John Chapman, Major, USA (Ret.). This is an excellent little book. And I say little, because it is only 167 pages. That's because Mr. Chapman does not mess around. In quick, striking paragraphs he distills and dispenses leadership tips and tricks. He discusses expectations and disappointments from the perspective of those leading and those led. He gives specific do's and don'ts. On the side of each page are short, profound quotes from famous leaders past and present. For example, there is this by Gen. Colin Powell, "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." And showing he is not afraid to use wisdom from unconventional sources, Mr. Chapman shares a quote from Che Guevara, "Words that do not match deeds are not important."

There is much to take away from this book. For me, the idea that seems to shine from cover to cover is that great leaders, if they work at being a leader, can make themselves. They can make themselves by being committed to the mission of their unit or business. They can make themselves by giving genuine concern to those they are leading. Mr. Chapman, at one point says, "Five minutes checking on the guards in a freezing rain at midnight is worth a year of payday speeches." Definitely some wisdom there, and you know what? In your day-to-day job, or within your family, can you think of a similar application? Can you go down and check on those forklift drivers working in the heat? Leaders make themselves by having personal integrity. They make themselves by being professional and knowing their job or mission, but they remain human and never fail to wear their heart on their sleeve. There is more, but I think you can see where this excellent book will lead the reader.

Let me close by saying that I can't find any fault in this book. I've read many books on the subject of leadership, but I'm hardly an expert. But in my own little world of day-to-day leadership with those that I work around, I have seen these principles in action, and I have put them into action. They work. And don't be fooled by the fact that this book is written from a military perspective. As the back blurb makes note of, "The leadership lessons learned and relearned by military leaders are applicable to a wide variety of organizations, both civil and military." I believe good leadership filters down to the family level, and I have seen that in action as well. Finally, had Major Chapman ever been my leader, I would have gladly followed.

Bought the book months ago and couldn't find the time to read it. Once I picked it up, I literally could not put it down. I read it from front cover to back in just a few hours.
Norris is an incredible HERO. And Janis, well, I'm not sure how to categorize her. An Angel, (possibly part demon when it came to the medical supervision of her husband and hero's treatment).
I made it through the first 12 pages without incident, but from page 13 forward, it became difficult to read through misty eyes.
Norris and Janis, two HEROES in my book.

Both my husband and I read this book and felt it well worth reading. It's written from a complete journal his wife kept throughout his past 3 years with 19 surgeries, up to now, and his courageous struggle to recover. This reveals how important it is for the family of the wounded to actually live at Walter Reed to help in the day-to-day care, avoiding as many unfortunate episodes as possible that happen in such a large institution. It also touches on the problems the wounded face later when applying for their medical disability.

This book is a "must" for everyone so they may follow the long ordeal of survival from horrendous wounds. It puts "just wounded" into an entirely different perspective as we hear of their painful struggles while healing.

This true story is written by a military wife, Janis Galatas, who journals from the time her husband, Sergeant First Class Norris Galatas, is critically wounded on April 19, 2005 (April 20 in Iraq) in "the start of a bad day" by his truck running over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while he is out a recovery mission for another vehicle hit by an IED, through November 2007. It chronicles his many year recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), the care and love of his wife Janis, and the many people who have made a difference in their lives. This book contains valuable advice for the military and family members and provides insight into what happens to the soldiers and their family after they return home injured from the war.

Janis is a down-to-earth, strong, and passionate wife whose love and dedication to her husband is inspirational as she stays by her husband's bedside during the critical months of his recovery and at times goes off to battle with the military system herself when she doesn't feel her husband is getting the quality of care he needs or to help get troops in Iraq the equipment and supplies they need. As one person wrote in an e-mail to Norris, "...if the Army ever were to issue a wife they would do their best to find women like your wife." Janis represents the strength, love, and dedication of the military wives whose sacrifices and love make it possible for their husbands to defend our country.

Norris is one of the many wounded soldiers who have come back from a war. His courage, humor, strength, bravery and long road to recovery to a changed life based on his injuries is a look into one story of the many soldiers who risk their lives serving in their line of duty. I have known Norris for seven months after meeting him, August 2007 at a USO Hawaiian Luau event for wounded soldiers at the Mologne House. Several times a month, we meet for lunch and I do Reiki and Healing Touch energy healing therapy for him to reduce his pain and accelerate his healing. He is a wonderful, kind, humble, humorous man who is a great conversationalist and listener and has managed to never swear in front of me.

For the many people who have given support to Janis and Norris and to the military, this book is a tribute to the love and generosity of the American people. You will be touched by the lady on the Delta plane who helped make sure Janis got special treatment to get her connection to Reagan International airport to see her husband when he was wounded or the kind man who gave up his first class seat to Norris since he was in uniform. This and other examples of the goodness of the American people, like those who give through www.webofsupport.com, who through their generosity, give hope for our country's future and tribute to the caring of our American spirit.

This book is a "must read" for military and their families to give them valuable tips on the help available through the military and WRAMC as well as avoiding some of the pitfalls. On pages 73 and 248 are examples of a young wounded soldier who signed himself out as a patient to go home for rehabilitation but now was no longer receiving a paycheck or active duty pay and would need to depend on Medicare and the Veteran's Administration hospital for future medical care. If he was still an outpatient at WRAMC, he would still be receiving medical treatment, pay and could go home on leave. To make it easier for the families and soldiers who are recovering to find the valuable tidbits of information throughout the book, the following are some helpful references:
p. 18 - 20 - Family Assistance Center (FAC) on 3rd floor of hospital- can give advance cash per diem to family caregivers; need to sign in every 10 days to assure the caregiver has a room at the Mologne or Fisher House; and at end of the caregiver's stay, file a final travel voucher for reimbursement. Computers with e-mail capability available.
P. 124 - Walter Reed Society grant for travel and expense assistance. Chapel for meal vouchers.
Hospital has Dunkin' Donuts and Subway. Burger King available at the Post Exchange (PX).
p. 18 - Description of a Mologne House room and amenities
p. 65 - Importance of having someone there to monitor the IVs and the wound vacuums that remove excess fluid. P. 97- no access to the call button. These are some of the examples of the need for a caregiver staying with or checking in as much as possible a patient who is recovering at a hospital, whether military or civilian. I have encountered similar situations at reputable civilian hospitals in Maryland.
p. 116 - Baby food available on pediatrics floor pantry - useful for when patient has been unable to eat for weeks.
p. 162 - Triangle trapeze to help a soldier sit up. Claim forms for lost or damaged personal property
p. 165 - Important information about soldiers drawing combat pay for three months
p. 268 - Claim form for reimbursement for troops who have purchased needed equipment out of their own pocket, like steel to armor a vehicle
p. 287 - Wounded soldiers eligible for Supplemental Security payments from the Social Security Administration
p. 205 - Wrapping a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line with an ace bandage so it doesn't get caught on a hospital gown or bed linens
p. 332 - 333 - Very important information about disability information, payments, and health benefits
p. 336 - The importance of taking clear pictures of the injuries as documentation for disability claims

Overall, the book was a "good read" and gives a riveting first hand account with humor, frank honesty, and at a good pace. Even though I knew how the story "ends" and have heard some of the stories from Janis and Norris, I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to see what happened to Norris in the book. Norris and Janis are truly some of the finest people you could hope to meet, the kind of people who would like as a neighbor. I hope you enjoy meeting them in the book.

An excellent about the very complex story of the US Army Ranger and Long Range Recon Patrol units. Coupled with some outstanding illustration this is a good deal for those who are interested.

As a member of one of the units covered in this book by Gordon Rottman, I can say that the attention to detail is flawless and well researched. The artwork by Ron Volstad is impeccable - from the color of uniforms and equipment down to the handles on smoke grenades, nothing is in error.

Having served with Sergeant Major Rottman (aka 'Gordo'), I can say that he is nothing if not thorough. His no-nonsense approach to all details is in keeping with the highest traditions of Army Special Operations.

SSG Al Lorentz

Over the past 30-odd years Walt Boyne has written some fine non-fiction books on military aviation. In my opinion this is his best work bar none. ACES IN COMMAND is an interesting, insightful, warts-and-all look at a fascinating topic rarely examined before - fighter aces who led combat units.

Boyne's marvelously researched book examines the military careers of four legendary aces who were also combat leaders - Eddie Rickenbacker, Hub Zemke, Boots Blesse and Robin Olds and why they were so effective as aces and as combat commanders. In contrast to most books on air combat, which normally concentrate on combat reports, Boyne examines each man's upbringing, his character and personality and how all those elements produced, for example, a fighter tiger like Robin Olds.

This is fascinating stuff! By the end of the book, you really feel like you know each of those legendary men and why they were so successful in combat as a fighter pilot and as a leader and why they were often unsuccessful serving in the subsequent peacetime air force.

Anyone interested in the subject of aces should have a copy of this book. It goes beneath the surface to present a multi-layered portrayal of legendary pilots who were also highly effective combat leaders. And it's a damn fine read as well. Way to go, Walt!

***
A suggestion to the author: Think of a ACES IN COMMAND sequel featuring Don Blakeslee. He was as much a living legend as Zemke.

Aces In Command: Fighter Pilots As Combat Leaders is a superbly researched and written military history of combat aviation leadership. Aviation historian Walter Boyne details the careers of four legendary aces (Eddie Rickenbacker, Hub Zemke, Boots Blesse, Robin Olds) who went on to using their leadership skills in positions of command in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Although the advances in military aviation were rapid and transformative, the qualities that each of these men exhibited in their respective eras is nothing short of fascinating. Painstakingly researched, Aces In Command combines the best qualities of superb scholarship with a flair for narration that is an entertaining as it is informative. Aces In Command is "must" reading for all military aviation history enthusiasts.

I found this book to be a very interesting accounting of the war in Vietnam through the eyes of airborne advisors and Vietnamese airborne soldiers. Having been there as an advisor to an airborne battalion, the recollections of others reminded me of many events that occurred while performing those duties. I thank Mr. Strode for putting together a book that will preserve some of the history of Americans and Vietnamese.

The best book available in English on the elite of the Republic of Viet Nam Armed Forces. Though it lacks informatio on the last two years of the war like the hard fought battle of Hill 1062 in the First Corp in 1974. Also lacking was the biography of all Airborne Division battalion commanders. Still it deserve high praise for giving credit long overdue to the heroic ARVN paratroop soldiers. The best fighters in the Viet Nam War.

This is one of the few books that gives you some sort of detailed information about the British paratroopers in WWII. Like some other books the book explaines how the units were raised and which operations they were involved in. But this book goes a little bit further. It explains in detail also the weapons they are using, the uniforms and badges worn and the order of batlle during the several operations. Each subject is supported by numerous photographs maps and drawings. In the range of small compact books on the subject of the British Airborne Troops during WWII, this book is the absolute best.

This is one of the few books that gives you some sort of detailed information about the British paratroopers in WWII. Like some other books the book explaines how the units were raised and which operations they were involved in. But this book goes a little bit further. It explains in detail also the weapons they are using, the uniforms and badges worn and the order of batlle during the several operations. Each subject is supported by numerous photographs maps and drawings. In the range of small compact books on the subject of the British Airborne Troops during WWII, this book is the absolute best.

A great read !!!!! Couldnt put the book down.It is as good if not better than the first Buffalo Gordon book. When is the movie coming out????

Bravo! I did not want this book to end!
I laughed out loud and at times was so deeply moved, I cried.

While I loved the romance between Nate and Cara, I found the descriptive encounters between Nate and the Plains Indians especially interesting and rousing - I felt as though I was sitting among them in the tipi. Rich in historical detail, this story is engaging and thought provoking.

The author has certainly left this reader anxiously awaiting the next installment of this powerful saga.
Cheers to J. P. Lewis!

This was an absolutely thrilling account of the frontier Army and some of the bravest men to ever put on the uniform.

The revised edition of THE BUFFALO HUNTERS: A NARRATIVE OF THE BLACK CALVARY IN THE WEST updates a classic originally published in 1967, when it was the first book to recognize the importance of Afro-American units in the opening of the West. This revised edition expands the original research to explore the lives of these soldiers in the 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments, using recent scholarship to expand and enhance discoveries and creating an eye-opening title recommended for any college-level or in-depth collection of either military or Afro-American history.

This Osprey title goes into much greater detail on German participation in Spain during the Guerra Civil. Accurate numbers on German combatants from all services are supplied. There are some details on equipment used, though some more color plates for tanks, artillery and aircraft would have been helpful. The uniform illustrations are the usual Osprey quality. This volume fills some gaps left by the other Osprey titles, the "Spanish Civil War" and "The Spanish Civil War in the Air".

terrific and informative. Excellent color plates. Very good reference for the historian or figure painter.

Another fine effort by Bouchery in the World War II genre. This particular work focuses on the equipment, clothing and personal items borne by British, Canadian and Free French paratroopers for the Normandy Invasion. Period photographs as well as staged images with period gear and clothing give the World War II military buff a great guide. Now I would like to have a similar work for the Market Garden operations that include the Polish paratroopers.

Jwan Bouchery has done it again.
I have his previous works on the British Tommy in NW Europe and his book on the Canadian soldiers. All are elaborately illustrated with charts, individual item photos, and reconstructions of as worn combinations of equipment and clothing worn by models. In addition there are many lists, charts, and tables gathering together informatioon gleaned from many scarce and obscure publications.
Myxh of Bouchery's work has appeared in the excellent French language periodical Militaria published also by Histoire et Collections. This method of proceeding has the great virtue of first publishing in a more temporary format and inviting the readers to submit corrections and additional data which can be used to improve the final work published in book form.