Introduction
In "Modern Warriors," Pete Hegseth, a former US Army soldier and Fox News contributor, sets out to share the untold tales of American veterans who have served since 9/11. Drawing from his own experiences and those of other soldiers, Hegseth presents a compelling and often heart-wrenching account of what it means to serve in the armed forces, the sacrifices made, and the challenges faced when returning to civilian life.
The book offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these modern warriors, exploring their motivations for joining the military, their experiences in combat, and their struggles with post-traumatic stress and reintegration into society. Through a series of interviews and personal stories, Hegseth paints a vivid picture of the bravery, camaraderie, and resilience that define the men and women who serve in the US military.
The Importance of Sharing Soldiers' Stories
Hegseth initially believed that Americans weren't interested in hearing about the experiences of soldiers and the realities of war. However, his work on Fox News revealed a surprising level of public interest in these stories. This realization prompted him to create the televised special "Modern Warriors" and ultimately write this book.
The author emphasizes the importance of veterans sharing their stories, not only for their own healing but also to help the public understand the true nature of military service and its lasting impact on those who serve. By engaging in honest conversations about their experiences, veterans can process their emotions, find meaning in their service, and potentially help others who are struggling with similar issues.
Sergeant John Wayne Walding: A Lesson in Determination
One of the most powerful stories in the book is that of Sergeant John Wayne Walding, whose experience exemplifies the incredible resilience and determination of many soldiers. During a mission in Afghanistan's Nuristan Province, Walding was critically wounded when a bullet nearly severed his leg.
Despite the excruciating pain and the realization that he would lose his leg, Walding continued to fight alongside his teammates. This moment became a turning point in his life, teaching him the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
After returning home and having his leg amputated, Walding refused to let his injury define him. Instead, he used it as motivation to push himself even further. He weaned himself off pain medication and went on to become the first amputee to complete the Special Forces Sniper Course, demonstrating that physical limitations don't have to be barriers to achievement.
Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Workman: Battling Trauma and Guilt
The story of Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Workman highlights the often invisible wounds that many soldiers carry long after their service has ended. Workman's experiences in Fallujah, Iraq, left him struggling with severe post-traumatic stress (PTS) and survivor's guilt.
Workman's account provides a raw and honest look at the psychological toll of combat. He describes the nightmares, insomnia, and depression that plagued him upon returning home. The loss of three fellow Marines during a intense firefight left him questioning why he had survived when others hadn't.
His struggle with survivor's guilt was so intense that he couldn't bring himself to wear the Navy Cross he was awarded for his heroism. It took years of therapy and self-reflection for Workman to come to terms with his experiences and realize that he couldn't have prevented the deaths of his comrades.
Workman's journey of healing led him to dedicate his life to helping other veterans cope with PTS. His work as a military services coordinator for the Veterans Administration allows him to educate other veterans about PTS and available resources, emphasizing that they are not alone in their struggles.
Sergeant Mat Best: Learning Leadership Through Loss
Mat Best's story illustrates how the harsh realities of war can shape a soldier's understanding of leadership and sacrifice. Best joined the army at 17 with a romanticized view of military service, but his experiences in Iraq quickly dispelled these notions.
The death of his mentor, Sergeant Dale G. Brehm, had a profound impact on Best. Brehm's selfless commitment to his team and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his men taught Best valuable lessons about leadership that he carried throughout his military career and into his civilian life.
As Best rose to leadership positions himself, he embodied the same principles that Brehm had instilled in him. He made it clear to his team that he would put their lives before his own, just as Brehm had done. This commitment to selfless leadership became a cornerstone of Best's approach to both military service and his post-military career.
Today, Best applies the leadership skills he learned in the army to his role at the Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran-owned business that aims to provide quality coffee while offering employment opportunities to veterans.
Sergeant Eric Geressy: Courage Under Fire
The account of Sergeant Eric Geressy and his team's defense of Combat Outpost (COP) Blackfoot in Baghdad showcases the incredible bravery and camaraderie that soldiers often display in the heat of battle. Geressy's primary goal during the intense attack on COP Blackfoot was to keep his soldiers alive and bring as many home as possible.
The battle, which lasted an entire day, saw Geressy and his team face overwhelming odds against a much larger enemy force. Despite the challenges and casualties, including Specialist Ryan Holley being shot by a sniper, the team persevered and ultimately secured a victory.
Geressy's pride in his soldiers' quiet acts of heroism is evident throughout his story. One particularly moving example is that of Staff Sergeant Darryl Card, who, despite being injured in a previous operation, insisted on joining his teammates during a firefight at the COP. Card's determination to support his fellow soldiers, even while wearing flip-flops due to his swollen feet, exemplifies the deep bonds and sense of duty that exist among soldiers.
Lieutenant Commander Caroline Johnson: Overcoming Gender Barriers
Caroline Johnson's story sheds light on the additional challenges faced by women in the military. Her experiences at the Naval Academy, where only 14 percent of her class were women, highlight the pervasive gender bias and stereotypes that female service members often encounter.
Despite facing constant undermining from male students and teachers, Johnson persevered in her pursuit of a military career. Her determination led her to become a naval flight officer, even though her initial dream of being a "front-seat" pilot was denied.
Johnson's resilience and dedication paid off as she excelled in her training, finishing at the top of her class. Her combat experiences, including flying 42 missions against ISIS and Taliban forces, demonstrate that women are just as capable as men in high-stress military roles.
One of Johnson's most memorable missions involved providing air support to protect Yazidi villagers from ISIS fighters in Iraq. This experience reinforced her sense of purpose and justified the hardships she had endured throughout her career. Johnson's story serves as an inspiration for other women in the military and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces.
Sergeant Nick Irving: The Complexity of Taking Lives
Nick Irving's journey from aspiring Navy SEAL to becoming the first black sniper in the Army's Third Ranger Battalion offers a nuanced look at the psychological impact of combat, particularly the act of taking human lives. Irving's nickname, "The Reaper," speaks to his effectiveness as a sniper, but his story reveals the emotional toll of his role.
Irving's account of his time in Afghanistan, where he killed 33 enemy combatants in just three months, illustrates the complex emotions associated with being a sniper. He describes the need to disconnect from his humanity to focus on his targets through the scope of his rifle, a process that became increasingly difficult over time.
The evolution of Irving's feelings about killing is particularly poignant. Initially caught up in the adrenaline and excitement of successfully completing his mission, he later began to feel a sense of loss with each kill. The metallic taste in his mouth after taking a life and the feeling that a piece of his soul was being chipped away highlight the psychological burden that many combat veterans carry.
Irving's decision to leave the military after six years of service, prompted by the birth of his son, underscores the difficult choices that many soldiers face when balancing their military careers with family life. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of war, even for those on the winning side.
Captain Sean Parnell: Healing Through Writing
Sean Parnell's experiences leading a platoon along the Afghan-Pakistani border provide a stark illustration of the intense combat situations faced by many soldiers in modern conflicts. The staggering statistics of his deployment – 485 days of near-constant attacks, resulting in an 85 percent casualty rate – paint a vivid picture of the relentless nature of warfare in Afghanistan.
Parnell's personal injuries, including multiple head wounds that went untreated while he continued to lead his men, demonstrate the extreme dedication and sacrifice often required of military leaders. His decision to continue fighting despite his injuries, while admirable, ultimately led to his medical discharge from the army.
The difficulties Parnell faced in transitioning back to civilian life are common among veterans. His inability to connect with family and friends due to his combat experiences highlights the isolation that many veterans feel upon returning home. Parnell's initial reluctance to share his story is also a familiar pattern among those who have experienced the traumas of war.
However, Parnell's journey takes a positive turn when he begins writing about his experiences. The process of putting his story into words proves to be deeply therapeutic, allowing him to externalize his wartime experiences and begin to process them. His book, "Outlaw Platoon," not only became a bestseller but also helped Parnell come to terms with his past and embrace his future.
Parnell's story underscores the potential healing power of storytelling for veterans. By sharing their experiences, whether through writing, speaking, or other forms of expression, veterans can find ways to make sense of their time in service and potentially help others who are struggling with similar issues.
The Importance of Listening to Veterans' Stories
Throughout "Modern Warriors," Pete Hegseth emphasizes the value of listening to and understanding the experiences of veterans. These stories provide crucial insights into the realities of modern warfare, the sacrifices made by service members, and the challenges they face both during and after their time in the military.
By sharing these accounts, Hegseth aims to bridge the gap between civilian and military experiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for those who serve. The book serves as a reminder that behind every soldier is a unique story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Moreover, the act of sharing these stories can be healing for the veterans themselves. As seen in the cases of Sean Parnell and others, finding ways to express and process their experiences can be a crucial step in dealing with the psychological impacts of war and adjusting to civilian life.
The Ongoing Challenges Faced by Veterans
While each story in "Modern Warriors" is unique, certain themes emerge that highlight the ongoing challenges faced by many veterans:
Post-Traumatic Stress: Many of the featured veterans, like Jeremiah Workman, struggle with PTS. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these invisible wounds.
Physical Injuries: Stories like John Wayne Walding's demonstrate the life-changing impact of combat injuries and the remarkable resilience many veterans show in overcoming these challenges.
Reintegration into Civilian Life: Several accounts touch on the difficulties veterans face when trying to readjust to civilian life after their service.
Survivor's Guilt: This is a common theme among combat veterans, who often struggle with feelings of guilt for surviving when their comrades did not.
Identity Challenges: Many veterans, like Nick Irving, struggle with redefining their identity outside of their military role.
Gender Discrimination: Caroline Johnson's story highlights the additional challenges faced by women in the military.
The Power of Camaraderie and Shared Experiences
A recurring theme throughout the book is the strong bonds formed between soldiers during their service. These relationships often provide crucial support both during combat and in the aftermath of war. The stories in "Modern Warriors" frequently touch on how the sense of brotherhood and shared experience among veterans can be a source of strength and healing.
This camaraderie extends beyond active service, with many veterans finding purpose in helping their fellow service members after returning to civilian life. Examples include Jeremiah Workman's work with the Veterans Administration and Mat Best's efforts to provide employment opportunities for veterans through his coffee company.
The Complexity of Combat Experiences
Hegseth's book doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war. The stories presented offer a nuanced view of combat, acknowledging both the sense of purpose and camaraderie that many soldiers feel, as well as the trauma and moral complexity that come with taking lives and witnessing violence.
Nick Irving's account of his evolving feelings about killing enemy combatants is particularly illustrative of this complexity. His initial excitement giving way to a sense of loss with each kill highlights the psychological toll that combat can take, even on those who are highly trained and effective in their roles.
The Role of Leadership in Military Service
Leadership emerges as a crucial theme in many of the stories. From Mat Best learning from his mentor's sacrifice to Sean Parnell leading his men through grueling combat situations, the book illustrates how effective leadership can make a significant difference in military operations and in the lives of individual soldiers.
The accounts also show how the lessons of military leadership often translate into civilian life, with many veterans applying these skills to new careers and endeavors after their service.
The Importance of Support Systems
The stories in "Modern Warriors" underscore the critical role that support systems play in helping veterans cope with their experiences and transition back to civilian life. This support can come from fellow veterans, family members, mental health professionals, and organizations dedicated to helping service members.
The book serves as a call to action for civilians to be more understanding and supportive of veterans in their communities. By sharing these stories, Hegseth hopes to increase awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and encourage more robust support systems for those who have served.
Conclusion
"Modern Warriors" offers a powerful and intimate look at the experiences of American soldiers who have served in the post-9/11 era. Through personal accounts of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, Pete Hegseth paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a modern warrior.
The book serves multiple purposes: it honors the service and sacrifice of veterans, educates civilians about the realities of modern warfare, and provides a platform for veterans to share their stories. In doing so, it contributes to a broader understanding of the impact of military service on individuals and society as a whole.
Ultimately, "Modern Warriors" reminds us of the human cost of war and the ongoing needs of those who have served. It challenges readers to listen to, understand, and support the veterans in their communities, recognizing that their stories don't end when they leave the battlefield.
By sharing these powerful accounts, Hegseth not only pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of America's soldiers but also highlights the importance of continued dialogue about the experiences of veterans. Through understanding and support, we can help ensure that these modern warriors receive the recognition, care, and opportunities they deserve as they transition back to civilian life.