First of all, I’m a husband and father. I strive to make my family top priority. I also have a full time “day” job with a defense contractor. I don’t have an interesting story and have never written a book before “My Brother in Arms”. However, when my brother Mark was killed I lost my buddy. I mourn, just as many others who lose loved ones. Writing of Mark’s life was not only therapeutic, but it serves a much higher cause—giving everyone another example of a dedicated, selfless servant of our God and country. We need modern-day heroes, and Mark is just that.
In the beginning…
I chose to write “My Brother in Arms” after my little brother Mark was KIA in Afghanistan in 2010. Within a few days, I knew I had to write about Mark’s life and why men like him give up everything to serve and protect those they don’t even know. I hope that by taking three years to research and write the book, it allowed me to work through the “fog” of Mark’s death, which I experienced, and have a clear perspective on his life and the book’s purpose.
It was important for people to know that Mark was a full-time missionary for two years, then got a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and could have pursued the much-safer life with a ‘normal’ job. This would have allowed him a better opportunity to find his wife and have a family. Instead, he chose the path of special operations as a combat controller. The world needs to know about heroes like Mark. He was a warrior for God and country. Continue…