Book Club : Lone Survivor

I want to sincerely thank all the men and women serving in the United States Military.  This book reminded me of the great sacrifice and service each of you undergo to protect and defend our country.  You have my full support and gratitude.  Thank you and your families for your service!

This in an incredible story of survival, grit and friendship.  I found as I read, I was again reminded how proud I am to be an American and how blessed we really are.  This book told  a piece of a few young men’s stories and I am changed by their courage.  It’s a great story on what it looks like to be a community when things get tough.  There are emotional bonds tied, both on US soil and during war in Afghanistan when one chooses, to rally around friends who are going through a personal hell.  Lutturell tells an great story in his book of war, courage, friendship and even a little faith.  One of the best books I have read this year.

 Lutturell recalls parts of his training in becoming a Navy Seal.  One of his commanding officers, future Rear Admiral Maguire, gave them perfect advice on how to get through Hell Week.  I found it profound and to be a good lesson for all of us.  Maguire advised, “Don’t let your thoughts run away with you, don’t start planning to bail out because you’re worried about the future and how much you can take.  Don’t look ahead to the pain.  Just get through the day, and there’s a wonderful career ahead of you.”

It sounds like the familiar words Jesus spoke when he said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34  We can get all caught up in our heads about the future.  There is something to say about doing your best at the task directly in front of you.  Deal with the next one when you get there.  If we are not always so consumed about the future, we will have more energy to do our best on what we are doing right now.

 I hope you get a chance to read Lone Survivor.  This one is going to stick with me for a while.  All you serving the US out there,  THANK YOU. 

President Bust awards a Navy Cross to Marcus Luttrell.